The 5 Buffet Dinners in Hawaii That Earn Their Price

1.Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,620 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $179Our pick

Spend an evening at historic Kilohana Plantation with a lei greeting, island buffet, open bar before the show, and a theatrical tale of Tahitian voyagers reaching Hawaii. Add a narrated train ride around the 104-acre estate, hotel transportation, or premium seating when available. Expect live music, hula, fire poi, and a cast photo opportunity.

“I thought the experience was expensive, the food on the buffet wasn't that great. The Hawaiian dancers did a great job. The people doing the dances with the fire were amazing. I enjoyed see all the different costumes.”

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2.Waikiki Luau Buffet with Optional Rock-A-Hula Show Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,572 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $101Best value

Spend about three and a half hours at the Royal Hawaiian Center with a Mai Tai, hula lesson, Hawaiian buffet, live dinner music, and an optional 80-minute Rock-A-Hula show. Expect fire-knife dancing, hula, Polynesian music, and Elvis and Michael Jackson tributes. VIP and Green Room upgrades add better seats and backstage access.

“Delicious buffet and friendly service. Worth every penny. Everyone should not miss this entertainment show/buffet opportunity when coming visit Waikiki Honolulu. Must see.”

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3.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping at a calm snorkeling site. Gear, instruction, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki transportation are included.

“This was our first time on a Catamaran and was looking forward to a unique experience for our whole family including the 9 Yr Old Twins. Not only did it exceed our expectations with the ride, but the diving and food was fantastic. The Staff was extremely friendly and courteous. Have an onboard photographer was also appreciated as the memories will now last forever. Thank you!”

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4.Kona: Voyagers of the Pacific Luau with Buffet Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 564 reviews · 2h 30m · from $190

At Royal Kona Resort, you’ll spend 150 minutes beside Kailua Bay with an all-you-can-eat island buffet, complimentary cocktails, and a Polynesian stage show. Expect Hawaiian stories, music, hula, dances from across the Pacific, and a Samoan fire knife finale. The Imu ceremony is currently suspended.

“The Luau was awesome! I'd not been to a luau in decades but wanted my adult children to have the experience. The food was fantastic (i don't remember the luau food from my past being this delicious) and the setting on the waters edge was breathtaking. All of the staff and the performers were top notch; attentive, friendly, helpful and engaging. The music, costumes and dances were engaging and the education provided about the different cultures represented was appreciated. I highly recommend this luau”

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5.Queens Waikiki Luau with Dinner Buffet and Cultural Activities

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 456 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $139

At Queens Waikiki Luau, host Tama Tama guides you through Polynesian music, dance, and hands-on cultural activities before a Hawaiian-style buffet and fire knife finale. The open-air show sits inside International Market Place, steps from Waikiki hotels. You receive a shell lei, drinks, dinner, and a 2.5-hour evening program.

“Nice luau, super conveniently located smack in the heart of Waikiki. We literally just had to cross the street from our hotel. We were on an Oahu circle tour that day and it ran long, causing us to be about an hour late to the luau. They took great care of us anyway! Dinner service was winding down by the time we arrived, but they made sure my husband and I had plenty to eat (all menu choices were still available) and we still got all of the drinks we were entitled to with our tickets. We were just in time to see the show, which was interactive and enjoyable.…”

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