Nā Lei Aloha, the Best Waikiki Luau

Hawai‘i’s newest and best Waikiki luau is a celebration of authentic Hawaiian mele and hula; our version of song and dance.

In the Hawaiian culture, lei are the ultimate expression of aloha. These deliciously perfumed flower garlands are lovingly sewn together in affection for the recipient. The flower lei honors our island home and the continued bonds between people.

Nā Lei Aloha, Waikiki’s newest premier dinner show, is performed on the spectacular outdoor terrace of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in the heart of Waikiki. This hula show won’t transport you to the different islands of Polynesia or end in a crescendo of fire knife dancing.

In fact, it’s an all-Hawaiian show. It may surprise you that, even here in Hawai‘i, this dinner show is unique because it doesn’t include the culture of other Polynesian islands. It’s like old-fashioned Waikiki when hula was the star of the show.

The performers will pay homage to each Hawaiian island’s famous flower, color and mountain, as their hulas feature the special flower lei of each island. This gorgeous presentation will feed your senses and weave together music and hula to tell the story of the cultural history of lei making in Hawai‘i.

Na Lei Aloha is a radiant evening performance preceded by a bold and delicious luau spread of internationally-inspired cuisine. It’s the only Waikiki luau where you can skip the luau and buy a ticket for the “show only” at around $99 for an adult. That price includes the hula show, a welcome lei and complimentary drink. This can be a real savings for travelers on a budget. For “show only” guests, you don’t have to check in until 6:30pm. This is another benefit for travelers returning in the late afternoon from a day excursion.

Special Holiday Performance

If you’re visiting the islands this Kalikimaka (Christmas) season, you’re in luck if you’re looking for the best Waikiki luau! Nā Lei Aloha is putting on a special series of holiday shows from December 9 through December 30. They even have performances scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On these special days, the Buffet starts at 7pm and the Show starts at 8pm for Christmas Eve / Day (24th & 25th).

The show run Sunday through Thursday. To get you into the island holiday spirit, a seasonal cocktail is included in your purchase.

The dinner show package includes the full international dinner buffet at The Buffet at Hyatt restaurant. Show Only packages are available for those having dinner elsewhere.

If you purchase the Dinner Show package, the gathering time is 5pm. If you are just arriving for the Show, gathering time is 6:30pm.

The Setting

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is one of the most desirable oceanfront destinations in Waikiki’s city center. It’s directly across from the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Kuhio Beach.

The hula show is performed on the expansive third-floor terrace of the Hyatt’s Diamond Head Tower. You’ll have a spectacular view of the setting sun. Once you receive your welcome greeting of a traditional lei and a complimentary drink, the fun starts.

There’s a casual and low-key vibe before the buffet starts. Sipping on your drink, you might get a chance to learn how to make a lei or to dance a hula. Musicians and dancers walk among the tables greeting guests, and you’ll hear Hawaiian music playing nearby. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the best Waikiki luau!

Food and Drinks

The Buffet at Hyatt is one of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach’s headliner restaurants. It’s an outdoor restaurant on the third floor where the luau is held. You’ll have about 90 minutes to savor the international menu. It’s a Pan-Pacific fusion of traditional Hawaiian flavors and Korean-inspired dishes. Another treat is the Hawaiian musicians that may serenade you table-side during your meal.

The Hyatt sources local meat, seafood and produce as much as possible. For the latest menu offerings, you can call the restaurant at (808) 923-1234 because the menu posted online is subject to change.

The buffet menu is unlike other luaus around town. The best Waikiki luau should have outstanding food and this one doesn’t disappoint.

The buffet has all of the typical Hawaiian dishes like Kalua Pork, Lomi Salmon and Haupia. You’ll also have a wide assortment of Japanese and Korean-inspired cuisine staged at Teppan and Banchan stations. The luau buffet has lots of variety for every palate. From fresh seafood to Asian cuisine to Prime Rib. It’s all here.

