The Mauna Kea luau is so not worth it. We've been to plenty luau's in the past and this one had to be the most expensive and worst one. For starters, if you don't get premium, you sit in the back and can barely see the show. Secondly, the drinks are NOT included. Not once have we ever been to a luau that drinks weren't included. We paid $230 each for food and an hour show? Sounds like a rip off. The show was decent but there was only one fire guy and there are usually more. Do yourself a favor and go to the Hilton or Marriott Luau as drinks are included and much more favorable. read more

This luau was not terrible- I just feel the whole event was a bit disorganized. Thank GOODNESS we didn't pay for premium seating! The only difference was you sat at a different table, got an appetizer of chips and hummus brought out to you, and they got a flower Lei instead of a hard shell lei. Definitely not paying extra for that! You can't video or photograph the performance. The food was decent. The performance seemed very scripted and disorganized. One woman is the MC of the night and scripts the whole evening. I've been to way better luau's in the Hawaiian islands. This did not feel authentic or natural at all. They were also about 20 minutes late to opening the doors for us to be seated. The sun was in our eyes the whole night. read more

We have been to 4 luaus now including this. We went to PCC twice and then Paradise Cove once, which are both in Oahu. CONS It's pretty pricey because on the other luaus we've been to, we paid less than $100 for the buffet, show & other activities, but here we paid $110 including tip for the show & buffet. On every luau I go to, I have a habit of comparing the taro bread from PCC, which is like heaven to me. The taro bread they have here is blah, but majority of the food are delish. PROS I like the fact that they don't discriminate and treat you differently because of how much you paid like the luaus in Oahu, where if you pay more you get front row seat for the show & a special lei. Here everyone pays the same amount & are treated equally. The seating is on a first come per serve basis. For some reason I payed more attention to the show here. It was interesting because it's about the story of Pele the Hawaiian fire goddess. Also, I guess because they don't allow you to take pictures or videos during the show as oppose to the other luaus I've been to. Overall I enjoyed our experience here in Mauna Kea. read more

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We have come to the Big Island and frequented the Mauna Kea Luau many times. Great setting, nicely run. Some not great changes. Used to have an open bar. No more. Just a very watery Mai Tai and then on top of the steep price charges for any other alcohol. At a minimum I would have liked a glass of wine gratis instead of the watery mai tai. Still, the show is excellent and food pretty good. In my view still the best place to go for a luau on the Kona side. read more

Had a great time at this luau. We booked late and missed the premiere seating. That didn't matter though as the view was fine from our table. The food was great and i definitely didn't leave hungry. I don't eat meat so couldn't partake in the traditional pig but others raved about it. The show itself wasn't too long which was probably best as the many kids were getting crank after 830p read more

Overpriced ... decent show ... 3 1/2 stars ... atrocious food ... 1 star ... Setting of the lu'au was the Mauna Kea Resort, older but regal looking, well kept hotel on northwest part of the Big Island. Sunset backdrop of the dinner and show was so beautiful that it had many people taking pictures of the scenic vista even during the show. The narrative of the show was more about Polynesia in general, rather than Hawaii but I didn't have a problem with that. What bothered me the most was the atrocious cafeteria quality food for so much money. Everything was bland and thoroughly below average. Main salad was nothing but tub of lettuce, I mean just lettuce and nothing else. Pulled pork and turkey, the main meat dish was flavorless and dry. Mystery meat wrapped in leaves was fatty and of low quality. The traditional whole pig roast was nowhere to be found. Cocktail shrimp bar section of the buffet was main seafood offering. There were smattering of other seafood items of little consequences. Even worse, they automatically tacked on 15% gratuity for self-serve buffet, making it $127 per person. I would have gladly paid for just the show if that was an option. The show was kid-friendly and the whole performance was pretty good if not bit touristy. I believe the hotel guests get a discount and might be worth doing if staying on the property. Otherwise, I cannot recommend this lu'au. read more

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First experience of a luau and it was so much fun! The show was easy to follow and interactive with the audience. The best part was definitely the flame throwers. So talented! Very expensive but does include dinner and 1 drink. The scenery is beautiful, check in process was smooth, and buffet line was quick. We did not upgrade to the premium seats and have no regrets with not upgrading. read more

Well done entertainment and a complete luau food selection. Beautiful setting for an enjoyable Hawaiian evening.

from the greetings with a delicious Mai Tai to the excellent service and fantastic food and amazing show , this was a magical experience!! highly recommended read more

