I've done both Germaine's Luau and The Polynesian Culture Center. I loved them both, but for different reasons. Germaine's luau was incredible in and of itself. The show was awesome. The Polynesian Culture Center was just a great day all day. I started with all the other activities, then stayed for the luau. I thought that the food was better at the PCC, but the drinks were better at Germaine's. I also loved Germaine's because they had my relatives and I on stage with the hula girls.:D That, my friends, makes a big difference.

Royal Hawaiian "Dinner Show" Luau
 

We are staying at Royal Hawaiian Hotel next trip - first time after refurb/reopening. Would love some feedback on their current "Dinner Show" on the lawn. We did the Royal Hawaiian Luau on the lawn about 5 years ago and it was great. We felt the food and service was a cut above other Luau offerings on Oahu. Is it still good? Food, service, show? Thanks!!

Best Luau in Honolulu
 

I realize that HNL is probably not the best place to do a Luau, but I really do not have time to go elsewhere.

Any reccomendations for two adults in their 30's with no kids...?

Looking at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, royal Hawaiian, and hale Koa. I have tried Trip Advisor, but wanted second opinions.

The one at Paradise Cove is good, but it's a drive from Waikiki (they do run busses though). It's at Ko Olina, in Kapolei.

For me, I got so tired after all the activities and eating, that I thought the dancing went on and on...

I've heard the one at the Hale Koa is nice, but never went to that one.

The Royal Hawaiian's - "Aha Aina - A Royal Celebration" is imho the most up-scale luau in Honolulu/Oahu now. It is not really a luau but a dinner show on the RH's beautiful "ocean lawn". Food and service is more upscale. One is pre-seated at 8 top round tables on the lawn. You arrive and are escorted to your table. Table service now, no buffet. Linens, china, etc. Cocktails as you wish, and then 4 courses. You can probably find the current menu on the RH website. The show is actually very good. With that said it is the most expensive for the more personalized service and experience. $145 per guest - (one gets a small discount if you are staying at the RH) We felt it was a great experience and we felt worth the $$. But we have done two of the larger venue luau's over the years -- and they were fun and certainly cheaper, but a different less, formal experience.

Thanks for the replies! Very useful information.

Any recent updates for this thread? Will be on both oahu and the big island and wife says a luau is a must.

A rehash of my 2006 reply with [ ] update.

The Hale Koa Military Hotel on Waikiki has a very good and reasonably priced luau Monday & Thursday and the location is great. Officially, it is only open to military and gov't employees (and their guests). If you don't fit the above, use your ingenuity. The price is around $38 [now $58] , including one Mai Tai. Have fun! Ken [Ingenuity worked this January]

Repost of my 2011 -- our favorite on Waikiki. We have been several times. Only thing that changes is that the price keeps going up and the last time they used long tables instead of rounds. Price is about $198pp for premium seating stage front. $177pp for standard. And they've added a "cocktails only" option for around $90pp.

The Royal Hawaiian's - "Aha Aina - A Royal Celebration" is imho the most up-scale luau in Honolulu/Oahu now. It is not really a luau but a dinner show on the RH's beautiful "ocean lawn". Food and service is more upscale. One is pre-seated at 8 top round tables on the lawn. You arrive are given a cocktail and are escorted to your table. Table service now, no buffet. Linens, china, etc. Cocktails as you wish, and then 4 courses. You can probably find the current menu on the RH website. The show is actually very good. With that said it is the most expensive for the more personalized service and experience. $145 per guest - (one gets a small discount if you are staying at the RH) We felt it was a great experience and we felt worth the $$. But we have done two of the larger venue luau's over the years -- and they were fun and certainly cheaper, but a different less, formal experience.

My oldest daughter is traveling with us, and her husband is an airman, so she has a military ID: reckon that would work? It's my wife & I plus our 4 kids, so I'm not above saving a little if it's gonna be the same experience as somewhere else.

Her military ID should work.