Our family has been to at least a half dozen combined Luaus on nearly all the Hawaiian Islamds and the Mauna Kea Luau is by far the best we've experience. The food and presentation of the food was NOT a run of the mill buffet style - my wife called it "high end wedding reception" presentation- it was also high quality ingre and was continuously freshened and cleaned up. The history of Hawaii angle of the show was great - it didn't drag on, they kept a nice pace and really the nearly three hours breezed by. The location was 5star plus plus! For the entertainment quality, the top notch dining (for a buffet) and the setting this was a 10/10. We also are not easy to please on vacation lol - even great service gets usually a 4/5 star because there can always be room for improvement but this show was famtastic! read more

We had our reservations for June 2nd, and due to a drizzly day, they had to have the luau indoors. Understandable, and with Alii seating, we figured it should still be good. We were wrong. We were seated far to the side, and our cattle call-like line was last. This means, we got our food just as the show started and had to find our seats and eat in the dark. The photo is from our view of the Fire and Knife dance (which they had to have outside). Every once in a while, the flamed torch end was visible above the crowd, but my 8 yr old nephew left very confused as to why they weren't kid friendly. All that money spent on remodel, but not a dime for guest services. They've lost a step. read more

Mauna Kea Luau - Fire and Ice Ceremony - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

This is an incredible Luau in an amazing setting. I am not sure one has a better sunset. The performers are amazing from the band to the host and all of the dancers. Really a great time. The food is also very good. I recommend this to all traveling to the Kona Coast of Hawai'i. read more

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Incredibly expensive is where I would start. For a buffet style meal it is a lot of money. Add on top of that they ran out of several items at the buffet before everyone had a chance to eat. Didn't think the quality of food warranted the price as well. The entertainment was great and I understand you are paying more for the atmosphere and experience. But at over $550 for a family of four that is a very expensive night. The new premium section is a little alienating. Don't need a reminder while spending over $500 that other people are spending more to not wait in line to get in and get better seats and get to eat first. Overall hard to recommend unless you just have money to burn. read more

Actually 3.5stars We were told to arrive by 4:45 and the itinerary said for photography However no one arrived until 5:05 and then the check in process was started at 5:10. Drinks were good. Show was okay, food was good and plentiful but nothing spectacular. We did not care for the Christmas portion of the show , very corny. Would we come back? No, I would try another place, many seats open and too pricey, the best part of the show was the fire guy. Ambiance was beautiful 4 stars. read more

Mauna Kea Luau - Imu ceremony - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

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It was fabulous! Best Lual I've ever seen! Entertaining and very professional. I learned about Hawaiian culture and history as well as enjoying a good meal!! read more

Beautiful location, excellent food and service. The show was amazing! They gave you the history of Hawaii through music and dance. Very professionally done! Highly recommend this one! Worth every penny! read more

I've experienced quite a few Luau's and this was the best. The food, setting and show were all fantastic.

For the price of $200 a person it was insane. The hotdog buns were hard. The crab legs were not scorned for an easy open. There were so many flies it made eating uncomfortable. Not to mention drinks were not included on that $200 tab. Overpriced. Would not do it even if I got a free invite. read more

Perfect location, great vibe, and wonderful performance - but the whole experience felt rushed. The performance started before our table was called up for food, leading us to miss ~1/4 of it, seeing how short it was. The food seemed good, but if you are not one of the first tables, the food options will be decimated and underwhelming. read more

Our family of 4 had a very good experience at the Mauna Kea Luau on 4/24/2026. Complementary welcome necklaces and drinks started the evening out on a festive note. A photographer was also available for family photos. We then were able to watch as the cooked pig was pulled out of the traditional fire pit. A good-quality buffet including pork, beef, fish, chicken, and shrimp then followed. A good selection of desserts and after-dinner coffee were also included. Specialty drinks as well as beer/wine were available for an extra charge. The luau entertainment was well-paced, professionally presented, and covered many different aspects of Hawaiian history and culture. Highly recommended. read more