Luau was in the forefront of the most beautiful beach. The food was bland, but expected. Great dancers, who were able to get great audience participation, with the actual show only lasting ~45 minutes. I, and no one, should be shocked at the steep price, as it correlates to most anything you purchase on the island. It's a touristy event, there are lots and lots of people who are willing to pay. We were actually at the front of the line, as we listened to previous reviews for this event. No one was allowed to go back and see the actual pig roasting event. So I can't say that it was even there! The wait in line wasn't so bad since we were at the front (again, heed the advice of the previous yelpers!) But for my tween and teenager, it was a once in a lifetime experience, and they both enjoyed it, so I guess it was worth it. read more

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Our Luau was such in incredible treat! The staff was extremely attentive and friendly. The performance was not only entertaining and extremely well done but it was full of wonderful history and information about Hawaii and her native people. The food was absolutely outstanding as well! I would book another Luau with a Mauna Kea in a heartbeat! Thank you for such a wonderfully beautiful experience! read more

Premier seating by the stage and ocean is worth it. GREAT FOOD read more

This luau was beautiful and hosted by Lorna Lim. Her voice is beautiful and she is so engaging. The dancers and performers are beautiful. The setting is magical against the ocean. After the show I looked up Lorna and found that her family has been presenting the luau at the Mauna Kea since the 1960's. You can just feel the love she has for Hawaiian culture. This obviously is a big draw for tourists. However, it is not "cheesy" whatsoever and is a beautiful show. The food was also very good which doesn't happen often at these types of shows. Loved it!! Look at the stage picture, that background looks unreal yet it's the natural sky!! read more

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I visit the islands often, but haven't attended a luau for 15 years. It was due time. I read several reviews to seek some of the best food and least cheesy performance. The Mauna Kea Luau was high on several lists, so I selected the priority seating option for us. This luau is a smaller capacity in general, so although the up front seating wasn't as important, the extra coin gained quite a few perks: priority seating, professional oceanfront photograph before entry, a shell lei, first to the buffet, and front row seats. Additionally, while the general seating was taking place, those of us in priority seating were already settled in with our first drink order taken, so we were able to head over to watch the Imu Ceremony, (removing the pig from the ground oven). Would I pay the extra again? Absolutely. Luau's are infrequent events, so why not have the best experience possible! We were promptly told to head to the buffet, and the set was beautiful. I had high expectations for the pig but not as much for the other offerings. I was happily proven wrong! I really liked all of my food, from the several salad options to the side dishes, the sashimi and the main beautiful pork. Dessert was nice, too, not only with good bread pudding, flan and other sweet options, but with lovely pineapple and papaya, which is what I filled my plate with. The events moved quickly without any unwanted downtime (great for families or inpatient husbands;-). As folks ate there was a brief audience participation to learn a Hawaiian dance, and from there, the main show commenced. With live music and lots of dancing, the history of the islands was portrayed on the stage. I enjoyed myself and wasn't overwhelmed with what can be pretty cheesy. Did it have some of that, well yeah, but I really enjoyed myself. Great food, entertainment, a gorgeous setting at a beautiful location in perfect weather; what's not to love. I recommend the Mauna Kea Luau! read more

Food was buffet and it was so delicious. Kaluha pork, poke, beet poke salad stood out. Dessert was tasty. Lava cake, mac nut chocolate cookie, so yummy! The dancing part was a good amount of time not too long or too short. The dancers were talented and good looking. We even got to meet and greet and take photos with them afterwards. The view of the ocean and sunset was beautiful! Great luau. read more

Our first time out on the islands and first time at a luau. Was very impressed! I've been to native American pow wows. But the luau was beyond amazing in my opinion! Was very awesome getting the back story of everything. Well definently come back to the island and check out another luau! Mahalo! read more

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For the price paid the food was not good, location was great, service was great, drinks were great and the performance was fantastic. So just be prepared. read more

didn't love it. show was boring and too many intermissions. should have flowed better.

The luau at Mauna Kea was spectacular. We have been to a lot of luaus because they put us in the Hawaii spirit. This one was masterfully staged and the performers were outstanding. The MC was as good as I have ever seen and recited her part beautifully. The dancers were attractive and skilled. We enjoyed them a lot! read more

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If I were rating the show on just the hula dancing, story telling, fire dancing, and warmth of the staff, I would give it 5 stars. However, for around $150 a ticket (premium seating) I was disappointed in the food. It was ok, but for that money, it should be damn excellent, right? I would have like to have seen more choices on the buffet, the potato salad tasted funny, and the desserts were low quality. Also, you get ONE Mai Tai! For that price, one would think more alcohol would be included. Also, the chairs were really uncomfortable. They had no cushion or padding and everyone at our table was complaining of a sore bum after sitting there for 2 hours. I'm glad our friends treated us to this Luau. As lovely as the entertainment was, it wasn't worth the price! read more

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

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This is a beautiful location, but not worth the price. They were 20 minutes late starting, seating is tight, and the food average. The dancing and fire show were great, but the entire presentation was too short. Sadly, we would not go back. read more

