Paradise Cove Luau
- Price Range: $$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
52 Reviews for Paradise Cove Luau
I wasn't expecting a lot from the Luau. I had heard it was just ok. But I thought the atmosphere was quite nice. You get to see the sun set and that was a bit romantic. For a tourist gimmick thing, it was not bad. Mai tai's were just ok. A bit weak for my taste, but I guess they don't want ppl really drunk at these things. The show was quite good. I was a bit impressed w/ the dances. I thought it was just 1 hula dance, but there are several different types and the dance itself was quite pretty!
Very cool place. The food was goood!!! Typical Hawaiian history lesson, dancing,pretty Hawaiian girls, good entertainment.... There was this lady who asked me if I would like to switch seats with her because the people on her left were Asian and thought that since I was Asian I would like to talk to them and be friends....damn ignorant American! Still a good experience though...lol
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As far as luau's go, this one is for fun and friends. Good atmosphere. If you're looking for the cultural experience, try Paradise Cove. If you're looking for the sunset mai-tai feet in the sand experience, go to Paradise Cove.
This is my favorite commercialized luau on Oahu. It's ideal for families with younger children because the gates open at 5:00 p.m. and everything is basically done by 9:00 p.m. - just make sure the little ones take their nap in the afternoon. It's also great for the older folks because all events and activities are within close proximity so there's not a lot of walking (note: some of the activities are on the sand so wheelchairs are do-able but a bit difficult). The activities prior to the luau are very interactive and fun - canoe rides, spear throwing, lei making, temporary tattoos, etc. Paradise Cove has a beautiful ocean backdrop, great for picture taking with loved ones. Seating is uncovered so bring a light jacket or sweater. If you can swing it, get the more expensive tickets - you'll get covered seating, table service (no getting up and standing in the buffet line), additional drink tickets, and some other perks. Also, they used to (and still might) allow anyone with a Hawaii ID to sponsor visiting friends/family - for every one person with a Hawaii ID, two visitors can be sponsored at the kama`aina price.
(Just for the record, I love the Polynesian Cultural Center too, but it's a completely different experience. PCC is an alllllll day event starting from noon- little kids and older adults are gonna tank before the luau even starts and then you still have the Horizons show to get through plus the long ride out of Laie.)
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I've been to a lot of Luau's and I dance hula and tahitian. This one stood out. I couldn't see much of the show because we were in the back and I the food is never anything special at any Luau. But, what I really liked is the activities before the actual show. My girls were able to make flower lei's and Ti Leaf Lei's. They got tatoo's and other fun stuff. I guess it was the pre-entertainment that I enjoyed. But, then again, when it comes to Luau's it's pretty hard to impress me.
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Kid friendly luau. In the sense that there are activities to do while you're waiting for everything to start. Food and performances was good.
Overall it's more entertaining with something always to do.
So much fun here.
There are tons of activities (native games), ceremonies, drinks are good. You'll get lei'd as soon as you enter.
To get good drinks, try to smile and be friendly to the crew/bartenders. They are more than willing to accomodate what you want on your drink, plus they are very friendly. (After all, they are there to make your stay pleasant and fun)
Don't be a bitch and whine about everything that you don't have at the luau. Guess what? you can't have everything, if you want them go back home and do it yourself.
The kahlua pork is salty but knowing they love spam is enough for me. I've tried it, I can't say I did not like it as I ate half of my plate (that is pulled pork). Weirdly enough, I enjoyed the poi. The haupia is not bad either.
I wish they have snow cones there.
Some people do not like to drink and they can give you their stubs to get you plastered.
FYI, real Hawaiians do not wear hawaiian shirts. Please do if you are a tourist over the age of 40 and you don't have any good fashion sense.
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Let me set the scene for you... As your bus pulls up next to the other tourist buses in the parking lot, your guide, Cousin Bill (in our case), reminds you to stay with the others from the bus until you are assigned a seat at the dinner table. Once you get off the bus, you get in line, go through a turnstile and receive your complimentary mai tai (served in a small plastic cup). Still in line, you wait for your turn for the lei greeting. Once you get your lei (or shell necklace), you pose for a picture with a couple of the dancers (the pictures will be available by the end of the luau for $15).
