Luau Kalamaku
Tour the historic Kilohana Estate, take a scenic train ride through a working plantation*, mingle with local artisans, dine on local foods while listening to Tahitian rhythms, and then sit back and enjoy a one-of-a-kind, award-winning stage production about Kauai’s first people.
Highlights
- Held on the grounds of a picturesque and historic plantation
- Scenic, guided train ride around the 104-acre estate (*available as an add-on)
- Craft fair featuring local artisans plus other shops on site
- Traditional Imu (earth oven) ceremony
- Open bar and buffet dinner featuring many traditional Hawaiian foods
- Exciting, original stage production featuring music, hula, and fire knife dancing
- Round trip transportation available for an additional fee
Book Now!
Open availability for Tuesday and Friday nights. Other nights may be available by calling us directly at (808) 900-6065.
Overview
Luau Kalamaku is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Luau Kalamaku is located on the historic Kilohana Estate near Lihue. The plantation was first established in the late 1800’s by the Wilcox family, descendants of American missionaries. This former cattle ranch and sugar cane plantation remains a working plantation today. The agricultural park boasts a 60-acre orchard, plus other crops, and livestock. Many ingredients served at the luau are either grown right on the property or sourced from other local farms. In addition to farm-to-table dining, Luau Kalamaku also promotes local artisans and local products.
Luau Kalamaku opens at 5 pm, and there is a lot to see and do before the dinner and entertainment even start. Feel free to wander through the original mansion – the first of its kind to be built on Kauai in 1936 – which now houses several specialty boutiques, art galleries, and the award-winning Gaylord’s restaurant. There is also an outdoor craft fair where you can meet and watch local artisans at work – and even purchase a souvenir or two if you like. And don’t forget about the open bar serving all your favorite tropical drinks plus local beer, wine, and spirits.
After you’ve had time to explore, guests are called to participate in the imu ceremony where the roasted kalua pig is removed from the in-ground oven. Dinner is then served buffet style. Seating is located inside an open-air pavilion. Tables surround the stage and usually seat eight guests, so you may be seated beside other guests if your group is smaller than 6-8 people. Hula dancers, accompanied by musicians playing Tahitian rhythms, will perform while you dine on kalua pork, poi, and other local favorites.
After dinner, settle in for Luau Kalamaku’s award winning show “Kalamaku“- a forty minute original stage production featuring music, hula dancing, fire knife dancing, and flaming poi balls. The show tells the story of a family’s epic sea voyage from Tahiti to Kauai and also pays homage to Polynesian mythology. The quality of stage production and
choreography in this dramatic show is exceptional. This show is very different from most luau shows – which are usually a showcase of performances, with each representing one of the various Polynesian islands. The exciting and fiery finale to “Kalamaku” is one that you won’t soon forget – or be able to experience elsewhere.
After the show, guests are given an opportunity to meet and take photos with the performers. If you have chosen to include transportation you will then be taken back to your hotel.
What’s included:
- Craft fair featuring local artisans
- Access to the plantation’s grounds, restored mansion, and plantation shops
- Open Bar from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
- Imu Ceremony
- Buffet Dinner featuring locally sourced and traditional Hawaiian foods
- Theatrical Show featuring music, hula, fire knife dancing, and flaming poi balls
Upgrade Options:
- Round trip transportation
- Forty minute train ride and guided tour around the plantation
Menu
Starters
- Fresh Kauai Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Macaroni Potato Salad
- Tofu Salad
- Seasonal Fruit Platter
Entrees & Sides
- Kalua Pork
- Seasonal Fish in a ginger coconut cream sauce
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Vegetable Chow Mein
- Sauteed Vegetables
- Poi
- Taro Rolls & Honey butter
- Jasmine Rice
Desserts
- Haupia (coconut pudding)
- Banana Cream Tart
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Special Considerations:
- Open availability for Tuesday and Friday nights. Other nights may be available by calling us directly at (808) 900-6065.
- Gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian menu options are available.
- Most areas are accessible, the main seating area is covered and located on a concrete foundation.
- The stage show’s dramatic and fiery finale might be a bit too scary for very young children.
Schedule
3:30 pm – Hotel pick-ups begin (exact times will vary)
5:00 pm – Venue opens, Open Bar, Craft Fair, Free time
5:30 pm – Train leaves the depot for the plantation tour (must pre-book)
6:15 pm – Imu Ceremony & Torch Lighting
6:30 pm – Dinner & pre-show entertainment begins
7:30 pm – “Kalamaku” Show begins
8:15 pm – Meet & greet with the cast
8:30 pm – Return Transportation prepares for departure
9:00 pm – Venue closes