Also called Mauna Kea Beachfront Luau or Luau at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel... This was an absolutely beautiful and well choreographed luau. The music, dancing, and food were all high quality. The feast covered all the usual items. Check out their menu online. The Teriyaki beef was very tasty as was the poke. The deserts were delicious as well. One opportunity for them to work on are flies. I get it, we are outdoors and food attracts flies but there has to be a solution to ridding maybe half the flies. Not a deal breaker but just saying... The location was perfect, on the beach, sunset, surrounded by little grove of trees, nice breeze... very romantic and exotic. The dancing, fire dance, music, performers were all top notch. They had a wonderful story shared through the program, very high quality. The dancers/actors must put a ton of time into practicing and it shows. Makes other luaus look childish honestly. We've seen many. Second gripe is the premium seating. We came towards the end of seating period and we were seated at a front table next to other folks but on the far left near the band. It wasn't front and center. Disappointing given we paid more. This isn't explained when purchasing tickets online very well. If it is, I missed it. But just beware, premium doesn't necessarily mean better all the time. Lastly the price. It's expensive. $230 for adults, $160 for kids. Premium seating. Is it worth it. That's for you to decide. Standard seating isn't much cheaper though. But the Maunu Kea Hotel, come on! What a beautiful place! One of the best in the world IMO and we didn't stay there so can't talk to the rooms but the hotel and location is the best. Would we go back? In a heartbeat. Quick summary Music Dancing/Performers Food Hotel/Location Overall read more

Been to a couple luaus and this may be the best. The setting is beautiful and food was great! The cocktails were what you'd expect overpriced and not well done, but you aren't coming here for the drinks. The food once again was exemplary and the show was top notch. They did a great job doing old and new songs, plus the MC... she was amazing! Worth the money! read more

Extremely overpriced for mediocre buffet food, some of which they ran out before all tables were called and never replaced. The single welcome drink had been sitting a while with melted ice and watered down. Location was pretty with a nice sunset backdrop. Show was okay, but not authentic. Timing was odd in that they were performing while tables were still getting food, then took a break once we were seated. Expected a more cultural experience. We were very disappointed especially for this high price. read more

I can't say enough about how wonderful this was to attend on our last night at the big island. The performers and the setting were top notch. The photographer and service staff were really nice. My only complaint which can't be helped- the flies were a nuisance but they did have staff fanning the food trying to keep them away. Overall a 9/10! read more

Mauna Kea Luau - The band - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

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We had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the location, the selection and abundance of food, and the performances were top rate! We definitely recommend this luau (a bit pricey, but worth it) and plan to return. read more

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My husband and I visited the Luau on Tuesday, September 30th. When we arrived, there was no one there to greet us or give us any sort of direction on where we needed to go. We were not the only people that were confused on where to line up. We enjoyed the show, Everyone in the show did a great job including the band. Fire dancer was the best. He did a great job. As for the food and the Kahlúa pork was extremely dry. Although they gave you a sauce/gravy to put on it, you should not eat any sort of sauce. It was so dry I could not eat it. Food was OK. I'm not sure that we would return again. read more

We have been to the Sheraton, King Kam and now Mauna Kea Luaus. We have enjoyed the beautiful history and culture of all three. I would say the Luau at King Kam was much more family friendly, with more diverse meal options including a keiki friendly station, and there were areas for children to play and run about during down times of the performance. In general, the performance was stunning at all three, but the King Kam luau was an elevated performance, history and entertainment experience with respect to Mauna Kea. read more

Food , service, entertainment was perfection. Highly recommend to all that are interested. read more

Best luau we have been too on Big Island or Maui! This felt like a truly cultural experience and not just a catered to tourists event. The food was absolutely EXCELLENT, delicious and so many things to try. The location was beautiful as you could watch the sunset behind the stage during dinner/the show. The stories they conveyed and the dancing and live musical accompaniment were beautiful and interesting and varied. My son is 5 and he loved every second of it. They even let him come in with them to blow the conch shell to start the event because he was so curious talking to the dancers before the show began. It was worth every penny. read more

I have wanted to experience a Luau since I was little girl and I finally had this wish come true! Wonder ambiance, food and exceptional entertainment read more

Mauna Kea Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

They ask you to arrive 45 minutes early so you can stand in the hot sun even after paying for premium seating. Numerous elderly couples standing in the grass with canes for 45 minutes. They give you a watered down mai tai then seat you in rickety chairs next to strangers. First thing they do is ask you to get up and file mob style out to see them dig up a pig carcass you will be eating. Evidently stupid Haoles will put up with anything, right? We left immediately after they asked us to wander out to watch the unveiling of the pig. read more

This is a legit event that is expensive, but absolutely worth it. The performance was professional and well organized. Important historical story telling incorporated in the show. The food was superb. Very impressive - cooking the pig in a traditional island method! There are many luau's around the islands, this one is top drawer. read more

Too pricey for what you get. I've been coming here for 28 years. The food has degraded and so has the value for the dollar. The show was too long and felt stretched out without being for the content. read more