This was my first time at a luau and I guess I was expecting a little too much. Too commercial for me. A lot of cheesiness, re-hashed jokes/banter, audience participation that seemed a little hokey...
Once I got past all of that, I had a good time. The pork and some of the desserts were good. The show was also good.
I'm glad i tried it, but I don't know if I'd ever go back to another commercial luau again.
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You get on a bus to Paradise Cove. They hold you hostage trying to sell you stuff while the food is prepared, in the guise of "activities". Some people like the edutainment, but I came for the food and the show.
The luau food is OK (standard kalua pig, macaroni salad, fish, etc.). If you are trying to get plastered, the 4 drink tickets you get are not enough, but you can probably get some from the other people in your group. The show is pretty good.
Compared against the Marriott Wailea luau on Maui: the Maui food was better, but the Paradise Cove show was better.
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I've been to a couple of luau's and I have to say Paradise cove has been the best so far.. Great food .. great activities .. and great show. I finally learn how to make a lei but it didn't turn out so well. The young lady who taught me was nice enough to finish it up for me. Great place to take the family with young kids.
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I've come to realize that ALL luaus are going to be cheesy. Heck, it can't be a luau WITHOUT cheese (and badly sunburnt tourists in loud alohawear). I've been to this luau many times (bringing visiting friends/family) and somehow it's still tolerable!
I like that there are activities to do before the luau show starts. It's nice to have more interactive options than just the 'let me make a fool of myself on stage' bit during the show.
The food isn't spectacular but come on, who goes to a luau expecting fine dining? There's enough to fill me up and I've never gotten food poisoning. What more could I ask for?
The best luau on Oahu!
My mom lives in Hawaii, and she hooks it up with the Kama'aina rates.
My 5 stars is not for the food, drinks or show. It is for the MEN. My gawd. From the hottie climbing up the palm tree, to Fue, the hottie with the flame! All are available for photo ops throughout the pre and after parties.
On one of my most recent trips, the tour guide thought me and my fellow naturally tanned friend were "locals", so he started talking to us. Once he found out my friend wanted to learn how to surf, he got on his phone, called his brother, and the next day said friend had free lesson in Waikiki. And they were hot! Thank you Johansen brothers!
I've been to Paradise Cove quite a few times and each time was awesome. Prices are rather reasonable. If you're a visitor vacationing here in Hawaii then expect to pay about $75 per person however if you're a resident then you'll naturally pay kamaaina rates at $35 per person. Rates include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage tickets.
As soon as you arrive and go through the entrance you're greeted by the natives with a group photo op which you can purchase for $15 and is available at the end of the luau. There are various carts which sell an array of items from jewelry to tattoos.
There are a couple of entertainment events which take place before the luau begins. One is a canoe ride in the lagoon followed by a fish catching demo. The other is an area where they actually roast the pig in a pit located on the opposite side of the dining area.
The actual luau itself starts just after dark. Guests are instructed to help themselves to a Hawaiian style buffet table by table.
The buffet consists of the following items:
. Macaroni Salad
. Pasta Salad
. Poi
. Lomi Lomi Salmon
. Fried Chicken
. Island Fish w/ Macadamia Nut Creme Sauce
. Kalua Pig
. Steamed White Rice
. Fresh Pineapple Chunks
. Haupia
. Banana Coconut Cake
. Hot Coffee or Hot Tea
. Taro Rolls & Butter
Luau event is as follows:
5:00 P.M.
-------------------------------------------------- ----
Arrival at Paradise Cove
Aloha Mai Tai Greeting & Arrival Photos*
Live Hawaiian Music - Mini Stage
Games of Ancient Hawaii/Specialty Photos
Hawaiian Arts & Crafts
Hawaiian Storytelling
Musicians & Dancers Performing in the
Courtyard & Hawaiian Village
Mini Show: Pareo Demonstration
Shower of Flowers
Hukilau on the Beach
Royal Court Procession
Imu Ceremony
Prayer
7:00 P.M. -- 8:00 P.M.
