Okay, Its been a while since I been to any of the luau's mentioned here, but since I used to work at one part time during college, I have a keen insight.

for one, never pay the "walk up" rate for the luaus. Tourists pay from 48-108 dollars per adult depending on the luau, time of year, and package you purchase. Most places including the touristy magazines have coupons or packages that point you to discounters that sell the same packages for 30-40 each. Thats lesson number 1.

Number 2, As far as I know, the only one on Oahu that provides free Soft drinks is Germaine's Luau. This is why most of the high school/college packages go to that particular luau. with seating for 1000+, they can handle a pretty big group. My reccomendation is to show up early if driving (for all the luaus) and identify a bartender, make him/her your friend with a big slobbery tip and then the drinks flow very smoothly (too smoothly as I had to meet the medic at Germaines one night to borrow is bed to sleep it off).

Number 3, there is no such thing as an authentic luau. The luau is an invention of tourism. Luaus by definition is a party, or gathering to share food and story. by that definition, my back yard in the summertime is a luau weekly as friends come over, play cards and enjoy each others company.

Any reference to an "authentic" luau is simply misguided.

4> royal Lahaina Luau on maui is the best in the state, the best on oahu for the show is Germaine's, and the best cultural experience is polynesian cultural center. Paradise Cove has slipped greatly since I last worked there. I refuse to go there anymore. Food is horrible, service half A$$, and their "elite" packages are worthless. The shows dont look rehearsed anymore.

Germaines is very "non high end" when it comes to the experience. Long lines for drinks when you first get there, cattle call type feeding, the buffet lines are incredibly efficient, but long, and the food isnt good, or at least from what my family told me in 2002 they changed the menu, then changed it back because of the complaints. They give you 3 comp drinks with the adult rate and then additional drinks are 4.00 each for standard bar drinks. Bear 4.00.
Hope this helps a bit.