The setting on the water at sunset is the absolutely perfect for the show. The food selection is large and everything was flavorful. The show was very good and it left me with the impression that the cast were committed to making the absolute best performance and it was personal based on their culture. The show was interactive enabling the audience to participate at different points throughout. Bravo to the entire Production Team!! read more

Performance was sub par because most of it was prerecorded. Paid $500 for 2 people and you only got 1 drink. They charged for more. Luau at the Hilton at waikaloa is way better. Unlimited drinks and service was way better. It took way too long for our 2nd paid drink...didn't order anymore after that. read more

We loved this show from start to finish. Watching them unearth the pig, having a chance to learn to hula and seeing the manta rays at night was an added bonus. We attended a different luau in the past- and preferred this one. It felt more intimate and the performance was very updated- my 16 and 11 year old could follow the story lines for each one. Lots of fun! read more

Me gustó mucho muy buena presentación y buen ambiente Super. read more

Mauna Kea Luau - Excelente - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

If you aren't staying at the Mauna Kea, this is a fantastic place to visit for a good Luau. The setting is by far the best I've been to. It is right on the water at sunset, just amazing. The hotel is gorgeous and worth visiting. The food was good. It's always hard to feed buffet style but that's a Luau so it's hard to be critical. It was good food. Being outside there were a lot of flies, they had fans over half the food, they should put out fans over all the food. The performers were spectacular. Very talented group. As for the program I didn't like that they bring people on the stage at the end of the performance. I felt it distracted from the build up of the show. I would prefer to end with a high energy dance, fire, singing... but bringing guests up brought the energy to a screeching halt. They also do it twice which is difficult. I'm not there to see a bunch of tourists try to hula. The people in my group said this is one of the best they've been to. Even with my feedback I do agree its good. It's worth it. read more

Mauna Kea Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

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This is a nightmare. I truly don't understand how this can possibly be the top rated luau on the island. To start, you get there and you have to get into a massive line. They ran out of drinks before we got there. I practically got accosted as we were walking in like I should not have been there?! Then I find out that she's our waitress and she completely passes over our family to ask us if we needed anything. We finally get seated and the seating area is like something out of a cheap restaurant. Nothing was remotely comfortable. Tables go up for food 1-2 at a time at the buffet that's absolutely SWARMING with flies. Nothing felt sanitary about this place. The food was mediocre AT BEST. They were constantly running out of food and couldn't keep up. It was a disorganized mess. People are still getting their (first plate) of food and the show is starting and you can't even hear what's going on. The salad was good. The shrimp felt suspect with all the flies. The flies were ALL OVER the teriyaki steak. I attempted a piece and it was leather. The ahi was gone on one side of the buffet. The service was god awful. I couldn't find our waitress almost ever. It's dirty. It's a disorganized mess. The cats swarm the second the food is removed. The ONLY good thing about the show were the performers. If this is the best luau on the island, go to Maui where a real luau exists. Oh, and it's valet parking so to leave that's a whole event in it of itself. Don't expect to leave for another 45 minutes at least. read more

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We had friends visiting from New York. One friend was using a walker and required extra time to be seated. The entire staff was very helpful and accommodating. We'be attended this Luau at The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel many times in the past and were always please with everything. The show was even better than we remembered and the service was excellent. Mahalo Nui Loa, Patrick Toal & Jon Vagi read more

Check in was poor. We arrived for the "show only" portion at 6:15 as stated on the ticket. Then we waited... and waited. There was a pre-show going on, but finally found someone (she said she didn't work there but would find someone.. might have been involved in the production itself) and we were sat at about 6:50 pm. The show itself was OK. It was hard to hear the pre-recorded portions and the sound system in general. The live singing was muffled. Mai Tai's were $18/each (additional). The offer was supposed to come with coffee and tea but we weren't offered it and didn't see anyone having it, either. 3 small dessert pieces were provided. They were good, but very small. We were given lei's, which we weren't expecting, so that was a plus. All in all, it was just an "OK" experience. I've stayed at this resort before (even emailed the concierge as I'm a lifetime Platinum Elite with the hotel) but didn't get any response or acknowledgement from them which was disappointing. Even if this wasn't a "hotel event" (which might be the case), an acknowledgement would've been nice. There aren't too many Luau's to visit on the Big Island, but honestly, had someone in our party not insist on getting to one, we would've skipped it. Sadly, the highlight wasn't the actual luau, but the views and the manta ray set up they have. Hopefully, once the pandemic ends, the free outdoor Hawaiian dancing at the nearby plaza will re-open. That was free and, in my opinion, leaps above this one. The dancers were great, don't get me wrong. They are talented and it was fun to watch, but nothing too exciting and wouldn't return (even with another insistent visitor). As the singing and sound system were muffled and hard to understand what they were saying, it was just a costly experience that wasn't very enjoyable or memorable (even my friend said she had higher hopes). Definitely other options to consider first and shame on Marriott for not even acknowledging a loyalist. read more

