Consolidated "Luau on Oahu" thread
 

Can anyone recommend a luau on Oahu?

We liked the one at the Hale Koa, but I believe that is restricted to military. The one at the Polynesian Cultural Center is good - but it is quite a drive from the Waikiki area and could involve spending a lot more time there to see the rest of the PCC.

The only luau we went to was on Maui at the Hyatt Regency and we hated the food but loved the show. We are going to Oahu in a few weeks and I have the entertainment book. If you want a coupon for any of the luaus in the book let me know and I'll mail it to you.

All the luaus are touristy and none receive a good review for food. However, they can be a lot of fun if you're in the right mood.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is run by the Mormon Church. Its depictions of Polynesian culture are often inaccurate, as they're all filtered through the Mormon religious sensibilities. Apparently there's also some not-so-subtle religious prosletyzing that goes on. The Mormon church funded a big part of the campaign against same-sex marriage here a few years ago. Personally, as a self-respecting gay man, I wouldn't give them my money. There are plenty of other fun tourist venues that don't carry the same baggage.

I have been to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was really great. Yes it is a Mormon venue but still a lot of fun. It was clean and perfect for a day trip with kids. And no one tried to convert us. The other Luau that I have been to is Germaine’s. www.germainesluau.com/index.shtml They pick you up at the hotel and take you out to a private beach with fantastic sunsets. The food is ho hum but the show was pure entertainment. They play to the tourist. My husband got pulled up to learned the hula on stage. I never knew he could look so cute in a grass skirt. Leave your analytical mind and your taste buds at home then you can really enjoy either Luau.

I've done Germaine's Luau and that description pretty much sums it all up. And if you tip the folks serving the drinks really well, they often forget to collect those free drink coupons... http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Check out the luau at Paradise Cove. We went last September and then again in June. The food was ok, but the show and other happenings were great and the sunset was gorgeous.

I've been to just about all of them and agree they are mostly all pretty ticky, tacky, touristy.

Can't stand those watered down things they pass off as Mai Tais and Blue Hawaii's, at most of 'em.

But they are loaded with some alcohol, which after about a dozen, does the trick for those attending to get blasted. Germaine’s and Paradise Cove seem to get a younger set of customers, in my observations.

The best commercial luau I've experienced in the islands has been very recently on Maui at The Old Lahaina Luau.

It's still for tourists, but the quality of facilities and service are extremely high, IMHO. And they actually will mix you drinks to order from their full bars, unlimited, included in the price.

Next door is the real gem, however...Aloha Mixed Plate! Also open for dinner, this open air plate stand is owned by the same folks that run the luau. Go there for dinner and enjoy a great meal at a low price while enjoying the music drifting in from the luau, and you also get to watch the performers in their costumes as they dash across the beach to their changing room! Free entertainment! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

And you might just run into Jimmy Buffett, who calls this place home while residing in Hawaii.

See photo under "Aloah Plate Lunch" in:

http://www.margaritaville.com/roadtr...i/hawaii7.html

You'll also find a link to Aloha Mixed Plate at the luau web site above.


[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 09-24-2002).]

Coupons for Luau in Honolulu?
 

Hi,

Just thought I'd see if anyone has any coupons or good deals for a luau in/around Honolulu. I'm going there over Memorial Day weekend and would love to go to one. I can't quite afford them.....as they seem to be quite expensive. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

Go to Entertainment.com and check out the ones in the Hawaii book. Then tell me which one you want and I will send it to you from my book. I think I still have all of them.

Thank you very much for your offer. I took a look at the site, and found a good place. I'll go ahead and email you.

It's in the mail! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

We went to the Jermaine's (sp?) lu'au in Honolulu. If you use the entertainment book coupon and the coupon in one of those activity magazines that are everywhere, the price drops to a very reasonable price (I think we paid something like $36, including bus transportation).

I highly recommend this lu'au. The food was very good and plentyful, two alcoholic drink included, the setting on the beach was very nice, and the stage show was very very good. Don't bother driving to save a couple of bucks. You will just get lost and having the bus to take you to and from is so much more relaxing.

Any experience with the Royal Hawaiian luau?

Speaking of Germaine's Luau, I've got a 25% off coupon for four people that I'm not going to use... because I've never considered going to a luau as a kama'aina... e-mail me if you want it http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Aloha