On the island where Kamehameha the Great was born, a luau carries special meaning. The Big Island's luaus take place on the sunny Kona and Kohala coasts, on lawns above the lava rock with the sun setting into the Pacific. Here are the best, and how to choose between them.
What is a luau?
A luau is a Hawaiian feast. In old Hawaii, men and women ate separately; in 1819 King Kamehameha II broke the kapu (taboo) system by eating with women, and feasts became shared celebrations. The word lūʻau comes from the taro leaves used in a favourite dish. Today a luau typically includes a welcome lei, the unearthing of a pig from the imu, a buffet or served dinner, and a show of hula and Polynesian dance, often ending with a Samoan fire-knife dance.
The best luaus on the Big Island
Voyagers of the Pacific (Royal Kona Resort, Kona)
On the water in downtown Kona, on several nights a week, with a story of Polynesian voyaging. About $170–180 per adult.
Feast & Fire (Outrigger Kona, Keauhou)
On Keauhou Bay, close to the manta ray snorkel site; check the current venue and schedule.
Hawaii Loa Luau (Fairmont Orchid, Kohala)
An upscale Saturday luau on the Kohala Coast, from about $195 per adult.
Sunset Luau (Waikoloa Beach Marriott)
A resort luau at Waikoloa, from about $170 per adult.
Hale Hoaloha Luau (Mauna Lani, Kohala)
A premium luau from about $230 per adult.
Schedules and prices change seasonally; confirm before you book.
How to choose
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Downtown Kona, by the water | Voyagers of the Pacific |
| Near the manta site | Feast & Fire, Keauhou |
| Upscale Kohala resort | Hawaii Loa or Hale Hoaloha |
| Family resort at Waikoloa | Sunset Luau |
Combine it with the mantas
Many visitors pair a luau with a manta ray night snorkel on another evening. Do not book both on the same night. Read our manta ray night snorkel guide.
Luau tips
- Book ahead, especially in winter and summer.
- Choose seating: premium tiers bring closer seats and table service.
- Arrive early for the imu ceremony and activities.
- Bring a light layer: evenings by the sea can be breezy.
- Check what is included: drinks, photos and transport vary.
What to wear? See what to wear to a luau. Hungry for more? What to eat in Hawaii.
The island of Kamehameha
The Big Island is where Kamehameha I, the king who united the Hawaiian Islands, was born in North Kohala in the 18th century. He spent his last years in Kailua-Kona, where the Ahuʻena Heiau, a restored temple, still stands beside the bay, and where in 1819, after his death, his son Liholiho broke the ancient kapu system by eating with women: the moment that turned the luau into a shared feast. Several Big Island luaus tell this story, and those in Kona are held within sight of where it happened.
After the luau, look up: the Kona and Kohala coasts have some of the darkest skies in Hawaii, and on clear nights the stars are spectacular.
Quick answers
What is the best luau on the Big Island?
Voyagers of the Pacific in Kona is a popular choice; the Kohala resorts host upscale luaus such as Hawaii Loa at the Fairmont Orchid.
How much is a luau on the Big Island?
Usually about $170–230 per adult.
Are there luaus in Hilo?
Most luaus are on the Kona and Kohala coasts, where most visitors stay.
Which nights are Big Island luaus?
It varies: many run on two or three set nights a week. Check before you book.
Facts checked October 2026. Prices, schedules and rules change, so confirm with the operator or official source before you book.