Mauna Kea Luau - Performing Arts Near Me - Kohala, Hawaii

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Open during COVID. It was a great show! Premier seating $160/person General seating $140/person Service on point and amazing The music was live and great band. The hostess was so good, she sang well and was so entertaining. The performers were really good. The show talked about the cultural history of the Hawaiian gods. And then talked about the history of Hawaii from the 1700s. The dancing was soo good. And the performance included a segment with traditional samoan dancing with fires. Alcoholic drink- mai tai that was really strong Appetizers- cocktail shrimp. Taro bread was so warm and good. Fruit platter had all fresh and sliced fruit. Main course- kalau pork was so good! It was the by far the best kalau pork I ever had on the island. Its probably cause it was cooked the traditional way in taro leaves Vermicelli noodles was really good. Side dish poke was standard. Salmon lomi was standard. Desert- lolikoi cheesecake, lava cake was good. Sign up on the website. It was super easy. And check in was easy. They give you a plastic lei you can take home. I highly recommend this luau. And you don't even need to be staying at this resort to attend the performance. read more

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Such a great venue. The performers were truly amazing. The woman that narrated also sang and had an amazing voice. The other performers were so talented and great actors in each of the different acts of the show. Felt like a true immersion. The guy that did the fire baton blew us away. Would recommend to anyone. read more

A great addition to visiting Hawaii. The food, people, views and food were all wonderful. The show, especially the fire dance, was the highlight. Highly recommend! read more

My friends and I attended the Mauna Kea Luau in Hawaii. At the event, there were music and dance performances to watch near a beautiful ocean view, an abundance of Hawaiian food to eat served buffet style, and beverages to drink. The event was well organized and the itinerary ran smoothly throughout the whole event. The event area was very clean and staff members were friendly. My friends and I were entertained and enjoyed the Mauna Kea Luau event. It was wonderful to witness and experience the Hawaiian culture through food, music, and performance with a beautiful sunny and night setting Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. read more

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Absolutely loved their Luau!! Everything was perfect!! The food was outstanding and they really catered to my wife who has Celiac disease, they came to her and had us go first so there wasn't any chance for cross contamination and that was super cool, they also brought her some sherbet ice cream for dessert that was delicious. The service was also outstanding as they catered to everyone's needs. And the show was incredible, it was different than all the other luaus we have been too. The fire Chief was the best I have seen. The ambiance was second to none. Mahalo read more

Wonderful experience! First ever Hawaiian luau, attended with husband and 3 daughters last night of vacation, celebrating 22nd wedding anniversary. Beautiful setting, view of ocean on point of bay as sun sets; lots of food variety and everything was delicious; attentive server who gave us complimentary drinks for our anniversary; awe-inspiring performers and music. Felt like a Hawaiian-themed mini-Vegas show!! 100% satisfied! One minor critique-'complimentary' photos taken before the show actually require purchasing...for the $$$ I paid for the premier seating, it would have been appreciated if the photos truly were complimentary. read more

In full disclosure, we did the Show only. We were offered to partake in the coffee and desserts but declined. The show itself was great. Good mix of history, storytelling, singing and great dancing. I wasn't going to leave a review but I saw someone had commented about sexualized dancing. I'm guessing he sat there reading his scriptures instead. It is the Pacific; warm and humid. They dressed appropriately and true. If you didn't feel comfortable you and yours could have left, no one would care. Someone else complained about the price of drinks. It's a resort; rooms aren't cheap and neither are the drinks. Not sure if it was a good decision or not but it was $180 for dinner and show, $130 for just the show. At the end of the night, we had an amazing time, learned a little and were entertained. I'm not sure what more you can ask! read more

First, they ask you to get there thirty to forty-five minutes early and leave you standing in a line the entire time, whether you've paid a premium fee or not. The seats feel like they're about to collapse and you are seated uncomfortably close to total strangers. The music is basic and they charge a premium price for drinks. I left when they told everyone to get up and crowd around the dead pig they would be serving. Now that's entertainment! I lost $500, but am happy I didn't wait around to see what was next. read more