I personally am not a big fan of luaus. They're just so touristy. But, it should be a once in a lifetime experience for someone visiting Hawaii.

I've heard some great things about Paradise Cove (http://www.paradisecovehawaii.com/).

We did the paradise cove luau and if I recall it was about $85 a person. I would not consider it personal and intimate. It is a luau. They are all catered to tourists. That said we had a fun time. If you would like to see photos from the luau here is a link to my hawaii photos. The luau photos start at photo #10

http://public.fotki.com/prncess674/tt/hnl/

I really don't think there is an inexpensive quality intimate luau on Oahu.

Having been to 3 of the big 4 on Oahu (Paradise Cove, Poly Cult Ctr, Royal Hawaiian, but not Germaine's), I would easily vote Paradise Cove the best. Sure, its touristy, and the drinks are weak, but it offers a good taste of the culture and food, and is much friendlier and "homey" than the other two. Every time we bring friends to Oahu, we do the mandatory luau, and its always Paradise Cove, even tho we stay on the North Shore and its quite a hike compared to the Poly Cult Ctr.

Robin

I thought Paradise Cove horrendous, but that's the only one I've ever been to... and will be the only one ever after that awful food & being kept prisoner there waaay beyond when we were ready to come home. There's a thread on Chowhound about Oahu luaus & the thought is to go to a luau show & eat elsewhere afterwards or check out the Honolulu Advertiser for smaller church or neighborhood sponsored luaus for better food & more authenticity. Input locals?

On the Big Island, Kona Village Resort's Luau is supposed to be the best but, again, we ditched it after the pain that was Paradise Cove...

We went to Paradise Cove and enjoyed it very much. It is pretty crowded and granted it isn't gourmet food, but we really enjoyed the arts and crafts and the show. We stayed next door at the Marriott so we left when we wanted and walked back to the hotel.

We met some pretty nice people there and enjoyed talking with them. The beach is really pretty. If you get the Ent. book there is a 25% off coupon which brings the price down to $127.00 for two people for the middle package.

Not sure what you have in mind by "authenticity" for sure, but as for the food, absolutely.

And you will get to meet and talk story with locals and see a small slice of real life as folks live it here.

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 , including one Mai Tai. Have fun! Ken

That is the only luau I've done and it was good. I don't have anything to compare it too though. I was traveling with someone who had a military id so that was not an issue.

However, soon, some family is traveling there who do not have military/gov't ties. Can you please tell me how they can get in to this luau? PM me if you like.

We're interested in experiencing an authentic 'n' enjoyable Luau on Oahu. We're more interested in the activities, dances & other fun things that a Luau has to offer, although we will have 'some' food. I'd like to know a Luau that offers good entertainment value that is not very expensive either. I've read all about the pig roasting (Kalua) etc & we're definitely NOT interested in that. My ideal would be about $50/person...any suggestions? Heard about Germaine's & Paradise Cove....any other suggestions? Again, we dont care too much about the food.

Go to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Spend the afternoon, learn about the various Pacific Island cultures, and then stay for the luau.

Not sure what you mean about "NOT" being interested in the pig roast.

Most luaus try to explain the pig roasting ceremony and all that, but you can skip it; (I was at the Paradise Cove luau in March and some obnoxious Mainlander wouldn't stop yapping into her cellphone the whole time they were going thru the history of the ceremony) but you'll miss out, imho.

Of course, you don't have to eat the pig if you don't want.

In fact, most commercial luaus don't serve you the pig you see in the ceremony, due to State of Hawaii Dept of Health regulations...........

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. That, my friends, makes a big difference.

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!!

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.