The food was inedible which was clear after one bite. They seem to be cutting on costs with low quality food that is not fresh but this risks leaving guests sick especially with bad fish and chicken. We had to leave early in order to have time to buy dinner somewhere else before everything closed. I called the manager Todd twice and he did not get back to me. read more

I bought 6 tickets to this luau. My husband and I were on a trip to Hawaii with our four, young-adult children to celebrate college graduations. All the guide books say that Luaus are corny but a "must do" on a Hawaii trip. I thought that sounded reasonable so I researched and found that this is the best one on the Big Island. No doubt this is true. The setting couldn't have been more picturesque. We had spend the day on Mauna Kea Beach and the beach IS all it is cracked up to be. Go there and snorkel there too. It was our best snorkeling on our trip. The Luau is on a rise above the beach and though you can't directly see the beach from your seat, it is just beyond where you sit and it is easy to get up and have a look and the site is lovely. The hotel is lovely too and worth a look around. Thus the two stars. I had the following complaints: The directions to the luau were so bad were where 20 minutes late, and others were too. One family of 4 I saw wandering around looking for the luau while we were never actually showed up and looked even more harried than our group. There was no signage. The address given, using Waz, took us to the public beach access and not the hotel. The person at the gate to the area and the doorman at the hotel, once we got there, after we said we were going to the luau admitted us but no one said, "Pass all the way through the hotel lobby and out into the back yard then follow the path to the right until it ends at the luau." That along with the information that you entered through the hotel have been useful information and would have gotten us there on time and without frustration. Also we might have looked less hot and annoyed in the obligatory picture they take and if the pic had been better, we might have thought about buying it. We never really recovered from that. If the hotel is embarrassed to have a luau on property they should figure out some discrete way to guide people without signs. Once we arrived, everyone else had drinks and was moving to the food line. My son-in-law had heard that at some of these they begin with a ceremonial removal of the roast pig from the pit. He wanted to see that. I don't know if they did that or not but I don't think so. Once seated with a vague waive of a hand we sat awkwardly for over well over 5 minutes not sure we were in the right place before anyone showed up and still had to ask for drinks. The plates and silver were fine, in fact the large wooden plates were cool but the drinks were all in very ordinary plastic cups. Gor 135.00 a person I would like a real glass. The reviews on on the mi tais were mixed. I liked it fine. One is included. We didn't buy more. Maybe we would have done the hula on stage if we had. The food was fine. Not the best or the worst Hawaiian food we had on our trip. Again, we were on the tail end of the food line so things might have been fresher and more attractive earlier. We had several foodies in our group who would have appreciated a bit of history and detail on what we were offered to eat. Several items were distinctively Hawaiian. There were small signs with the names of the dishes but not ingrediants. The show was past corny and made me and our college educated young adults uncomfortable. It felt like it hadn't been updated since the 70's, a very Brady Luau. They billed the luau as providing education on Hawaiian history and began the show with a request for reverence out of respect for native culture and then proceeded to play out the whole women in coconut bras and sequins dancing with half-drunk tourists and then posing for photos after. I had read up on Hawaiian history and culture before my trip and found it to be fascinating but little of it was actually explained and what was shared was so Disneyfied it might have been better just left unsaid. An entertaining show could be created that didn't do such violence to the culture and wasn't so corny. If the cash cow of the Hawaiian Luau is going to continue to give milk this is what the high-end places like this one need to pioneer. They could probably hire a consultant to do a review of the show just for what I paid, which after a 15% tip and tax for the non-premium option was 812.81. My husband and I polled the group before we left to be sure we should schedule a luau. Everyone thought "yes" and all were looking forward to it. After the Luau and some awkwardness at making any negative statements knowing we had stretched the budget to go, everyone in my group described the evening as disappointing. A luau was probably once something you should do on a Hawaiian vacation. It isn't any more. Swim with manta rays and sea turtles, go see lava, drink mi tais in a bar with locals, eat poke and ramen and plate lunch at the places recommended on yelp. Walk on the beaches, tour a coffee or nut farm, eat tropical fruit, gorge you eyes on tropical flowers. We had a wonderful vacation on the Big Island. This luau choice was the only hiccup. Skip it. read more

Played golf here lots of carry with over ocean shots and sand everywhere to play in, fun golf but hard hill lies good day here for sure, must play once for sure read more

