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Tiki torches burning along a rocky shoreline at sunset

Kona & the Kohala Coast

Big Island Luaus, Compared

Dinner, mai tais, hula, and a fire-knife finale at sunset — here’s how the island’s luaus actually differ, with honest ratings.

See our picks Compare all 5
  • 5 tours compared
  • 5 with free cancellation
  • Live prices from Viator

A luau is a feast — kalua pig from the imu, poi, fresh fish — paired today with a Polynesian revue of hula and dances from across the Pacific, usually ending with the Samoan fire-knife dance.

On the Big Island the choice comes down to location and setting: two big oceanfront luaus in Kailua-Kona, one on Keauhou Bay, and two at the Kohala Coast resorts. Be warned that Big Island luaus review lower than the island’s tours — on Viator they rated between about 3.7 and 4.7 at our last check — so which show you pick matters.

Every luau here includes a buffet dinner and most include an open bar. Book a few days ahead in peak season, and ask about seating upgrades where offered.

Our picks

The right tour for how you travel

We compared every listing on itinerary, group size, reviews, and price. These are the ones we’d book.

Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani (tour photo) Most authentic 2–3 hours

Haleo Luau

Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani

4.66(97 reviews)

Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Kohala Coast

Free cancellation

From$230.37
Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

Why: Held at the historic Kalāhuipuaʻa fishponds at Mauna Lani, opening with a traditional oli (chant) and the unearthing of the imu pig — the best-rated luau in this comparison.

Island Breeze Luau (tour photo) Best in Kona town 2–3 hours

Island Breeze Luau

Island Breeze Luau

4.12(842 reviews)

Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona

Free cancellation

From$192.41
Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

Why: Beachfront on Kamakahonu Bay beside Ahuʻena, the former residence of Kamehameha the Great — walkable from many Kailua-Kona hotels, with a full buffet and open bar.

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau (tour photo) Sunset views 2.5 hours

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

4.03(897 reviews)

Royal Kona Resort, 75-5852 Aliʻi Dr, Kailua-Kona

Free cancellation

From$190.91
Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

Why: The most-reviewed luau on the island, oceanfront over Kailua Bay at sunset, with a buffet of rib eye, kalua pig, and mahi mahi and a fire-knife finale.

Side by side

Big Island Luaus: every option side by side

  • Most authentic

    Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani

    Haleo Luau

    Length
    2–3 hours
    Rating
    ★ 4.66
    From
    $230.37

    Culture-focused travelers staying on the Kohala Coast

    Check dates

  • Hawaii Loa Luau

    Hawaii Loa Luau

    Length
    2–3 hours
    Rating
    ★ 4.58
    From
    $214.66

    Kohala Coast resort guests and honeymooners

    Check dates
  • Best in Kona town

    Island Breeze Luau

    Island Breeze Luau

    Length
    2–3 hours
    Rating
    ★ 4.12
    From
    $192.41

    Historic-setting luau within walking distance of Kona town

    Check dates
  • Sunset views

    Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

    Voyagers of the Pacific Luau

    Length
    2.5 hours
    Rating
    ★ 4.03
    From
    $190.91

    Kailua-Kona stays wanting an oceanfront luau in town

    Check dates

  • Feast and Fire Luau at Outrigger Kona

    OUTRIGGER Kona’s Feast & Fire Lu’au

    Length
    3 hours
    Rating
    ★ 3.73
    From
    $201.15

    Keauhou-area guests who want a luau on-property

    Check dates

Ratings, review counts, and from-prices are live from Viator and refresh daily. Prices are per person unless the listing says otherwise and change with the date you pick. Booking links go to Viator, where availability and cancellation terms are shown before you pay. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Ratings across review sites

How each tour rates on Viator and Tripadvisor

Viator lists reviews from its own travelers and from Tripadvisor. Here they are separately, so one site can’t hide a weak score on the other.

