What a great show!…read more Love the way they incorporated the Hawaiian culture to Cirque du Soleil. I don't want to spoil the experience so I will refrain from details, just know that you will not be bored and keep your eyes open to everything around you! It truly is a beautiful and amazing show. Would I go back? Yes, as I am sure I may have missed something.

So glad I finally got to see 'Auana in February 2026 after they were dark when I was last in O'ahu…read morein August 2025. Just know that the theater is by far the smallest Cirque theater I've been in, and I've seen all of their shows in Las Vegas and a few of their travelling shows in San Francisco and Dallas. As far as the show... I will say that Hawai'i in general leans HARD into the "wise indigenous / magical Native" trope to the point it feels self-stereotyping. (See @Itzeaglee on Instagram where he calls out people expecting Native people to act "indigenously.") This trope is central to the show which can feel a bit silly. This Cirque production also seems to lean into the "mystical kūpuna" (which is the Hawaiian version of the "noble savage") stereotype. The show begins with a fake, clueless tourist (actor) who is put to sleep by a native musician (in traditional clothes.) The wise, mystical musician has no need for the tourist's money that he tried to hand him during the show. The tourist actor is awoken and surrounded by smoke as dancers encircle him as the female kūpuna does a Hawaiian chant. He's frightened and tries to flee as the dancers boldly, but free from emotion, spin a canoe paddle during their dance. It segues into a scene where what I assume is Maui's Manaiakalani is thrown into water and as it's pulled up, a curtain drops and shows the Polynesians boating to Hawai'i. The subsequent scenes are centered around different aspects of Hawaiian history, from pre-contact, to the touristy tiki luau influx, to modern beach & street culture. Overall, I think it's most comparable to the Cirque show Mad Apple, which has a New York City theme and plays in Las Vegas. I like the cohesive theme and the clear narrative throughout the performance. The costuming and live music make the show extra special. My favorite part was the woman who made sand painting art. Visited: February 2026

Lux At the Trump Here is a place that I wouldn't have…read morestarted to attend unless Yelp introduced me to the Lux At the Trump first. It's not in my normal area of hang-outs, it is in Waikiki which some of us dread going into unless we have to and it sounds less than inviting at first blush. We won tickets through Yelp for an event like a Halloween pre-party that sounded interesting. And now I am on a listserver that sends me info emails randomly and sometimes I really am interested in the events and would not have heard about them on my own without being on their email list. Yelp really did a great job of linking IRL music lovers with this venue...... Like with many other places compared to a NY / LA / Chicago club scene- this venue LUX is just way smaller compared to what would be a headliner in other major cities with Lux having hundreds maybe instead of more than thousands at other larger venues. Point being HI is small which can be good or bad. Lux At the Trump is one of the most gorgeous clubs I have ever seen- the pool open in the front is just breathtaking between light shows from the DJ area if just timed right. --- People do have to be careful not to take an unintended dip into cold water when they meant to find the bathroom though. I think I have gone to at least 3 now dance type of nights at Lux At the Trump- all thanks to the emails that I keep getting which I really do like. The music and events are pretty good. It is not a 21 only type of crowd. I don't want to say I was accosted by what appeared to be 2 over 70 year old drunk Japanese tourists that spoke little English or pretended not to speak any but don't be surprised at how varied that age range is compared to an upscale club. Music -wise some of the nights seemed to be better than others. I know it is the DJs job to keep the party going- and if you listen to enough of Jon Taffer you'll hear that great DJs can make songs play that makes everyone want to Dance and enjoy themselves and mix into a song that makes the majority of people subconsciously want to go to the bar for a drink. These djs seemed to be trying to fill the bar way to often by sometimes playing music that some people just hate on what seems to be on purpose. So some can be hit or miss on djs. Overall- in general it tries to cater to tourists but as a side note tourists usually aren't the ones that keep a club in business. So except for big events- IMHO normal locals don't just decide to hang out at Lux At the Trump. So going to events does make it special and why I would go there- not as a normal music/ dance venue. The food there is different- more like a pop up chef venue with really different things instead of a reg burger and fries. But it is without the chef there to explain any 'story' behind the food of a why or make sense of it. So you may get pumpkin sushi in October or whatnot but at least they have a good description of the food before you order - just be ready for bites instead of meals.

