Trying to choose a luau for your Kauai vacation? This article includes all the information you need to know about choosing a Kauai luau – from prices to schedules to reviews. This article is intended to help you choose the best Kauai luau that fits your budget, vacation schedule and location.

On Kauai, you’ll find a nice assortment of settings from ocean front to plantation to garden settings. Kauai luaus are situated near all the major resort areas. I’ll arrange the luau listings geographically starting in the North and working our way South as we did with the Big Island luau listings. (Photo by permission and courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau.)

North Shore Kauai Luaus

Hanalei By the Sea Luau
Opens: 6:00
Nights: Tuesdays
Location/Setting: Hanalei Colony Resort ocean side at the resort grounds
Prices: $69 for Adults. $56  for hildren ages 12 – 17  and $25 for children ages 3 – 11.
Price Includes: Shell lei, complimentary drink, buffet, and Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: Call 1-808- 826-1220 or email guestservices@hcr.com
Reviews: Since this luau relatively is new,  reviews are not yet available.
Additional Information: Official Web site

Mailani Dinner Show at St. Regis Princeville (Opens April 15, 2010)
Opens: 5:30
Nights: Thursdays
Location/Setting: Makana Terrace overlooking the gorgeous Hanalei Bay
Prices: $125 for adults, $52.50 for children ages 3 – 12
Price Includes: Dinner, drinks, and hula and chant show.
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: Call 808.826.2746 or email Mailani@stregis.com
Reviews: Since this dinner show  begins April 15, 2010,  reviews are not yet available. .
Additional Information: Official Web site

East Shore Kauai Luaus

Smith Family Garden Luau
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays always. During summer months, the luau is also open on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Location/Setting: By the Wailua River (Directions)
Prices: Adult $78, Children ages 7 – 13 are $30 and Children 3 – 6 are $19. There is an option to see the show only, call for rates.
Price Includes: Tour of Gardens, Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Book online or call 1-808-821-6895
Reviews: TripAdvisor, IgoUgo, the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook calls it the best on the island.
Additional Information: Official Website

Gaylord’s Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana
Opens: 4:30
Nights: This luau has catered to the cruise passengers, but has  opened to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Location/Setting: Plantation
Prices: $103.12 for adults, $71.87 for teens ages 12 – 18, $51.04 for children ages 3 – 11.
Price Includes: Craft Demonstration, Buffet, Open Bar, Hula and Polynesian Show
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-246-9333
Reviews: IgoUgo, CruiseCritic Forum, TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Optional train ride can be added for $18.75 for adults and $14.58 for children. For more information see the Official Website

South Shore Kauai Luaus

Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Sundays and Thursdays
Location/Setting: On Grand Hyatt Kauai grounds. (See the photos here.)
Prices: $97.92 for Adults, Children 6 – 12 are 59.38
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes
Imu Ceremony: Yes
For Reservations: Call 1-808-240-6456
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official Website

Surf to Sunset Luau at Sheraton Kauai
Opens: 5:00
Nights: Fridays
Location/Setting: Oceanfront on Poipu Beach
Prices: $99 for adults and $42 for children ages 6 – 12 for traditional seating. You can choose to upgrade for stage side seating and table service for $120 for adults. Kamaaina rates are available.
Price Includes: Buffet, Open Bar, Polynesian Show, Taxes.
Imu Ceremony: No
For Reservations: 1-808-742-8200
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Additional Information: Official Website Another point worth noting is that this luau serves the traditional luau foods as well as modern Hawaii fare.
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All prices and times were accurate at the time this article was written. (Updated March 2010) As resorts periodically change dates and prices, please verify current times, days, and prices.

If a luau doesn’t fit in your travel budget, then catch a free hula show at the Coconut Markeplace.

Have you been to any of these Kauai luaus? What did you think?

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