-------------------------------------------------- ----
Luau Feast
Polynesian Dinner Show
Hukilau Hula
Spectacular Hawaiian Revue
Marketplace
Entertainers' Farewell
If you're looking for a really great time and want to experience the bit of the Hawaiian culture then this is well worth it. Hope you have fun and enjoy =)
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Best luau on the island (well out of the bigger luau spots). I've been to Germaine's (nothing special), Paradise Cove, and the Polynesian Cultural Center (better for families, didn't really have alky and nobody was wearing a coconut bra...but GREAT show). Paradise Cove is great for a younger to middle aged crowd...we got drunk, did some fun activities while waiting for dinner, had some great buffet food, and watched a wonderful show. Fun Fun Fun Fun!
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I've been to many Luaus in Oahu, and think out of all of them this is the best. Just because of the interactiveness. On the bus, they keep you entertained by asking questions and playing games like they do on every other Luau, but when you get to the actual location of where the Luau is located there's so much more to do before the actual event. You can hang out on their own little private beach or ride on a kayak. You can make leis, bracelets, or anklets out of flowers and leaves. You can play games and collect seashell necklaces. There's an event called showering of the flowers. You can get tattoos painted on. If you decide to go with your significant other it's very romantic and if you decide to go with a group of friends drinks and games will keep you entertained the whole night.
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I got the tip to hit Paradise Cove from a coworker and it turned out to be a great place for my first luau. The cove itself is a beautiful spot and we had perfect weather that night. As everyone has mentioned, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, but I think that paddling the canoe was the best, especially as the sun starts to go down.
All of the staff were incredibly friendly and made you feel like you were a part of the family (which is the point of course). Our hostess was cute enough to have one of the guys pose with me, instead of having one of the women pose between me and my date. The food was decent, but the show and activities are the real reason to come to any luau. I have to admit that there were plenty of handsome men, which definitely doesn't hurt; and the fire dancing was pretty amazing.
Overall it's a pretty solid experience and a good value for what you get. I went with the deluxe package because you don't have to go wait in line at the buffet (gotta love table service) and you get 6 drink tickets.
This is a good show man. It also has good food. The show is really fun and they got fun activities for you to enjoy. I tried throwing the wooden spear at a target, but I only hit the ground. 3 guys were laughing at me. They didnt do too well either. Whatever.
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Hella fun if you're with Kamaaina because they're bound to know at least three people who are working the bar. They'll get you plastered.
The food was pretty standard for a popular luau for tourists. I do wish they had some haupia cake and laulau.
Overall. l had a great time. You cannot beat the view at Ko'olina. My family used to come to this beach all the time because it's quieter than most. I think Anthony Bourdain explained best when he said something to the extent of, "who am I to judge? Hardworking Americans want to come to Hawaii for a good time." And that's that.
BEST LUAU I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!
(also the only one =])
You start off by being greeted with a drink and you get to take a picture with a hot hawaiin male/female (pretty much your choice)
The day time you get to do fun activities such as making the lei necklaces, some games, they teach you how to hula and you can even wait in line to get a fake tattoo that's they give the tradiotional way.
You get to see a canoe race, a guy climb up a cocoanut tree, but by far the coolest parts were when the fire show started and when the hula girls preformed different types of dances.
Package comes with dinner && some drink tickets, yes they have alcohol, but I don't think the variety of selection is that big.
This place has a beautiful view, especially with the sunset...very romantic I must admit.
Price range is around $80 give or take a few dollars, but its worth every penny.
OVERALL THIS PLACE IS GREAT FOR ANY AGE AND YOU WILL MOST LIKELY HAVE A GREAT TIME!
(if you didn't, there's something wrong with you!)