So I was pretty stoked to be able to come here. I didn't realize it was just entry tickets. It…read moredidn't spend money on drinks and I didn't eat. When I got there I went to the valet. He told me I wasn't on the special "guest list" and I would have to park somewhere else. I told him I'm not parking my Z elsewhere and does money talk? He asked what I was talking about and I gave him $20. He was pretty happy with that. So let's rate the place. It's not so upsetting to be 1 star but I definitely won't come back so it's a 2. 1 My home system cranks louder with 18" and 12"'subs, lasers, leds, strobes and smoke machines. 2 It's outdoor so the environment was pretty hot. 3 It's tying hard to be high end. There were not much seating and I heard some of the tables were $800. There was a lot of nice skin showing. 4 I love to dance and can do so to practically any music. The DJ was so so. But it was early so we'll see. I don't think I'll ever come again even if Paul sends me free tickets or whatever. It was just not my thing. I had fun dancing though. I enjoyed getting in Beach Bum videos and Honolulu Magazine photos.

Came here when it was less crowded the seating area is big wide open with chairs, tables, and a…read moregreen luscious outdoor view. There were only a few vendors like maybe 4 trucks at the time we got a plate from a vendor called "Wasabi Express by Tiger" the white woman who most likely also works with the main chef randomly approached us recommends it for my partner and I says it's going to taste great it's made fresh daily,, said why not we came for a trip but honestly it was mid and this is why I don't listen to people but realistically I should've just dogged it in my opinion; understand it's Hawaii we are in a touristy spot, but too overpriced for something that tastes like yoshinoya meat and rice that tastes just like fried rice from a regular Chinese takeout

Went here with friends! The food selection and trucks they have is alright! I thought it would be…read morebigger and lots of trucks like OC night market in LA but i cant complain, the food is amazing! And love the drink i got from the truck strawberry pineapple flavor from tropics truck

Cordero was our server... bravo Cordero, I had to hunt you down to thank you and give you a tip…read moreafter the show! The show was AMAZING and we have seen 25 + luau shows over the past 30 years! Check in fast and efficient! Loved loved loved the interactive activities before dinner! Tip - do the bamboo headband activity first not the flower wrist band as it takes a long time to make the head band and it's great in photos! Don't forget to get a temporary tattoo! Bar service is fast! Most people didn't tip but I did and no acknowledgement so probably won't tip in the future! Celebrity seating is worth it! Host was uber funny and extremely talented! So was every performer and band member!!! Loved the tree climber he was hilarious! Order uber 5 minutes before the fire dance ends and stand in the back and watch! It will save you a lot of money! Bravo Ka Moana Luau!! PS Use less salt on the pulled pork please PSSS - Loved the older fire dance performer who started the fire dance show!!!!!!

Is this touristy? Yes!! Are we tourists?? Also, yes!!…read more We had a great time at this luau. We got the higher of the mid package, Splash premium. The classic package includes a shell lei and one cocktail and seating along the edge. Our package gets a fresh flower lei, 2 cocktails and better seating. There is a celebrity package with has a separate check-in line, 2 cocktails and servers bring you your food, while everyone else goes through the buffet line. We were lucky and were seated in the celebrity package seating. We had a great view of the dancers. After you've checked in, they place a lei around your neck--fresh flower lei or shell lei, depending on your package. Then they take a picture of your party with people in traditional Hawaiian costume. You can purchase the picture later if you would like. You are given your drink tickets to use at the bar. There are activities this do before the show starts--lei making, passion friend crown making, and dancing lesson. There was a Polynesian band playing in stage the entire time. The tickets get you either a basic cocktail --i got two mai tais decorated with flowers--or you can upgrade for premium cocktails. We went through the buffet, which was really good. There was salad and kalua pork, Huli Huli chicken, mahi mahi, poy, rice, chow mein noodles, great pineapple, veggies, rolls, and dessert if chocolate cake and coconut gelatin. While we were eating, a man climbed up the coconut tree, which was fun to watch. As we finished dinner, the traditional dancers performed with traditional drummers. It was all great, especially the fire dancers. It's really was a fun night. Who cares if it is touristy?