Way overpriced for premium seating at almost $200/person. Food ran out almost immediately and was very dry and bland. Pork was particularly dry and bland. Drinks were served in disposable plastic cups (at least get some decent solid plastic cups). Grounds are dated and need renovation, like the entire hotel. Performance was good though. I sincerely hope management improves the operation at this hotel because many other guest insole with feel the same way. They're destroying a fantastic property due to neglect and apathy. read more

This was a nice Luau (I've got nothing to compare to) and the food was extensive and good. The only thing I had hoped for was some interaction between the dancers and the audience. read more

The actual dancing of the stories was beautiful. The live band was lovely. Everything else was a huge disappointment. In your confirmation email it states to get there between 440pm and 510pm and that it starts at 530pm. After we got there at the time we were advised, we waited for almost an hour as they had nothing inside or outside set. Then once they appeared ready, they started taking what I can only assume is marketing photos while we're all waiting and not acknowledged. Then they brought this whole group of people up to enter first even though we had been waiting for forever and had purchased the VIP seating. Get to our seats which feels like we're all packing into a tuna can when it's finally time for food, no one can tell me what's peanut allergy safe. Why did they bother asking for dietary restrictions if they don't care? And I have NEVER been to a luau and paid for VIP and had to purchase my own drinks in addition to the VIP price. This was a ripoff for over $800. read more

Everything about this Luau was wonderful to say the least. Food was excellent and a great selection to choose from. The ceremony of cooking the pig was very interesting, the entertainment was fabulous telling their native stories thru dance and music and especially the fire dance, I was in awe. This was the perfect way to spend my last night on the island and I highly recommend this to everyone. A must see!! read more

This Luau was amazing! The food was delicious and the performer's were professional! Excellent and would highly recommend it! We had a great time! read more

A friend recommended that we go to this Luau and it was amazing! Beautiful, educational, the food was great and the overall atmosphere was really spectacular. We also had an amazing sunset while we were there - it was an expensive night but worth it and we really enjoyed it all - very entertaining! We would highly recommend! read more

Save your money!!! This was the worst Luau I have ever been to. The food was gross & covered with flies. If the Mauna Lea hotel has a chef, he should be ashamed. The show was just okay, with canned commentary. The band was good. I have been to the Luau at the Marriott twice and it was so much better. Go there. read more

I would definitely not recommend this luau. I've seen other luaus on the islands and they seem to be a much more personal experience. At this luau, unless you pay more $, you are seated at a large table with complete strangers. The dinner was a buffet and in this day and age of covid, I can't believe how unsanitary they food conditions were. Hundreds of hands reaching into the buffet. The food, in my opinion, was not very good. There were so many people and unless you paid for the more expensive seats (and not general admission) you could not see much of the show. We have been to other luaus and have seen other luaus, and I would recommend trying something different. read more

Do not waste your time and money on this event. We were staying at the Westin and this luau was advertised as the best so we spent $216 a person to attend. The event started late and the drinks were watered down due to the ice melting because of the late start. My husband doesn't drink alcohol and even his fruit punch was tasteless because of the watered down effect of the ice melting. If you want more than one Mai Tai you have to pay extra above the $216.00. The whole event seemed like a tourist trap to me. They also advertised fire dancers and there were none. Instead they performed an introduction of royalty and their customs. If you want to understand the royalty customs visit the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park and watch the video in the amphitheater. It is a much better representation than this luau. The buffet was okay as all buffet's have issues with food sitting out. There were no precautions taken for covering the food. And even though the setting was outside everyone was crammed together at the tables and one side of the table had to strain their necks to see the show. There was no room to turn the chair. It was quite uncomfortable especially with any Covid concerns. There are much better options than this for things to do and places to eat on the island. read more

This was absolutely amazing. I've been to a few luaus across the different islands now and it was up there as one of my favorites. Food selection was amazing. The cultural portion was amazing and there is nothing I can say negatively about it. Minus maybe the parking/valet situation. Recommend leaving first or last. read more

