KA WA'A - A LŪ'AU - Kapolei, Hawaii

Nicole M.

This was a highlight of our recent trip to Hawaii. We did not stay at the resort, but after much research thought we’d give this a try. We were not disappointed. Comp parking upon arrival was lovely and easy. The luau grounds are located at the back of the property but a lovely walk through the resort. We got general seating but because we were celebrating our honeymoon, they upgraded us to premium which was so kind! Traveling as two adults, we were thrilled Disney had the sense to group us with a bunch of other adult groups and couples who we enjoyed chatting with. We worried it could be too kid focused, and it wasn’t as all. Child friendly, yes. Child focused, no. The food was all delicious, lots of variety. No shellfish was of
benefit for me given an allergy (buffets are scary places!). Oh, and we love an open bar. Unlimited mai tais and other cocktails, and premium beers. The show itself was extremely well done. If there’s one thing Disney won’t mess around with its entertainment, and that’s what I wanted more than anything. Was it authentic? Depends on your definition. Luaus are designed for tourists. The dancing, costumes, music and story telling was fantastic. I liked how each song had a theme and told a different story and slightly different tonality. It was never boring. Past luau’s I’ve felt were so heavy on one thing only, and with super tacky hosts holding it together. The “duo” leading the show were phenomenal, Broadway level talent. Captivating and beautiful voices.

One thing I will say if if you’re coming thinking this will be a character filled evening with Minnie, Mickey, or others, you may be disappointed as they only make a brief appearance at the beginning.

After the show we went to a bar on property to listen to some more live music, and of course the gift shop.

As nearly 40 somethings we loved this outing and it truly was a highlight for us. Disney made us feel special, and despite the very high cost (Canadian tourists with awful exchange rate) we felt it was well worth the investment for the value of the evening.

Dave M.

All you can eat and drink made it one of the best values on the island... as long as you can drink like a champ! The show was not traditional but it was well done in a Disney sort of way.

J F. (.

Ka Wa’a luau offers an enchanting evening that brilliantly showcases the vibrant culture of Hawaii through its food and entertainment. As soon as you arrive, the warm welcome from the staff sets a friendly tone, making you feel like part of the Ohana (family).

The luau features a delicious array of traditional Hawaiian dishes that tantalize the palate. From the moment you're served the flavorful kalua pork, expertly cooked in an underground oven, to the fresh poke, each bite is a celebration of local ingredients and culinary traditions. The lomi lomi salmon provides a refreshing contrast with its zesty bursts of flavor, while the sweet taste of haupia coconut pudding rounds off the meal perfectly. The buffet setup allows guests to sample a variety of dishes, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.

But the experience is not just about the food; it's a feast for the senses with dynamic entertainment. The vibrant hula performances are a highlight of the evening. Skilled dancers tell stories through their graceful movements, beautifully illustrating the rich history of Hawaiian culture. Accompanied by live traditional music, the performances create an immersive atmosphere that transports you to the islands.

As the sun sets, the fire dancers captivate the audience with their mesmerizing skills, creating a thrilling finale to the night. The combination of authentic food, engaging entertainment, and the stunning backdrop of the Hawaiian landscape makes Ka Wa’a luau an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Ka Wa’a luau offers a unique opportunity to connect with Hawaiian culture while indulging in exceptional cuisine. It’s truly a must-see and a must-taste when in the area, ensuring that every guest leaves with beautiful memories and a satisfied appetite!

Andrew M.

This is the luau that is hosted on site at Aulani. The show itself was engaging and entertaining. They tell lots of interesting stories about their local culture and history. The biggest disappointment for me was the food. I was hoping for more authentic traditional dishes, but there were hardly any on the buffet. The way it operates can also be misleading. Seating is basically first come first serve within the section you paid for (premium or standard). Some people knew to line up early to get good seats within their respective section. That said, I don't think there is a bad seat anywhere for enjoying the show. For food however, the tables in back go to the buffet last and that can take quite some time. There was very little Disney influence added to the show (which I preferred), but if that's what you're looking for, you will be disappointed. Overall, we enjoyed it, but if you're looking for a more authentic experience there are other options on the island.

Tamara F.

On my recent trip to Hawaii we went to this Luau and I have no words to describe how amazing it was.
It's a show that is incredibly well done and that makes you enjoy from the beginning to the end.
The 2 people/protagonists who were telling you the different Hawaiian legends couldn't have done better. I could tell you that they enjoyed doing it and their voices were otherworldly.
We were really fascinated with this Luau and everything was wonderful. All the people who perform in this Luau are what make it so special.
It's totally worth it and was a super special moment to live together with my friends.
There was plenty of food to choose at the buffet and everything was delicious. We ate everything we wanted(a lot) and the desserts were delicious.
The cocktails with alcohol or without alcohol that they offer you at the beginning were spectacular.
The service of all those who work serving you drinks and food and all those who are around worrying that everything goes well are what keep the magic of Disney in this wonderful show.
Thank you for such a magical dinner and evening and I recommend it without a doubt.
One of the best Luau's I've ever seen (and I've seen a few).

S M.

OMG! This luau was so awesome. Definitely Disney quality. You can read other peoples description of the evening. It is spot on. It was so fun experiencing the pre-luau activities. Temporary tattoo, flower lei bracelet, ukulele lesson. Crushing taro

We paid the higher price for preferred seating and it was so worth it. The Buffet was awesome. Our favorite was the pork! They left the buffet open for a long time. The service was fantastic. we knew in advance that the luau was mostly focused on Hawaiian history not Mickey and Minnie and that’s exactly what we wanted. The music, storytellers and performers were top notch.

Chandra

Our family of five from Texas and Oklahoma visited Oahu and the Big Island for Spring Break! We attended the Luau while staying at Aulani. The day of our luau, it rained right before time for check-in, so we had to stand in line for about 30 minutes while they wiped down tables and chairs and got set up. But they had cast members come through the line to explain the situation and they did push everything back so the kids still had time to do the activities before the luau started. The food was delicious and plenty was offered. The desserts were so good!! The drinks were good and alcoholic drinks were included with the cost for adults! The luau itself was very entertaining and I am so glad it was a traditional luau with an appearance by Mickey and Minnie! We had general admission (preferred was sold out) and I would recommend paying the higher price for the preferred seats. We had decent views but the kids would have been able to see better with the better seats.

Danny

Pleasantly surprised by the luau hosted at Aulani. The entertainment was great and they were no slow parts so our two kids stayed engaged. Food was good and plentiful. We did not pay for the preferred seating so we were seated after all of those guests but did arrive a half hour early to ensure we would have enough time for lei making, the henna tattoos, ukulele lesson, poi making lesson and pictures. The music was good and found the story telling woven into the overall performance was decent. Honestly didn’t feel like there was a bad table to be seated at. We ended up in the middle right by one of the smaller stages in the aisle. For the kids they provided bento boxes that were pre-portioned. The bar staff quick and consistently asking if we would like more drinks. We would do it again and we would stick with the general seating again.