Better than Germaine's. But if you've been to a luau already... you pretty much know what to expect.
The activities are fun, however, there's a long line to when you want to participate. Especially for making leis and paddling out on the canoe.
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best luau of oahu. maitai greeting, orchid seats. sexy ass dudes.... almost naked... i melted. actiivites are funnn. got to make leis.. the flowers we're very nicely colored. toobad i couldnt bring any home. hella drink coupons. what can be better. food never changes tho. omg... cannot forget the scenic views of the sunset. hey the sexy cousins we're on bus 6. the others are ugly cousins... "i feel sorry for yall." AS SOON AS you walk on the bus, theres entertainment.
A very touristy thing to do, but it was fun. Did all the games like throwing a spear at a target, which went horribly and somehow bounced back at me. The one thing that I was pro at was paddling in the outrigger haha. The buffet dinner was average as was the fire show, but I guess I gotta try the luau thing at least once right? I like how everyone who visits Hawaii goes to this luau and every single person has the exact same sunset picture between the two palm trees overlooking the beach.
If you plan on coming here, you MUST and I reiterate MUST get the Entertainment book. There is a coupon in there that'll save you 20% on the price of admission. Trust me, it's worth it. We had it and used it to get the Deluxe Luau package. This package used to include all you can drink specials but no more apparently (boo hoo).
Being at this beach, exclusive for the Paradise Cove customers, made me feel like I was truly on vacation. I didn't feel like there was a worry in the world. You can watch the sunset right along the beach. You get to watch the kalua pig ceremony. You get to sit at the front of the crowd w/ table service. Just remember the closer you are to the stage, the better the view is of the hula dancers. tee hee
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"Paradise Cove. How can I help you?"
"I need directions!"
"Where are you coming from?"
"Uh... hold on... um... Waielea. No! No, we're on Arrington (was actually Farrington, but the F was rubbed off)"
"Which direction are you headed?"
"Uh..."
"Well, are you headed towards Waikiki?"
"Yes.. we just passed Gov't Postal Road"
"Okay, what's around you?"
"We just passed a Napa Autoparts"
"You're passing a lot of 7-Elevens, huh?"
"Yes"
"You'll pass a power plant on your left-hand side and then take the Ko Olina exit"
"Thanks"
Talk about patience! Very helpful and super nice customer service rep. That's just about how we can describe every staff member from Paradise Cove. The bartender even put 3 limes and 3 pineapples in my friend's drink, AND even remembered her drink when she returned. Mucho impressive.
Highlights: the sunset, the BILLIONS of stars you can see out there, the jokes, and cousin Ali =P (a very genetically blessed entertainer)
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What can I say! I have been to the Paradise Cove twice now. Both times it was absolutely the best time I had! First we took the bus from Waikiki with all of our other "cousins" and when we arrived, we were greeted with a mai tai and we took our picture. From there, we walked around and enjoyed the many activities. The location of this luau is gorgeous. Make sure you have your camera for the beautiful sunset. The dinner and show is wonderful and a great place to celebrate any special occassion. This is definitely a must see for any vacation in Hawaii!
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I've been here twice now, a while back as a visitor and then recently as the hosts for friends from the mainland. For each occasion, all facets of the evening have been above average. I recommend just sticking with the basics though, because they give you plenty of chances to give them more money (very commercialized). A luau should deliver a memorable and fun time, which Paradise Cove definitely delivers.
I had soo much fun at Paradise Cove! We got the deluxe package, which included Six drink tickets each! You bet our whole bus was drunk all the way back to our hotels! The activities were fun, but each site was filled with people at all times. The Mai Tai's...are the best! The Otea's were nice and the food was alright...The deluxe package is nice cuz youre in your own area, and you dont have to wait in line for the buffet.