Sadly, the experience was not good. Seen better luau on other islands. There are gaps in the performance and did not use the history of the big island. Talking about how Hollywood producers came to the island is not representative of the great history of the island. The food was too much and is wasted. I understand it is COVID and could not have a buffet style dinner, but the food could be less and more appetizing. read more

The family had a great evening at this luau. We enjoyed the more intimate setting with the ocean and sunset as the background. My 10 yr old daughter has significant nut and seafood allergies and we are always concerned about buffets. The staff handled this above and beyond our expectations. We got there early and as soon as you are seated you can go through the buffet. There where chefs at each station that walked me through what she could safely eat. Executive Chef Pollie even went out of his way to cook her a steak without the teriyaki sauce and gave her a special dessert. Thank you so much for the extra care!!! The show was awesome. The kids really enjoyed the story about Pele and of course the fire dance. Only negative was bug bites after it got dark so use some insect repellant! read more

This Luau was the best I've been to! The food was fresh and delicious, the setting was perfect next to the ocean at sunset, and the dancers were great! The other Luau's in the area are more for the masses of people and too over populated . read more

At $330 for two people (includes tax and mandatory gratuity) it was a bit expensive for the show and food. Food was marginal and show was good, not great. read more

We had a really nice time here. The view was really beautiful. It definitely seems higher end than other buffet style setups. The food was pretty good. Not amazing but it was like 3.5-4 star food. The show was a lot of fun. Your price comes with food, an alcoholic drink, and the show. It was around $97 each. When we got the bill, they gave us a discount which made our bill around $170 with tip included for the both of us. The resort was really nice on the outside too. The only real negative was that the waitress never really got us anything after our first drink and that took quite a bit. We would have drank a lot more if she was around. Afterwards we walked out to their small terrace where they had the lights on that attracted the manta rays. Overall a very enjoyable time read more

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

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Really awful experience. The MC was like a bad lounge act and yacked throughout the entire show. Some of the costumes, such as the hot pink and silver Mylar "grass" skirts, were downright ridiculous. Drinks were very expensive and tasted terrible. The pina colada tasted like a mixture of rum, ice, and pineapple-flavored chalk. Don't waste your money or your evening! read more

Too many flies on food. The servers never come back after giving you water and one drink. Even if you want to buy another drink. There is a 115 charge plus an extra 30pp and gratuity included. Nothing was mentioned the extra costs. Too much talking... more dancing. Thought it would be better due to high costs and listed number one in books. read more

A wonderful Luau!! Excellent food! Family friendly! We loved the mix of historical and contemporary Hawaiian performances. Seating arrangements due to COVID made for a more intimate experience with smaller table groupings and individual plating/family style meal! If you're looking for the BEST Luau on the Big Island, this is it!! read more

We paid almost $800 for our party of 4 for preferred seating, including the "mandatory" gratuity. Our table was off to the right side of the stage (pre-assigned). There was no buffet line as at last luaus we have gone to, which is understandable with Covid. Our server brought out the plated foods instead. Food was average. We were not offered additional servings of anything. Drinks were expensive. When the performance started, an announcement was made that we could not take pictures or videos. Why spend extra for preferred seating? This is the fourth luau we have been to, but the first restricting us from taking pictures during the show. If we had known this ahead of time, we would have picked a different luau. read more

I almost don't want to write such a positive review as I'm afraid it will get too crowded and we won't be able to get back in. I'm reviewing the 4th of July Luau which is on the other side of the hotel from the regular Luau which I haven't been to. The food was great, the service was great, and the Fireworks are some of the best I have ever seen. Once they start they are constant whereas some of the Fireworks shows you go to have big breaks between the good firings but no this one. We did this two years ago and missed last year becuase of Covid but we plan on doing this as an every 4th event. read more

Really gorgeous setting. Very intimate. Loved watching the sun set as the show began. Not like the other big/commercial luaus. Food was good, too. Very interactive. My kids are 7 and 5 and they were totally enthralled from the "royal court" introduction to the fire dancers to the finale. Appreciated that they had lower pricing for the kids. No photos during show but all of the performers hung around after to take photos and meet the audience. My five year old was super excited to meet the fire dancers and they did not disappoint. Not only did they take a photo with him but they were also very friendly and patiently answered his questions. Great experience!! Plus, the Muana Kea is so beautiful and traditional - old world Hawaii. After the show we even saw two huge manta rays swimming near the hotel. A really wonderful evening. Highly recommend. read more

