Despite the rain, what a great evening! I had researched local luaus available during our long day…read morein port on our cruise. They offered free transportation during a deal in January, when I booked, which was super helpful and only solidified the decision to go to Chief's. The charter bus was easy to find and left right on time. We picked up others (now our family/ohana per Cousin Brian, who was our host from the bus) from local hotels and made our way to the luau. Upon arriving, they immediately handed out ponchos, which were definitely needed. Mostly light rain on and off throughout the evening, but that didn't spoil our time there. They took extra care to dry our seats ahead of initially sitting down at our table and when we returned from the buffet. We were also greeted with a fresh flower lei (booked the Royal Experience). At our seats was a lei po'o waiting for all. They immediately offered us a complimentary drink and a gentleman had fresh coconut ready to try. Just ahead of dinner, the men brought out the roasted pig. A blessing was asked in the native language, and then it was dinner time. All staff were kind and helpful. All of the food was really good, especially the kalua pork, which had a great smoky flavor. I'd dare to say it was better than any pork butts I've ever smoked at home. The men played music and sang while we ate, which we enjoyed. On to the show.... Multiple groups of dancers performed for us, showcasing different cultures, like Samoan and Polynesian. Looked and felt very authentic to me. All performers were awesome and engaged the audience. Chief was great and led the entire evening. The fire dancers were also very cool to watch. All in all, give Chief's Luau a try. You won't be disappointed!

We had wonderful time at our first Luau! I was a little disappointed that this one was at a…read morewaterpark, as this backdrop made it feel not as authentic, but once the sun started to go down it was amazing!! They did a great job making it interactive, and teaching us about the different Polynesian cultures. The dancers were amazing, the food was great, great sunset made for really nice photos. Something i feel like they could have done better was the seating, they know how many people booked ahead of time, yet they still set up so many tables and MANY were left empty. I didn't like this at all, i felt like when i was taking my pictures i kept thinking to myself, I didnt want to show the empty tables, cause it would look like this place cant event fill up the venue it must not be good. Just my two cents. Overall i think it was an amazing experience. Its defiantly not cheap and not sure i would do it again, but once in a lifetime thing, I dont retreat one bit!!

What an absolutely breathtaking experience. From start to finish, I was beyond blown away…read more I was staying at Aulani to celebrate my 40th birthday. The luau is offered a few times a week and was luckily being offered on my actual birthday so of course we booked it for that day. Tickets go on sale about 5 months in advance of the dinner date, which may seem daunting to a casual planner but makes perfect sense to an avid Disney-er. Seating for the luau is available in standard seating and premium seating. We picked premium. It came at a higher price tag and, in my opinion, was not necessary. Standard seating was 199 a person and premium seating was 229 a person. All luau guests are treated to activities like lei making, (temporary) tattoos and ukulele lessons before heading over to enjoy the buffet and open bar dinner before the show. Premium diners got the luxury of an extra half hour to peruse the activities. Premium diners also got seating closer to the main stage. (After the show was over, I sat in standard seating to see the difference and it wasn't all that much). Premium diners also got a free digital download of the picture taken with the luau performers. For a larger party, it may have been less expensive to simply pay for the digital download. One big concern I had about the luau was that it would be overly Disney-fied. I love me some Mickey Mouse and Aulani as a resort has several Disney touches, but I wanted my luau experience to be as authentic as possible. My concerns were quickly quelled. Mickey and Minnie were present for about 15 minutes of the 2-hour show. The rest of the luau had beautiful vocals, graceful dancing, and fearless firebreathers. It is my absolute hope to get back to Aulani as quickly as humanly possible, but I think I would skip the luau. At 229 (or even 199) a person, there are much better ways to spend my Disney dollars. That being said, if Aulani is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, you should do it.