This was a great venue with an intimate setup to have a great view of the musicians…read more The show was short at only about an hour, but it was packed with great music from Iam Tongi's band. The food was less than average and quite pricey so I would recommend eating beforehand!

Rating the FOOD only!! Expensive and subpar quality…read more The poke nachos were decent. The bbq ribs were DRY! Like super dry. Daughter choked on it trying to swallow it because it was so dry. Husband couldnt even finish his dish and he usually is not picky with foods. The short rib loco moco was okay. The gravy tasted very "cheap". Thats the only word I can think of to describe it. The short rib was decent (wouldnt say it was good, but it was edible). The favorite part of this dish was the white rice which was soft. I like the venue but unfortunately I wouldnt go back since its $20 minimum per person for purchasing food/drinks.

I always loved watching movies. Sometimes in the movie, the scene takes place at a drive-in. Never…read moredid I ever dream I would go to a drive-in and watch a movie. When we heard our neighbors went to the Aloha Drive-In to watch a movie, we said we needed to do that! So glad we did! Customers can order from Raising Cane's. When Aloha Drive-In first started, customers can place their order online. The staff will bring the online orders to the car. However, when we arrived tonight, the movie crew did not hand out Raising Cane's order form. Instead the movie crew set up a small concession stand at the left of the screen. Customers can bring their own food and drinks if they like. I spoke to someone who helped to put the theater production together. He said that the company may get a bigger screen to show the movies. But that depends on the budget. Drive-Ins pave the way to bring people together. Families come to the drive-in to watch movies together. This provides a good way to have family time.

Can't offer any reasonable review due to it being closed with an uncertain reopening. I believe…read morewhen it does open again, I would be the first in line to support it. It's a great idea.

Located at the Old Buca Di Beppo is trial of fears haunted house currently running on Thurs-Sunday…read morethru Nov 2. Book on their website, 38$ per person. Ample parking in Ward theater parking lot. There is no specific time reserved so you need to go there early and check in. Once checked in you will get a text message when its your groups turn to go. We waited about 30 min to check in then another 1.5 hours from check in to getting inside. The time spent inside the haunted house was about 20 min. Overall the actors and the set up was good but the wait was pretty long it would have been better and more efficient with set times to reserve.

I especially loved thas years (2025) restaurant theme! Since it was at the old Bucca di Beppo…read morelocation in Ward, the theme went so well with it! I think it also helped that the restaurant itself was like a maze to begin with! My husband and I, and a couple of our friends bought tickets to go as a group, and it was amazing. We all work in a restaurant so we were super excited for this one! What made it even better was the check in, and the way they called you when it was your turn, just like being on a wait list at a restaurant instead of standing in a loooong winding line like we've done before. Awesome, amazing, keep up the great work!

I bought 3 tickets for The Sunshine Boys at the Hawaii Theater through ticketsales.com for $103…read more each and they did not give me a breakdown of the fees charged until AFTER they accepted my credit card and sent me an email enabling me to download the tickets. It was only then that I realized that they charged me a $90 fee and the total price for the 3 tickets was $409. I immediately contacted them and they informed me that they have a no cancelation policy. Even after I told them that I was not given a breakdown of the fees BEFORE the finalized the sale, they STILL would not refund the money and cancel the tickets. DO NOT EVER USE THIS WEBSITE - ticketsales.com