I was born and raised in Honolulu so why the hell did I go to a luau that wasn't at a friend or family's house? Because my boyfriend is not from Hawaii and had never been to one, so we added this to our little list of "touristy things to do". Quite honestly, it was kind of fun. It's set on the west side of the island and it isn't just a "sit down, eat and watch the show" kind of place. There are a few things to do and see while you're out there, and for those staying in Waikiki, they even provide transportation to and from your hotel. The food's typical "tourist fare", but other than that, it was fine. I'll suggest it to anyone going to Oahu and wanting to go to a luau.
Paradise Cove is located in such a beautiful place. Watching the sunset was just amazing.
However the food wasn't that great. The performance was nice.
They had little activities that was cool.
The best part of paradise cove luau is the location.
I've been to another luau in Maui and the cafeteria-style Polynesian Cultural Cove luau before this one and this by far is my favorite. Its beachside location and various activities intended to build your appetite before you start your serious grubbing are what make this luau a cut above the rest for me. The hukilau ceremony, lei making and basket weaving for beginners were definitely more exciting than watching tourists jockey each other for a good camcorder position on the pig being dug out of the imu. Food was standard luau fare but entertainment was top notch. The "hot" fire eater Samoan guy with the tatoo on either side of his torso was a definite treat as were the female Tahitian dancers who inspired me not to finish my two fully loaded plates of food . Yeah, 'cause one less forkful of kalua pork will really make a difference.
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Like everyone else, we arrived there via bus. "Cousin" Gina, our entertainer on the bus, was extremely friendly and funny. Upon arrival you are granted a choice between a watered-down mai-tai and a virgin mai-tai - both taste the same so gulp one up and then quickly head to the activities.
If you're a lady, the first thing you should do is head over to where they make the lei's, since a long line forms within the first twenty minutes or so. If that's crowded, make sure you check out the pareo class with Mr. Ono (hottest guy there - he's wearing white pants in one of the pics posted for this place) - his pareo skills are essential, you'll see why. If you're a guy, head straight to the bar and order something hard - that way when you stumble around drunk you don't notice your girlfriend checking out Mr. Ono. Or maybe get inked by some hot young'un that will take hold of whatever part you stick out. Either way, there's plenty of activities to keep you busy.
When you decide to get shit-faced, order shots instead of mixed drinks, since the cocktails barely have detectable amounts of alcohol. One of the bartenders liked us so much she hooked us up with cute souvenirs for free and made her "special" for us, which tasted like it actually had alcohol. We started to really feel the "AloHa spirit" then. So befriend the bartenders! The food was mediocre, nothing particularly amazing, so don't expect to eat well here.
The entertainment was the only downer. I've been to school with Samoans, worked with Hawaiians/Tahitians/Moro peeps, so I know a thing or two about authentic Polynesian dancing. The entertainment was sub-par imho, but most people don't notice it since they don't get acquainted with these cultures. The Samoan "slap" dance performance was weak, not passionate as I've remembered it to be. The girls were beautiful of course, but you could tell a couple of them had just recently learned the dances. My favorites were the fire dancer and the "married" couple dance, since Mr. Ono was center stage. LOTS of flashes went off during that portion. I was drunk though, so maybe those flashes were all mine.
Overall, it was a fun night. The ride back was fun too, since our driver "raced" the other drivers. Cousin Gina teased us mercilessly by evoking images of waterfalls and rivers, then making us sing a couple of songs about how we had to "wee wee now." So elementary, I know, but you could care less when you still feel inebriated and half-rowdy.
The last thing I remember was when Dido's "Thank You" came on. It was like the whole bus was center-stage for a drunk karaoke-style competition - and everyone was singing at the same time.
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Paradise Cove is the best luau in Oahu, heck the entire Hawaiian Islands! I've been to many luaus and this has got to be the best all-around. They offer activities such as flower making, games, great show and excellent food. What more can you ask for?
I took a NYC friend here when I first moved to Hawaii, two years ago. It was a fun time! The scenery is beautiful, the entertainment was great, the food was okay, and the Mai Tais were flowing. You can take the bus from a Waikiki hotel, so you can enjoy the cocktails.