THE AULANI LUAU (Ka Wa'a) -- A MUST-DO HAWAII EXPERIENCE!…read more Okayyyy so we always have to do a luau every time we go to Hawaii... and this time we chose the Aulani Luau (Ka Wa'a) and OMG it was SO GOOD!! Honestly, I'd rank it #2 only to the Polynesian Cultural Center (because PCC is soooo iconic), but this one was incredibly convenient since we were already staying at Aulani -- literally a short walk to paradise . Location & Timing Offered most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (schedule can vary) Check-in: * Preferred seating: ~5:00 PM (earlier check-in) * General seating: ~5:10 PM (slightly later) In summer months, times shift just a bit later (about 5:30/5:40). Pricing (approx current ranges): Preferred Seating (closer to stage + early check-in & welcome perks) * Adults (ages 10+) -- about $219-$229 + tax * Keiki (ages 3-9) -- about $139-$149 + tax Under age 3 -- FREE Includes drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), a lei, and great seating. General Seating * Adults (ages 10+) -- about $190-$200 + tax * Keiki (ages 3-9) -- about $119-$129 + tax Under age 3 -- FREE Includes drinks and a lei + buffet. What We Loved: So many photo opportunities before it even starts Kids activities included (so fun!): * Temporary tattoo art * Flower lei making * Name meaning activities and more ‍ (super family-friendly!) Food & Entertainment: Buffet dinner -- everything was delicious (plenty for kids too!) Luau show -- storytelling, Hawaiian music, dancing, and fire dancers! Seriously amazing performances that kept us glued the entire night. Customer Service & Vibes: Everyone was so kind, patient, and family-oriented. They were especially amazing with our kids -- made the whole experience feel warm and interactive . Tips: Come early if you're general seating -- the closer to the stage, the better! Take advantage of the pre-show -- so many fun pics and memories before dinner even begins! Unlimited drinks are included -- yay! Bottom line: This luau totally exceeded our expectations! It's a perfect blend of culture, food, family-fun, and entertainment -- especially if you're already staying at Aulani . Definitely would do again!!

My daughter didn't know it yet, but she is a performer. She loves to sing, to dance and to act…read moresilly. Unfortunately, my Mini me thought she wouldn't like PACKHawaii because she knew nobody there. That all changed from the first day. In fact, she had such a blast! The staff, and volunteers were welcoming and knew all to well the feeling of not knowing anyone. They made it a fun and safe place for all the kids. Ms. Mini me decided to get up early everyday excited to go and practice. For summer, it was a whole day affair and she was ready to get out the door before I was up. Why couldn't she be like this going to school?! Anyway, performance day came and she was excited about her the whole show. The family came to cheer her on and we were amazed how great the show was! The stage looked amazing. In 2 weeks all the kids memorized their lines, learned choreography, stage presence, and memorized songs. It was impressive to see how much these kids learned in only 2 weeks. They even help make the stage, props, and programs. AMAZING! PACK has different programs. There is the summer programs, different shows to tryout, they have dance classes and offer various workshops for kids. It is such a great program and it is on the Westside!! Overall, It was priceless to see my mini me's confidence and excitement grow with each day. Thank you PACK for having this wonderful program available in the Westside. My daughter's new found love of performing came out because of PACK. She has gained so much and learned a lot about herself in just a few weeks. I can't wait to see what next summer will bring.

BRAVO!! BRAVO!! BRAVO!! PACK's latest production of Westside Story was phenomenally great!! Like…read morereally, really good! Westside Story is one of my all-time favorite "classic" movie & musical play and I must say, PACKids did this production justice! Who can resist singing along to "When you're a Jet," or "I Wanna Live in America," or even belt out, "take my hand and I'll take you there..." or "I Feel Pretty, oh so pretty!" PACKids really outdid themselves by singing, dancing and acting their hearts out on stage - it was truly believable and something they can be proud to have been a part of. I know I was proud to have witnessed such a beautiful musical. It's no secret, i embrace local entrepreneurial endeavors and that affinity does not end with just my purchases. I support local talent when I can. Here in west Oahu there is not a shortage of talents and skills. PACK is a local, non-profit, after school musical theatre group that puts on 4-5 musical productions in a year. Children audition for parts and should be able to sing, dance, recite and act. It's the real deal at PACK! Since moving to west Oahu I have seen School House Rock Jr., their Christmas Holiday production, Little Mermaid and now, Westside Story. These kids are amazing!! I've seen them grow with each performance and their sets get better and better. No need to drive into town anymore to catch a play at Diamond Head, Manoa Valley or Hawaii Theatre...PACKids ROCK!!

This is an absolutely hidden gem. Out your guide was phenomenal, as he explained each location we…read moresaw in such great detail and to where the story was told. Many tours are just names and facts, but this was totally different. Being able to walk from location to location was very insightful. The check in staff was incredibly polite. What a great way to break up vacation with local history and also to another part of the island.

A nice museum that provides insight into the history of Hawaii and people who helped it become what…read moreit is today. Museum is free but you need to pay an entrance fee to tour the grounds outside. Very peaceful and a nice escape from the hustle and bustle outside

Yesterday I attended the Paradise Cove Luau in Ko Olina at Kapolei, HI. My first but unfortunately…read morethe last time attending there as they will be closed down after 47 years. I had a great time there, the food and performances were great. Drinks that I chose were the non-alcoholic Fruit Punch Mai Tai, Pina Colada, and Lava Flow.

