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

A Taste of Hawaii: Waikiki Luau Buffet with Rock-A-Hula Show for $101

This Waikiki Luau Buffet offers a lively evening of Hawaiian cuisine paired with live music and festive hula. Priced at $101 per person, the experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, starting at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. The tour includes a lavish buffet dinner featuring whole roasted suckling pig, roast beef, and an array of island-inspired dishes, along with a Mai Tai welcome cocktail and a leis greeting. Guests also have the chance to upgrade their experience to include premium seats for the Rock-a-Hula show, which features fire-knife dancing, hula, and impersonations of Elvis and Michael Jackson. Some packages even include a backstage tour and a Champagne toast.

The reviews highlight that this tour consistently delivers great food and entertaining performances. While some mention the additional $44 show fee if not booked with a package, most find the value for money worthwhile given the quality of entertainment and authentic Hawaiian atmosphere. This experience suits those seeking a family-friendly night of cultural displays, live music, and delicious food, all within a convenient Waikiki location.

Key Points

• Includes a lavish buffet with roasted pig, beef, and vegetarian options
• Starts with a tropical Mai Tai and a greeting lei
• Optional upgrade to VIP or backstage experiences
• The Rock-a-Hula show features fire dancers, hula, and impersonators
• Durations: 1 hour for buffet, 80-minute show
• Meeting point at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki

Meeting Point and Practical Details at Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Center

This tour begins at the Royal Hawaiian Center, located at 2201 Kalkaua Ave in Honolulu. Visitors should plan to arrive on time to enjoy the welcome Mai Tai and leis, which set a festive mood from the start. The activity concludes at the same location, making it easy for guests to explore nearby attractions or return to their hotel.

Most travelers find the location accessible and appreciate the indoor setting, which provides a comfortable environment regardless of weather. The group size is limited to 200 travelers, ensuring a lively yet intimate atmosphere for the performances and buffet.

The Authentic Hawaiian Welcome and Pre-Dinner Activities

As the evening begins, guests are greeted with a Hawaiian lei and an original Mai Tai cocktail, immediately immersing them in island hospitality. The relaxing Hawaiian music played during the buffet enhances the ambiance. Guests are encouraged to try a hula lesson with instructors, providing an interactive element before the main event.

The Legends Room offers a chance to browse music memorabilia or purchase additional drinks at the bar. The fresh Maui Gold Pineapple, served family-style, adds a juicy touch to the start of the night. This warm welcome and casual introduction set the tone for an evening that balances cultural displays with entertainment.

The Lavish Hawaiian Luau Buffet: Dishes, Options, and Atmosphere

The buffet lasts approximately one hour and features Hawaiian favorites like whole roasted suckling pig, roast beef, hulihuli chicken, lomilomi salmon, and tofu poke for vegetarians. The dessert selection includes taro rolls, and guests can enjoy tea or Kona coffee to finish their meal.

Vegan and vegetarian options are available, ensuring dietary preferences are accommodated. Guests appreciate the hot and fresh dishes, although some note that variety in side dishes could be expanded. The buffet is served family style, encouraging a communal dining experience with a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

The Spectacle of the Rock-a-Hula Show: Performers, Acts, and Seating

After dinner, guests are invited to reserve their seats in the center mezzanine for the 80-minute Rock-a-Hula show. The showcase features a talented cast performing Hawaiian and Polynesian music, fire-knife dancing, and hula. Notably, some packages include preferred seats or VIP options to enjoy the performance from the best vantage points.

The performers include Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators, fire dancers, and hula dancers, whose energy and skill are frequently praised. After the show, a meet-and-greet allows guests to interact with the cast and take photos. The upgraded VIP packages and Green Room options add extras like backstage tours and preferred seating, enhancing the overall experience for those seeking a luxurious touch.

Optional Upgrades: VIP and Backstage Tours

For guests seeking a more exclusive experience, the VIP tour offers a fresh orchid lei, super-premium beverage, preferred buffet seating, and VIP seats for the show. The Green Room upgrade goes further, including a reception, champagne toast, backstage access, and reserved dinner tables with the best seats for the performance.

These upgrades are not included in the standard ticket but provide additional value for those celebrating special occasions or wanting an extra touch of luxury. The backstage tour and meet-and-greet are especially popular with those wanting a more intimate connection with the performers.

The Atmosphere and Guest Experience

The overall atmosphere of the Waikiki Luau is described as warm, lively, and authentic. The friendly staff are frequently praised for their welcoming attitude and attentiveness. Guests enjoy the high-energy performances, delicious food, and the interactive elements like hula lessons.

While some mention that additional show fees can feel unexpected if not booked with a package, most agree that the entertainment value justifies the price. The indoor setting provides a comfortable environment that suits families, couples, and groups of friends seeking a memorable night out in Waikiki.

Honoring Hawaiian Culture with Food and Performance

This tour emphasizes Hawaiian culture through music, dance, and cuisine. The live Hawaiian music during dinner, along with hula dancers and fire-knife performers, showcase traditional and contemporary Polynesian arts. The buffet’s focus on authentic dishes like suckling pig and lomilomi salmon further immerses guests in local flavors.

The performers‘ enthusiasm and authentic costumes contribute to an immersive cultural experience. The interactive elements like hula lessons add a participatory feel, making it more than just a show but a genuine celebration of Hawaiian traditions.

Practical Tips for Visitors Planning to Attend

Guests should arrive early to find parking and settle in before the welcoming ceremony. If interested in preferred seating or backstage access, booking an upgrade in advance is recommended. Be aware that most travelers find the food and performance highly satisfying, but additional show fees can be unexpected if not booked through a package.

The indoor venue is accessible to most, with service animals allowed. Since the minimum drinking age is 21, those planning to enjoy drinks should carry valid identification. The tour offers a well-organized evening combining dining and entertainment with a focus on Hawaiian hospitality.

Waikiki Luau Buffet with Rock-A-Hula Show: A Worthwhile Cultural Night Out

This Waikiki Luau delivers a fun-filled evening of Hawaiian food, live music, and dynamic performances. The buffet impresses with generous portions of local favorites, while the entertainment keeps audiences captivated with fire dancing, impersonators, and hula.

Most reviews praise the quality of food and the energetic show, with many highlighting the friendly staff and comfortable indoor venue. The option to upgrade to VIP experiences or backstage tours appeals to those wanting a more exclusive adventure. Slightly confusing at times due to additional fees for the show outside of packages, the overall value remains high.

Perfect for families, couples, or groups celebrating special occasions, this tour provides an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture in a convenient Waikiki location. It offers a well-rounded evening that combines culinary delights with spectacular performances — a memorable experience for those interested in Hawaiian traditions and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include the show or just dinner?
Most packages include both the buffet dinner and the Rock-a-Hula show. However, if you book without a package, there might be an additional $44 fee for the show, so it’s best to check your booking details.

What is the duration of the buffet?
The buffet dinner lasts around one hour, providing ample time to enjoy a variety of dishes before the show begins.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes, the buffet offers vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring all dietary preferences are accommodated.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, 2201 Kalkaua Ave, and the activity concludes back at the same location.

Can I upgrade my seats or experience?
Absolutely. There are VIP packages and backstage tours available, which include preferred seating, extra amenities, and access to the performers.

Is parking available?
While specific parking details are not provided, the Royal Hawaiian Center is a central Waikiki location, and most visitors find parking nearby.