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Is it just me? Maybe it's because I've been to Paradise Cove more than once and have also been to other luaus in Maui and Oahu (and also small ones in Northern CA), but my last visit to Paradise Cove left me feeling like.....a tourist.
I've been delaying this review because I've had such mixed feelings when I visited last month. Don't get me wrong, I love the location. The luau is right next to the beach in the Cove right under the stars. It is really beautiful and pretty romantic, which is why I came back here in the first place. I also love that they have hands-on demos and games like lei-making, spear throwing and canoeing. However, I feel that the show itself didn't have a "cultural" feel to it. The music and dance was more in the line of "Tiny Bubbles" than traditional Hawaiian or hula.
I still gave it 3 stars because the location is beautiful, the dancers and singers are very talented and the food was good (they served a yummy banana cake for dessert when I went!). Oh! And they have an awesome fire dancer!
If it's your first luau, check it out, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'm sure lots of people will love it here, I was just looking forward to something more traditional.
Note: i have a major bias toward this place, as it is where we celebrated our wedding reception, and have been to several luaus here.
Growing up in Hawaii, I never had the opportunity to go to these tourist-oriented luaus (this one or Germaine's). I always thought they were stupid... but that's probably because no one ever offered to take me.
As an adult, going back and bringing friends that are not from the islands, I think they are a hoot. Really fun. For people to get a taste of island culture, good food, and a great show, Paradise Cove does a great job. Their entertainment/food/pre-food ceremony are all extremely entertaining.
The drinks are a bit weak, and skip the upgrades (table service, etc), and just be a part of the crowd. I highly recommend this to the casual tourist.
PS Their group sales are wonderful, we reserved their lawn for our wedding reception (150 guests) and they did a fantastic job, with good value (compared to waikiki hotels). We got luck with the weather and skipped the tent, and it was truly more beautiful we could have imagined.
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I love all things touristy. It's sick, so this luau was so disgustingly touristy that I had the best time. In fact, I've been twice. I don't believe you can find any traditional, authentic luaus on Oahu, so you'll have a great time if you let loose, drink a little (or have 6 like I did ), and participate.
It's in a beautiful location with great activities, food, and people. Most of the people on our bus were not in the mood to have any fun, so that sucked.
Okay, so the first time I went to this luau, I would have definitely gave it five stars. I went about a year ago, March 2007 and it was awesome! I had such a great time and thought everything was incredibly fun. We made flower bracelets and flower anklets. My friend and I were also part of the little show, where we dance and pull in the rope from the ocean. All this seemed extremely fun becuase my friends and I were kinda drunk.
Now, the second time I went.. i guess it was just a rerun. Everyone was either really old or really young. The activites had long waits and the food wasn't as delicious as I had remembered.
The downfall was that the bar only offered limited drinks. The drinks selection was very minimal and were filled with ice. Nonetheless, I really like this place and had a lot of fun the first time. The second time was okay, but not as fun. Just get a little buzz going on, and you'll be good!
Paradise Cove ... my first luau (and last unfortunately) was a great time! The views sitting there were absolutely beautiful ... the show was fantastic and the food, well let's just say I tried the local favorite and wasn't too impressed by that - but the pork was good.
It was fun to watch the local customs ... a real must see if ever traveling to Hawaii.
It's HEAVEN on EARTH!
This was the first REAL luau that I've been to, and it was great. I witnessed the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen in person (and got a picture of it, too!) There were lots of fun activities. The people there are so friendly. I even learned a few things about the Hawaiian culture. There were lots of delicious foods, and the performers were very entertaining. This is a great place to go if you're visiting.
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I believe this is the best Luau on the island. You could have up to 6 alcoholic drinks depending on the package youre getting. The food is descent. The show is descent. Lots of eye candy. Dont even have to walk around a lot. Pretty much you sit down and enjoy the view. BTW the artists from the night show will come down the stage to grab you from your seat and make you participate in some silly dance up in the stage in front of thousands looking at you so please be careful though.
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