If you're a history buff or like architecture, the US Army Museum of Hawaii is a hidden gem. And…read moreit's FREE! I don't know any state that is more proud of its military role than Hawaii. The museum captures the military contributions of Hawaii through history. The building was formally Battery Randolph, built 1911 to house two large guns to protect Honolulu from water attack. The structure is "military structural" in style, and is said to be typical of Taft era construction. The facility was, unfortunately, ineffective at protecting the Island for the air attack on Pearl Harbor and was later deemed unsuitable for modern warfare and decommissioned. Today, the building is a perfect backdrop to tell the story of the US Army and Hawaii. I signed in when I entered and then was free to move about the museum. The museum starts with a description of Battery Randolph and then moves chronologically with artifacts and stories from early Hawaiian warriors up to modern day US war participation. It was interesting to walk through the rooms and tunnels. Be sure to visit the second floor where Hawaiian service people are recognized and see the helicopter and gun up close. Then follow the tunnel back to the front of the museum. A gift shop offers reasonably priced military themed hats, shirts, Legos, books and much more. Plan about two hours to visit. The facility does provide restroom access for guest. The Museum is walkable from any hotel in Waikiki. The facility is accessible though some floors are uneven.

The US Army Museum of Hawaii is a charming and small museum free of charge. The museum takes about…read more2 hours to fully complete. The museum contains historical artefacts and information from the 1700s to there latest addition being a 2008 US Army military uniform. The museum displays the progression in military equipment and tactics. Overall is a must have for experiencing the progression of warfare. There is a gift shop in the front of the museum, which contains COBI tank models (a Polish toy company, all bricks made in Poland, bricks are better quality than official LEGO all bricks printed no stickers) , hoodies, tee shirts, hats, mugs, bottles, military themed pencil sharpeners, posters, etc. All items are somewhat reasonably priced, only small markup. Overall a great collection of artefacts and a well set up gift shop. A must have for anyone visiting Hawaii, especially those on a budget.

I've traveled all over Asia during the past 20 years and so far had the best experience with Air &…read moreSea Travel. Compared to other travel agencies I've tried... Air & Sea Travel seemed to always give me the best "bang for the buck". They manage to find the best hotels and restaurants one can find at a fair price. So far the Air & Sea Tour Leaders who accompany the group on the tour have been courteous, organized, and careful. They look out after everyone in the group and always give helpful "heads up" suggestions about the place we are visiting next... and sometimes suggest what items are good to buy and bring home. I've done some Air & Sea tour packages going to Japan and China. I just recently came back from the Silk Road Xinjiang Tour and had a blast. For this tour, we had IMO the best local guide, her name is Risa. She spoke passionately about Uyghur culture and was one of the few local guides that I did not notice anyone falling asleep to on the bus (at least from where I was sitting in the back of the bus). In contrast with other different tours... the local guide will speak in a monotone voice and give text-book like lectures on the bus. People will then start to tune out and fall asleep. The company tour leader would then have to interrupt and tell a joke to wake everyone up. Pleasantly... this was not the case with Risa and this Air & Sea Xinjiang tour. The group also found Risa fun to hang out with on this tour. The Air & Sea Tour leader for this particular Silk Road Xinjiang tour, Derrick K., was outstanding and organized. He kept everything together like super glue and made things go as smoothly as possible. Having great local guides and tour leaders are what help make any tour successful. Actually... all of the other Air & Sea Tour leaders on my previous trips (Ryan, Mike, Derick S.) were outstanding as well. What I like about Air & Sea overall is that their tour itineraries are carefully thought out. They don't try to cram too much stuff into one day like other companies do as that can be tiring. Air & Sea tours give one the experience to try foods that are not usually found in Honolulu. I've been on their Tibet, Kyushu, Hokkaido, Harbin, Niigata, and lately Xinjiang tours. All were great. These Air & Sea tours have been a culturally educational and fun experience for me.

First time tour with Air & Sea, refer by friends and also YELP. I've been on other tours...NST…read more This is the best , been to Japan 3-times. Went on a shopping and eating tour in Tokyo 8-days, was awesome. The tour guide Derrick was really good, making sure everyone is having a good time, he really tried to accommodate your wishes to visit other areas if possible. Mr. Obasan our Japanese tour guide was also good too, letting us know what to expect at every destination. This will be my new travel agency for future tours. Only one complaint...Flying with Hawaiian Air wasn't a good experience, especially when I flew 1st Class, I wish we flew JAL or ANA. Aloha, Derek