Tour ratings by review site
TourViatorTripadvisorAll reviews
Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna LaniHaleo Luau4.6250 reviews4.7047 reviews4.6697 reviews
Hawaii Loa LuauHawaii Loa Luau4.5765 reviews4.6035 reviews4.58100 reviews
Island Breeze LuauIsland Breeze Luau4.12472 reviews4.12370 reviews4.12842 reviews
Voyagers of the Pacific LuauVoyagers of the Pacific Luau4.16683 reviews3.62214 reviews4.03897 reviews
Feast and Fire Luau at Outrigger KonaOUTRIGGER Kona’s Feast & Fire Lu’au3.9853 reviews3.3333 reviews3.7386 reviews

Figures from Viator’s partner API, refreshed daily. Google reviews aren’t included.

More options

Also worth a look

Hawaii Loa Luau (tour photo) 2–3 hours

Hawaii Loa Luau

Hawaii Loa Luau

4.58(100 reviews)

Mauna Lani resort area (N Kanikū Dr), Kohala Coast

Free cancellation

From$214.66
Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

Feast and Fire Luau at Outrigger Kona (tour photo) 3 hours

OUTRIGGER Kona’s Feast & Fire Lu’au

Feast and Fire Luau at Outrigger Kona

3.73(86 reviews)

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona

Free cancellation

From$201.15
Check availability

Booked securely on Viator

Kona or the Kohala Coast?

In Kailua-Kona, Voyagers of the Pacific is at the Royal Kona Resort on Aliʻi Drive and Island Breeze is at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel by the pier. The Feast and Fire Luau is at the Outrigger Kona on Keauhou Bay.

On the Kohala Coast, the Hale Hoaloha Luau and the Hawaiʻi Loa Luau are both in the Mauna Lani resort area. If you’re staying on the Kohala Coast, book a Kohala luau rather than driving back from Kona after the mai tais.

What’s included

  • Dinner: every luau here serves a buffet; expect kalua pig plus fish and chicken.
  • Drinks: Voyagers, Island Breeze, Hawaiʻi Loa, and Feast and Fire include an open bar; Hale Hoaloha includes a welcome cocktail and soft drinks.
  • Before the show: Feast and Fire offers lei making, poi pounding, and a hula lesson; Hale Hoaloha unearths the imu.
  • Parking: Island Breeze validates discounted parking; Feast and Fire charges $10 per car; Hale Hoaloha includes valet.

Make it a beach day first

The Kona luaus are steps from Kamakahonu, the calm little beach by the pier — swim in the afternoon, then walk over. Staying nearby makes the night easy.

Hotels in Kona

The sunny, busy base for manta rays and boats

Search on Booking.com

FAQ

Questions people ask before booking

What is the best luau on the Big Island?

At our last check, the Hale Hoaloha Luau at Mauna Lani was the best-rated on Viator and the most culturally grounded, with an oli and imu ceremony. In Kailua-Kona, Island Breeze has the most historic setting and Voyagers of the Pacific has the best sunset views and the most reviews.

How much does a Big Island luau cost?

When we checked on October 19, 2026, Viator from-prices for the five luaus in this comparison ranged from about $191 to $230 per adult. Prices vary by date and seating.

Are drinks included at Big Island luaus?

Mostly. Voyagers of the Pacific, Island Breeze, Hawaiʻi Loa, and Feast and Fire include an open bar; the Hale Hoaloha Luau includes a welcome cocktail and soft drinks.

Are luaus good for kids?

Yes — the dancing, fire knives, and buffet go over well with most kids. Child pricing and age bands vary by luau, so check the listing before you book.

Is there a luau at the Outrigger Kona Resort?

Yes: the Feast and Fire Luau is held oceanfront on Keauhou Bay with pre-show activities and an open bar. At our last check it was the lowest-rated Big Island luau on Viator, so read recent reviews before booking.

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Hale Hoaloha Luau at the Mauna Lani

From $230.37

Check availability