The different buffet areas are:

BBQ TEPPAN STATION

• Korean Magic Dusted Prime Rib
• Kalbi Short Ribs
• St. Louis Pork Ribs
• Shimeiji and Hamakua Mushrooms

SEAFOOD AND RAW BAR

• Goosepoint Oysters from Washington State
• Chilled Alaskan Snow Crab Legs
• Poached Shrimp Cocktail
• Fresh Ahi Poke
• Lomi Salmon
• Fully stocked side station with cocktail sauce, lemon wedges, mignonette, drawn butter, soy sauce, and wasabi

SUSHI BAR with Handmade California rolls, and Temaki (handrolls)

SOUP STATION with Miso soup and Miyeok Guk (Korean Beef & Seaweed Soup)

SALAD AND BANCHAN STATION

• Mixed GreensTofu
• Kong Namul Muchim (Beansprout Salad)
• Gaji Namul (Chilled Eggplant with Soy Glaze)
• Japchae (Korean glass noodle sauté)
• Chilled Marinated Spinach
• Kim Chee

HOT FOOD ITEMS

• Kalua Pork
• Pork Lau Lau
• Bok Choy with Garlic Sauce
• Spicy Fettuccine Alfredo
• Washugyu Beef Bulgogi
• Rice Cakes & Portuguese Sausage
• Sauteed Asparagus
• Korean Fried Chicken
• Cheese Corn
• Deep Fried Shrimp

DESSERT

• Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Chocolate Fountain of assorted desserts and fruits
• Chef Henry’s Assorted Pastries – a daily rotation of seasonal desserts
• Haupia – a traditional Hawaiian coconut dessert

Why is this Luau Show Unique?

This All-Hawaiian hula show is sponsored and choreographed by a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the cultural, economic, political and community development of Native Hawaiians. Proceeds from Nā Lei Aloha benefit the work of the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement, whose goal is to host the best Waikiki luau.

Early in 2024, CNHA started the Kilohana Hula Show, a reimagining of the iconic Kodak Hula Show that was seen by thousands of tourists over six decades that ended in 2002. The FREE Kilohana Hula Show, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, happens at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound from Monday to Wednesday at 9:30am.

After getting the Kilohana Hula Show started, CNHA took on the responsibility for introducing an All-Hawaiian dinner show in Waikiki. The Creative Director and Producer of “Nā Lei Aloha”, Mahealani Mika has been a hula practitioner since she was a child. Hula is her life.

Mahealani trained with various Hula masters while refining her craft. Competing in the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, she was crowned Miss Aloha Hula, the most prestigious award given to a solo hula dancer.

As you watch the hula performances of Nā Lei Aloha, you can be sure that they are authentic renditions that bring ancient stories to life using hand movements, chanting, drumbeats and traditional Hawaiian musical instruments.

Tips You’ll Want to Know

• Nā Lei Aloha and the Buffet at Hyatt are fully accessible – wheelchair and stroller.
• Service animals are allowed.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your booked date.
• There are three (3) Hyatt hotels in Waikiki: the Hyatt Regency, the Hyatt Place, and the Hyatt Centric. The Hyatt Regency where you want to be, is the closest Hyatt to the beach. So if you’re at a Hyatt and you can’t see the ocean, you’re in the wrong place!
• You can walk to the Hyatt Regency from most other Waikiki resorts. At night, Kalākaua Avenue is well lit and full of people out walking, so it’s safe if you decide to walk back to your hotel after the show.
• If your hotel isn’t in Waikiki, there are taxis, Ubers and Lyfts in abundance at night. The BUS has a stop across the street from the Hyatt Regency at the Duke Kahanamoku statue.
• If you drive to the Hyatt Regency (Waikiki traffic is crazy!), there’s a parking structure. Free four-hour self-parking is included with the luau so be sure to get your parking ticket validated. Valet parking is also available for $12.
• Nā Lei Aloha Luau reserves the right to cancel or modify the show at any time for weather or safety-related issues. In the event of rain sprinkling and passing showers, the show will continue.

Book your tickets to the Na Lei Aloha Luau Waikiki today!

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