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We stayed at the Mauna Kea hotel so the convenience itself earned it the third star. While I enjoyed the music and the effort, it was not well orchestrated. I'm not sure if it goes against Hawaiian culture or what, but if you prefer to enjoy a show while you eat my meal, this isn't for you. Spending an hour listening to hula music only to wait forever for the "presentation" was just drawn out. The food was decent. Not mind-blowing, but also not bad. If it was just the food alone, I'd give that 3 stars also. Make sure you bring sunglasses as you're facing the beautiful sunset. If you go in with an open mind you'll enjoy, just set appropriate expectations that it's not a Cirque performance in Vegas. read more

I read the negative reviews before attending so I started out with a slight hesitation however since my wife and I were staying at the Mauna Kea beach hotel we decided to go for the convenience of not having to drive elsewhere. At the end of the show, we both agreed it was the best luau we have experienced (the other one was on the island of Maui in Lahaina). There are some minor issues which I will address shortly. The show is only done twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays during our stay. We went on a Tuesday and paid for general seating at $115. Premium is another $20 more where you are seated and brought to the buffet first, placed up front nearest the stage, and given a different color lei to distinguish you from general. Even with general we arrived 10 minutes before show time and were still able to see the pig being pulled out of the pit (which lost our place in line). We interacted with the band which was playing during the wait in line to get in. Since we were hotel guests we were given a 10% discount card, however when presented at the time of seating we were just automatically upgraded to premium. By that time all the other folks who paid for the premium were already at the buffet so we had to catch up! The food was very decent, where my fave was the kalua turkey. Their food presentation was appealing, and kept them fully stocked. Coffee and tea were available as well! We are not alcohol drinkers so I cannot comment on other libations. What I found great was that they labeled certain foods gluten-free making it very easy to distinguish for my wife who is sensitive. Dessert was great too and by that time I was stuffed! You can get up at anytime during the performances and take advantage of the buffet. The show was wonderful, from the dancing to the story telling to even the audience participation (willing folks can get on stage) which is part of the entertainment value. I've put on my fair share of cultural shows and I know what it takes to entertain and educate simultaneously so something of this caliber is no easy feat. The dances were well choreographed, dancers were very talented, costumes were elaborate and colorful, the narration was clear and concise, and the lighting made for a very complete show! My absolute favorite part was the live house band. As a musician I am always a fan of live music and this band played for the majority of every performance. We were seated directly next to them so I was able to observe their talents and voices. What a wonderful team making complex songs seem effortless to play and sing! Add all of this in an open air stadium with the evening island breezes flowing and you have one memorable luau. As the show concluded we had the opportunity to take pictures with the performers. I talked to the band and they answered all my questions with a smile, even showing me their instrument features. They truly work hard and it shows! My only minor contention I had at the end was when it was time to pay. I was not charged for premium as promised however it would have been more decent to ask for the option of the upgrade to premium OR receive the discount. I would have gladly stayed in general seating and received 10% off, rather than upgrade to premium for free. I admit I could have voiced this earlier during seating. There is also a 15% gratuity added to the bill rather than to write the tip in myself. Of course you can also add even more tip if you were inclined. This is typical of resorts and we were used to it especially staying at their hotel. I was able to charge it all to my room with no hidden surprises at checkout. Overall, it was a lovely meal with great entertainment at a lovely venue at the most beautiful resort on the island. Just be ready for pay for it! read more

We were happy to find a luau operating and operating safely during COVID-19 so that my brother and (now) sister-in-law visiting Hawaii for the first time from St Louis could experience this. They really enjoyed it and so did my husband and I, who have been to a few others during non-COVID times. Well done, delicious mai tais, beautiful grounds, and more food than we could eat. Thank you. read more

Quick tips for those of you short on time. 1. Pay for just the show, the food was not worth it, and paying for premium (that's even more expensive that general which includes the food) to not miss any part of the show is not worth it. 2. Automatic 15% gratuity added to both food (sizzler style cafeteria get your own food/service) and drink (waitresses). 3. Drinks are so expensive, your head will be spinning but it's not the alcohol, it's the sticker shock of the receipt. For 1 diet coke (6oz) and 2 (8oz) weak mai tai's, $42.82. See picture. 4. Just like the airlines, if you don't pay the premium price, you get screwed out of part of the show since they take forever to seat everyone, and make the general seating wait till the last moment to be seated. 5. Dancers and singers were great. 6. Great sunset. If you're going to take pictures, you will miss part of the show. Details of what happened: We reserved the show at 4PM over the phone. Lady took our name down but didn't reserve anything because when we showed up, they couldn't find our reservation and were treated like a walk in. If the place was packed, we would have been turned away. Lucky for us it wasn't. The people at the Luau told us that "After 3PM, they don't update reservations." Lady on the phone should have know this and this is dishonest to hide this fact. My advice to you is, if you have not booked your reservation early in the morning (just to make sure) for the same day show, you are not going to be reserve a seat and have to roll the dice and possibly get an available seat. We got there at 5:15 and the show starts at 5:30. We were in a line and someone carrying black beads asked us, "are you premium or general?" When we said "general", they walked away like they made a mistake. About 15 minutes later, some other girl comes up to us and asks if we've received beads yet. We said no and were given Black Beads. Apparently people getting the white beads are the premiums. Had to leave my place in line to go see the part of the show-uncovering of the pig that was being cooked in the undeground "IMU" oven. When leafs were uncovered the big was already stripped down to a skeleton and pans of meat were next to the pig. When I asked the two gentlemen what the meat in the pan was, they said it was turkey (in case you can't eat pork). So the meat is not authentically cooked under the leafs and was pre-removed and cooked somewhere else. (Probably so it doesn't take an hour to cut away the meat) The menu on their website says" General Seating: $115.00 Adults / $57.50 Children (5-12) plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary Mai Tai or Keiki Drink Complimentary Mai Tai or Keiki Drink." When we sat down we were asked if we wanted the Mai Tai or the Keiki (kids drink). We said Mai Tai! Who turns down free alcohol. We were then given our bill for the food and show and an automatic 15% gratuity was added even though you were told when to get up and get your own food "sizzler buffet cafeteria style." We were like...wait....what's the tip for if we are getting our own food? After seeing the 15% added on to the $115/person price, we thought this was open bar, (how much does $2 of alcohol cost?) and thought that's just part of what you get. WRONG. A G A I N! We ordered two more Mai Tai's and one coke and were not told that this was going to cost us anything. ANOTHER DISHONEST ACT BY THEM! Most waitresses would have said "did you want to leave your tab open" to kind of warn you that this is not free. But no, the waitress just smiled and asked if we needed anything else. (Heart attack, stroke, faint bang your head on the chair next to you as she gets you the one thing you weren't expecting...|drum-roll| ......THE CHECK!) We got the check and were thinking they charged us for some meal. It was $42.82 for 1 6oz coke and two 8 oz Mai Tais. Not even a glass for your mai tai. At least if it was a red solo cup, it would have felt like a frat party. It was a clear small cup. This is completely redonculus! I mean this made Vegas dance club prices look like the 99 cent store. When we got the check, I was like Oh my god, Becky look at her butt, she looks like.... (nod to sir mix a lot) W T F. At the beginning of the show, they tell you that recording of taking pictures is prohibited because this is classified as a performance. They tell you you can take pictures afterwards with the dancers. I didn't take any pictures fearing the FBI, CIA, DHS, or another 3 letter agency goon was going to throw me in Gitmo for breaking copyright rules. So the memories of this show, we obviously be just that...fading memories of what we saw. There was a young girl next to me recording the whole show on her iPhone and I thought I was going to see security pounce on her but nothing happened. So, take a chance, it's up to you. The food was edible but nothing to really write home about. It's a do once (as cheaply as possible) and move on. read more

We were totally looking forward to this. The food was nothing special and the service was OK. The show was really good though.

Best luau in Hawaii! Been to a few luaus now on different islands. Great food, good timing on the show, timing of serving of the food. Great production overall. read more

We chose this luau based on the Tuesday night timing and convenience mostly, but also were interested in the fact that it is ocean side. This was one of the best parts. The sunset as the pre-show was starting added a great ambiance. We walked by a luau at another big hotel on Kauai and it was just in a courtyard. I think the more authentic backdrop adds a little something extra. It's also worth it to get there for the imu unveiling, which is short but interesting. The food selection was fairly varied and had a mix of salads, sides, meats, and fishes. There are some different Hawaiian dishes that were fun to try. The presentation of the food was also well done. The show was a little cheesy as expected but the energy was good. The live music was great. All in all, I would recommend this luau but don't bother with the premium! read more

Fantastic setting, food and entertainment! My seconD time was just as fun as the first...and my guests were enchanted both times. A definite highlight for visitors to this fabulous island! read more

Great show we took the whole family and the food was delicious. Had a professional photographer so got some great pictures to take home. This luau had an actual story of pele unlike the others we have been too. read more

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Meh. This was our second luau and this one doesn't hold a candle to Old Lahaina in Maui. After seeing this one, it seems a bit cheesy and more like a show than a true luau. The foood was good but nothing amazing. And just like all luauas you end up sitting with strangers which often is awkward. The cast and the folks there work hard to make sure you have a good time and they were clearly having fun, so I feel bad not raving about it, but I wish they would worry less about "putting on a show" and more about sharing their culture and history with visitors. There was one number where the guys did a cowboy dance that was so cheesy and hokey that I felt embarrassed for them! Also, it is worth going for the view and the beautiful hotel grounds but I would have rather gone and done dinner at Manta instead of this! The cost is super high too! read more

Great luau experience, food Choices excellent quality and variety. The location is beautiful and were able to watch the sunset while eating di. read more

My husband and I took his mother and his sister to the Luau while in Hawaii. It was our second time in Hawaii and their first. We all enjoyed it. The luau was a great way to end our vacation. Great food, great entertainment and loved seeing the whales play out in the ocean right before the sun sat. read more

A beautiful setting and top notch musicians are just the beginning at the Mauna Kea Luau. The food was plentiful, delicious and conveniently located at the back of the seating area so standing guests are not blocking your view of the stage when sitting in the cheap seats... which brings me to the only reason I didn't give a five star rating. I was -almost- sold on the premium seating because I wanted my party of 6 to have a wonderful experience, but I decided the $200 extra that would cost would be better spent on another experience. Lucky for me the seating area is beautifully arranged so there is no bad seat in the house! Whether you sit in the back or on the side you will have a great view and can hear everything. I didn't perceive the premium seating to be any better than where I sat in the back far left. I will likely go to this luau again. read more

Great food, show, and service! Make sure you get to the luau early (515). We checked in first and got to sit front center stage. Also there is a coupon in "This Week". You can get this at the front desk or anywhere. We got ours at the airport. read more

On my 10-day stay throughout Hawaii, I chose to have the Hawaiian Luau at the Mauna Key Beach Hotel on 12/06/16. The grounds where the luau is located are lush and very nice. However, the luau itself is more like a big buffet. Yes, they do the pig, but so what. They shred the meat and all you have is one big buffet to chose from. It's pricey, but does come with fairly good entertainment. Cost for two, including tip and one "drink" was $253.96. I don't think I'm going to do this again during my next trip to Hawaii. read more

Pros and Cons They is no Greeter - anywhere. Not when you arrive at resort, not at the luau area. No one to tell you where to go, where to stand in line, where to pay, where to sit... The venue was beautiful. The sunset was beautiful. The food was good. The dancers were very good! The man with fire was excellent! The leis were nice. Waiter was excellent. There is an imu service. Photo is $30. We had a very nice time! read more

A tad bit overpriced, but what isn't in Hawaii? ;) I thought the performers put on an excellent show and they clearly enjoy what they do. I would recommend this one if you're in the area. read more

This was my first luau and it was GREAT! The hostess was wonderful at introducing everyone and getting the audience involved. The food was actually pretty good considering it was a buffet. I see a lot of people on here bashing the barbecue but you have to remember that everyone has their own style and not all barbecue tastes the same. The fire dancers were great and very outgoing. I love when they took the kids out to dance as well. This is definitely a must do if you are on the big island. Aloha!! read more

The location is divine, overlooking the ocean at sunset. Near perfection. Unfortunately, the organization lacked at check in. We paid for premium seating but the staff didn't seem to know where we should check in. We were directed through the back door and found ourselves lost and wandering amongst others being seated properly. We were then directed to the front where we stood at a desk, to the annoyance of other guests, as we looked as if we were cutting the line. The lady at the desk chose not to acknowledge us or greet us, so we look foolish and rude standing there. Finally, after a few uncomfortable minutes, a seater acknowledged us and we were seated. We were seated one seat back from the front at a communal table. A very good seat to see the performance. There was a small plate of chips, a small bowl of dried papaya and macadamia nuts, apparently only offered to premium seating. The food offering was good but the flies were out in mass and made it unappetizing. None of us could eat, as the flies covered the food at the buffet and our plates. The serving staff was good and did their best to clear plates and used glasses. Clearly they were working to manage the fly crisis. They were quick to offer beverages too. The performers were very good and engaged with the audience. We were definitely entertained by their performances. They were the highlight. Premium seating is NOT worth $80 extra for a family of 2 adults/2 kids. I do not recommend premium. read more

We had never been to a luau before. I always looked at luau menus and wouldn't pay to eat the food. However the menu at Mauna Kea' s menu looked a little more appealing. The show was great. The fire dancer was the best part of the show. The costumes could use a little more effort and or authenticity. The food was very good. The kaulua turkey (cooked under ground like the infamous pork) was a nice option and had great flavor. The stage is set up with the ocean in the back ground. Definitely a great spot since you get to see the sun set during the show. The free lei was a nice addition as some places charge. read more

My family and I loved this luau! It was such a gorgeous setting and was much more intimate than the other luaus we have been to in the past. We especially liked the fire dancer!!!!! read more

Awesome supper and performance!!!!! Way exceeded our expectations. We went to a Luau in Honolulu 4 years ago, and we were disappointed with both the food and the location, despite good performance. Since we are visiting Kona this time and our hotel affiliated hotel has Luau, we decided to give that a second try. Although price wise sounds expensive, it really worths it. A few local Hawaiian dishes are offered, like Poke, Poi, also we witnessed how they cooked and removed Kalua Pua's the roasted pig. The performance was manificent!!! With its dining location by the sea shore, good food, good performance and most important with my family members around, I am very satisfied with our choice of Luau this time. read more

This was our first Luau and my family and I ( 3 children and husband ) had a fantastic evening. The location was perfect, in a beach front glade at the impressive Mauna Kea Resort. We got there at 5 , so close to the front of the "general" admission que, and were able to watch the pig coming out of the cooking pit. The group was small and not to capacity . Although not in premium seating, our seats were excellent with full view of the stage area. I can't imagine any of the tables would get a poor view. The premium customers were served first, but there was plenty of food available when it was our turn - and the dishes were replenished by the staff if looking low. Including the dessert selection. No one would have missed out and plenty of people had seconds. The food selection was good with above average food quality. Standard luau fare but tasty. My young kids found enough dishes to sample that suited their palate . The shrimp offering was generous. Included was a Mai Thai ( Good strength for our tastes) and punch for the kids, plus iced water. The highlight of the meal was the dessert selection. Generous selection of quality local sweet treats. My favourite was the Vanilla Coconut cake. The entertainment was good - a little commercialised but what you would expect catering for tourists. Dancers and singers highly skilled. My children (who can get a little restless in non kids oriented performances ) were mesmerised the entire time and particularly enjoyed the addition of traditional Samoan Fire Dancers. Hawaiian cultural history was well covered. Overall this was a great night out. Yes, it's very pricey but the above average food and small friendly group more than makes up for this. And under fives were free. Valet parking included. read more

We were skeptical b/c it is a bit pricey but honestly we loved it. The food was great: salads, veggies, fresh fruit, bread, pork, fresh poke, shrimp and desserts. The entertainment is a good history lesson and fun. The setting and hotel are AMAZING!! These people all work hard to put thus show together; we were happy to support these Hawaiians. read more

This was a great experience! The food and the show was definitely worth the price. The only down side is that we were seated next to a big group who had already seen the show. They spoke loudly during the entire performance. This was not the staff's fault, but I wish we could have seated ourselves away from the loud group. read more

I've been to a few lu'aus on different Hawaiian islands. This one was pretty good. I definitely recommend reservations & getting there early as they seat you in the order that you show up. They have a photographer taking your picture before you enter (the pictures were available for purchase afterwards for $30 each & were very professional looking). Cost for the lu'au is $96 per person ($66 for the buffet and one drink (a very watered down Mai tai or non-alcoholic fruit punch) & $30 for the show); what they don't tell you is they automatically add 15% gratuity to the entire bill (food & show). We were a party of two. I'm not a fan of having gratuity automatically added to the bill without prior knowledge (unless you're a large party, then it's expected). That being said, the food at the buffet is the best lu'au food I've had. Such a big selection and all so very good! I was so stuffed! The entertainment was very good. I loved the live band and the Hawaiian hula dancers were quite good. They do a lot in this show to involved the kids and other members of the audience. It's cute but that portion of the show can get really slow. Overall, it was good for the one time but not certain I'd do it again next time I return to the big island. read more