I was very skeptical as I'm not a fan of touristy events nor buffets. I attended with my hubs, my boys age 7 & 8 and friends with their kids 5&7. We all had a memorable experience. Upon arrival we found ourselves in a long line waiting to take a photo upon entering. This was the worst part of the experience and honestly even though I hate standing in line, it wasn't that bad. We arrived at 5:45, so I would get there earlier like 5:15 to avoid the line. So we never saw the Imu ceremony. We were leied with shell necklaces which was a nice souvenir. Food at buffet was actually good. I had ahi poke, chilled shrimp, Kailua pork (really moist), Hawaiian sweet bread, grilled Mahi ( this was the only item I felt was dry). My boys loved the poke and teriyaki steak. The line at the buffet wasn't long since you are able to help yourself right after you're seated. This maybe why they hold the line at the beginning to take the photo to sort of meter people entering. The waiter did a great job of checking on us and filling our water cups. The atmosphere and the show though is where we were really impressed. It's an intimate tree-covered setting at the beautiful mid-century modern Mauna Kea Resort facing the ocean at sunset. The hostess, dancers and artists were all very talented and gave such a positive energy...they gave their all. The kids were thoroughly entertained and loved the fire dancers. There was enough room to allow the kids to watch from the side (when they were feeling antsy) or the in front of the stage but there really wasn't a bad seat in the house. Only negative was I got a few mosquito bites (I'm one of those that seem to attract Mosquitos so be prepared if necessary. After the show, we didn't want to fight the crowd waiting for valet so we took our time and took photos with the performers. While walking toward the lobby, we saw the ocean lit up and noticed that it attracted plankton which attracted 4 large manta rays which was awesome! By the time we were done with this, 30minutes now after the show, there was no wait at valet. I would do this again. Oh and look for a buy one get one 50% off coupon in the This Week free magazine usually available in the hotel lobby. read more

I really don't care to pay $250 for two for a show that lasted about and hour or so and food that was completely mediocre. we should have just spent that money on another night in Hawaii. You are seated with everyone in a very small space so that means you knock elbows with the person next to you. You get to take a picture before the show but it costs $30 to keep it. I really sincerely feel that a luau is for the suckers and tourists who are pushed to do it so you learn the history of Hawaiian culture. I can read $10 book and save myself the trouble. Everything just felt so gimmicky I want to forget that I went here! One last thing is that you get a "complimentary Mai tai", I'm sorry how is that complimentary ?? i just paid $250 for the show ! I am furious !! read more

This was a fun experience at a gorgeous resort. The show was very interesting and gave a lot of info about the history of the Hawaiian Islands and their culture. I highly recommend. read more

My wife and I had high hopes for our first official Hawaiian Luau, however we were a bit disappointed. Everything started off well, with friendly greeters with shell necklace leis, but the line to get in was so slow moving we missed the entire Imu ceremony even though we arrived early. The atmosphere/location was probably the most impressive part, a tree covered ocean-view cliff side at sunset. The food was just ok. I've personally had better Kailau pork (really dry) at a pig roast we did back in Nebraska. The mahi was also dry and the teryaki beef was a bit overdone...but what do you really expect from a buffet. The show itself was pretty decent although a bit short in my opinion. Chief fire stick twirler was probably the most impressive. You can tell they have put alot of time and thought into the development of the show. The worse part of the entire experience is probably the waitstaff. Our server brought us our complementary mai tai, fruit punch (my wife was pregnant), and water, and that was the last we saw of her until it was time for us to sign the check. While other table's servers came back to clear the table after dinner and ask if they wanted coffee, beers, or other beverages, our server did none of this. The worse part was the automatic 15% gratuity. I've waited tables in my past and I understand the importance of tips to the wages of servers but I still believe you have to earn it. Not even stopping by to refill our waters or to clear empty dinner plates just shows pure laziness and definitely not worthy of 15%...roughly a $30 tip given the cost of the overall dinner/show cost. read more

Great food and great entertainment! Loved the focus on the history of the Island. The mistress of ceremonies was wonderful and very talented. It was nice having the band play during the meal. My husband and I even got a dance in before the show started. It was absolutely worth it to pay a little extra for premium seating. read more

We liked how they included history and story with the dances. The fire dancer was excellent. The pig presentation was so amazing. The music was lovely. The buffet had tons of food even for the last people. Everything tasted great. They had several desserts and all the food was labeled for several dietary requirements. The location was gorgeous. There were plenty of places to walk around and things to see including wildlife like whales. read more

Sorry I really wanted to like my first Luau but it just was not that great. A big line to get in and we didn't get to see the pig being taken out. Then once inside we are sat kind of like cruise liner style right next to people you don't know in long tables. The food was nothing special. Flies hovered around all the stations. The show was pretty interesting but all in all dinner for 2 was not worth the 250$ price tag. read more

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

MAUNA KEA LUAU: Tue and Friday 1745 Imu ceremony and 1800-2100 Buffet and Show. $96.00 adult/$48.00 children(5-12) plus tax and gratuity. Show only $36.00 adult/$19.00 children plus tax. We did not pay to see the show. We just happened to pass through there not knowing the Luau was going on. We got sucked into nice voice and music, and getting closer, we saw very enjoyable nice performances. Dances were really good. read more

Best Luau we've been to in Hawaii (and we've been to 4). Food was good and performance was well timed. Premium seating was well worth the upgrade. read more