My family and I brought my boyfriend here for the first time since he was visiting from San Diego…read moreand never been to a luau before. We got the deluxe package and had a blast experiencing all of the cultural activities. I was hoping there would be some chicken long rice or lau lau but that was not the case for the dinner. The staff made up for the food though. Chasey-boi was our server for the night and he made sure our table was taken care of ! So sad this place will closing its doors but it will always have a special place in our hearts

This review is in regards to the Zumba class I recently took at Studio 808…read more Studio 808 is located in the heart of Waipahu next to the iconic Leeward Drive-Inn. I've heard of Studio 808's dance programs but have never taken a class until I heard about the Zumba class being offered there. You can take the stairs or elevator to the 2nd floor and reach the studio on the Leeward Drive-Inn side. Once arriving, there is a front desk area set up in front of the studio where people were manning. You can pay in cash or Venmo (I did the mobile pay option because I didn't have cash). Fortunately, Studio 808 has also catered the Zumba class as a remote class so you can actually sign up for the class and dance from home by watching the instructor. Upon arriving to the class, the room was overall clean and spacious. Because the class is also done virtually, there wasn't many people in the room. The Zumba instructor was Erin and I have nothing but great things to say about him. As someone who isn't a dancer, Erin was kind enough to teach the lessons via virtual cam and in-person. The overall class was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the music better at Studio 808 compared to the Zumba classes I take at 24 Hour Fitness. I would definitely recommend to go with Erin because he's exudes positive energy, always smiles while breaking a sweat and definitely knows what he's doing. I was even watching the participants online (who were older folks) and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy the class at home as they would in studio. If you're up for doing a Zumba class in Waipahu (or simply at your own home), I would definitely recommend this class to take. Admission is about $7 per class but the first class is free! Classes are every Tuesday from 6-7pm.

So far my two girls in love with this studio. My oldest is extremely extrovert and shy but I can…read moresee her slowly, very very, slowly coming out of her shell. My youngest in

This was easily one of the most authentic luau experiences I've had. The setting right on the beach…read moremakes a huge difference because your feet are literally in the sand while watching the show. The sunset here is unreal. It has that soft, golden Hawaiian glow you always imagine but rarely actually see in real life. The performances feel heartfelt rather than overly commercial, and the whole evening flows in a really relaxed way. It's the kind of experience that feels both entertaining and culturally grounded at the same time.

I first visited Germaine's back in 2022, and the experience was excellent - good food, good show,…read moregood view, good people. As others have said, the location is in an industrial part of town and looks shady, but it's legit and the beach view by moonlight is wonderful and didn't feel unsafe. Fast forward to July 2026. God forgive me, I want to love Germaine's still, but I just can't. The people and view from the beach is still great, and I appreciate that they call out their appreciation for our veterans, military, and first responders and recognize them during dinner. I also appreciate that they are allergy friendly for peanut, treenut sensitive folks, and have a billboard that lists all of the ingredients in the food as well as a simple chart showing which allergen the food is safe for. The labels on the food at the buffet also note if gluten free, dairy free, and peanut free. We didn't have the horrific bugs other people had, but there were several flies sighted, some landing on the food in the buffet and some trying to get at our food at the table. My wife complained of being bit on her legs by something, so she was fending of flies above the table and something attacking her below. The picnic benches are uncomfortable, probably more so for large folks who it would also be difficult for them to navigate. The sand is hit or miss with some folks with some hating it, others not mentioning it. I'll not mention or mark off for that. At the entry, they take two pictures of you - one with a hula girl, and one without, but you can't buy just one of the pictures, you have to pay for both at $30 (I didn't need the one with the hula girl), but it does come with a digital download option. The food was meh. The chicken was over-slathered in sauce, the beef was over cooked and rubbery. I didn't try the pork. The dessert is a cheap layer cake cut into small ~1 inch squares. I think in 2022, there were more food choices. Fountain soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee are complimentary. Alcohol, you get one ticket, and a drink usually comes in a small 6 oz cup. You generally have enough time to eat one plate and get one second visit to the buffet before they close it down - and boy when they close it down, they close the drink station and bar shortly after that. The show - well, the performers did fine, but I didn't 'feel' the show like I did before. It felt mundane. That's not a dispersion cast at the performers. I can't quite place it or describe how it felt different from 3.75 years ago. The crowd was less than enthusiastic as well on the night I went, so maybe that put a damper on things. Sadly, for the price and the experience we had, I don't think I will return to Germaine's for a third visit. I'm sorry.