Oahu: Queens Waikiki Luau

Experience the Queens Waikiki Luau: A Genuine Taste of Hawaiian Culture

If you’re planning to visit Oahu and want a taste of traditional Hawaiian festivities, the Queens Waikiki Luau could be just what you’re after. This 2.5-hour event offers a chance to sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine, enjoy captivating Polynesian performances, and even try your hand at the hula dance. While it’s not a sprawling, high-end spectacle, it manages to deliver a friendly, engaging experience that many travelers find well worth the price.

What we particularly like about this luau is its convenient location in Waikiki, making it easy to fit into your evening plans. Plus, the interactive cultural activities make it more than just a show — you get to participate, wear a shell or flower lei, and really get into the Hawaiian spirit. On the flip side, some might find the setting in an indoor mall a bit less authentic than outdoor beach luaus. Still, if you’re after a lively, family-friendly introduction to Polynesian culture, this is a solid choice.

This experience suits a wide range of travelers, especially those looking for a fun, affordable evening activity with a meaningful cultural touch. It’s also perfect if you’re in Waikiki, want to stay close to your hotel, and prefer a relaxed, intimate environment over a large, touristy spectacle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Hawaiian Cuisine: The buffet features classic dishes like shoyu chicken, kalua pig, and more.
• Cultural Participation: Learn and try the hula dance, and wear a shell or flower lei if you wish.
• Vibrant Polynesian Show: Expect traditional performances, including the mesmerizing fireknife dance.
• Convenient Location: Easy to find inside the International Market Place, close to Waikiki Beach.
• Affordable Price: At $129 per person, it offers good value for a cultural evening with entertainment and food.
• Family Friendly: The lively, inclusive atmosphere makes it suitable for families and groups.

A Closer Look at the Queens Waikiki Luau

When it comes to experiencing Hawaiian culture, luaus are classic. They offer a way to connect with local traditions, enjoy good food, and watch talented performers. The Queens Waikiki Luau manages to combine all of these elements into a compact, 2.5-hour event that’s accessible and engaging.

The Venue and Location

The luau takes place on the 1st floor of the International Market Place in Waikiki. It’s a spot many travelers find easy to reach — just a short walk from Waikiki Beach. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the location being inside a shopping center or courtyard, which might seem less atmospheric than an outdoor beachfront setting. However, the indoor environment helps keep the event comfortable regardless of weather, and the setup manages to feel cozy and inclusive.

The Cultural Activities

Before the main entertainment begins, guests are encouraged to take part in cultural activities. These include learning about traditional Polynesian dances and costumes. Participants can also wear a shell or flower lei, which adds a fun, personal touch to the experience. Reviewers consistently mention the friendly emcees and performers, emphasizing their ability to make everyone feel involved and comfortable. One reviewer said, “Very friendly emcees and performers, amazing talent,” highlighting how engaging the staff is.

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The Food — A Hawaiian Feast

The highlight for many is the buffet dinner. The menu features hearty and flavorful dishes, such as shoyu chicken, Kalua pig cabbage, long rice noodles with garlic, and a variety of salads and vegetables. The dessert — cake with haupia drizzle — rounds out the meal with a sweet finish.

People often comment on the quality and quantity of the food. One review states, “The meal was excellent with plenty of food for all,” which is good to know if you’re hungry or want good value. However, a few mention that the food is served on disposable dishware, a Covid-19 safety measure that might detract slightly from the overall ambiance but is understandable.

The Polynesian Show

After refueling, guests are treated to a lively performance of Polynesian dance and music. The show includes traditional dances from different islands and features the impressive fireknife dance, which many find mesmerizing. Multiple reviews describe the show as fabulous, captivating, and full of energy. One traveler said, “The whole experience was just fabulous, from the host to the dancers,” emphasizing the professionalism and talent of the performers.

The Atmosphere and Overall Vibe

Despite being held indoors, the luau manages to create a warm, lively atmosphere. Guests often mention the interactive nature of the event, with opportunities to dance, participate, and simply enjoy the entertainment. The reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, describing the event as fun and engaging without feeling overly commercialized.

The Value for Money

At $129 per person, this luau is considered affordable given the quality of entertainment and food offered. Many reviews highlight it as good value, especially since it includes cultural activities, drinks (Mai Tais or soft drinks), and a full buffet. Some reviews note that they paid more for similar experiences elsewhere but felt this one offered a good balance of price and enjoyment.

A reviewer said, “Very affordable, takes a little walking through the International Marketplace to get to but worth it.” It’s important to factor in that transportation and parking aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re driving or relying on taxis.

Who Should Consider This Luau?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture without a hefty price tag. It’s also suitable for families, groups, or couples seeking a fun, relaxed evening in Waikiki. While it’s not a grand, outdoor beach spectacle, it offers an intimate setting that encourages participation and enjoyment.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: The event usually takes place in the evening and lasts about 2.5 hours.
• Accessibility: The luau is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for those with mobility needs.
• Cancellation Policy: You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if plans change.
• Things to Keep in Mind: Meals are served on disposable dishware due to Covid precautions. Parking isn’t included, so allow some extra time to find a spot nearby.

What People Are Saying

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. Many rave about the food and performances, describing them as “amazing,” “delicious,” and “well worth the money.” The friendly staff and intimate setting often get special mentions. Some minor drawbacks include the location being inside a mall or courtyard, which might reduce the authentic feel, and occasional comments about food quantities, but these are outweighed by the overall experience.

For example, one reviewer said, “The show was great. Second time food was great. Location no so much because of the rain,” indicating that weather can sometimes influence your outdoor plans, but the indoor setting helps mitigate that.

Final Thoughts: Is the Queens Waikiki Luau Worth It?

This luau offers an authentic, engaging introduction to Hawaiian and Polynesian culture at a very reasonable price. It’s a lively, friendly event that prioritizes participation, good food, and vibrant entertainment. If you’re after a family-friendly activity that won’t break the bank, this is a solid choice. The combination of delicious local food and dynamic performances makes for a memorable evening.

While it may not deliver the grandeur of larger, seaside luaus, the personal touch and intimate setting make it particularly appealing. For travelers who appreciate good value and want to enjoy cultural entertainment in a relaxed environment, the Queens Waikiki Luau fits the bill nicely.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the International Market Place, but it’s within walking distance from Waikiki Beach.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.

Is the event suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the lively and family-friendly atmosphere suggests it’s appropriate for children and groups.

What’s the dress code?
There’s no formal dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. You can wear a shell or flower lei if you like.

Are drinks included?
Yes, depending on your booking option, Mai Tais or soft drinks are included with your experience.

How long does the event last?
It runs approximately 2.5 hours, usually in the evening, making it a nice way to start or end your day.

Is the location indoor or outdoor?
It’s held inside the International Market Place, in an indoor setting, which helps keep everyone comfortable regardless of weather.

If you’re hoping for a fun, culturally rich night in Waikiki that offers delicious food, engaging performances, and the chance to participate, the Queens Waikiki Luau is definitely worth considering. It captures the spirit of Polynesia in a relaxed, friendly environment that many travelers find memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: