North Shore Oahu Luaus

Fire knife dancers at Toa Luau on Oahu's North Shore — Fire knife dancers at Toa Luau on Oahu’s North Shore

As the sun slowly sets, vanishing below the horizon and giving way to the soft glow of the moon and stars in the tropical sky, you fill up a plate with authentic Hawaiian cuisine. The aromas of kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, and other flavors from across the Pacific are carried on the warm breeze. All around you, people are jovial, enjoying their buffet feast and anticipating the music and dance that’s to come after their meal. Together, you’re all enjoying a fascinating piece of local tradition and culture and a staple of any vacation to the islands: a Hawaiian luau.

While many of Oahu’s luaus take place along the southern shores of Oahu, there are two tropical feasts that take place on Oahu’s world-famous North Shore, each offering a unique evening of fabulous food, fun, and entertainment.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Fresh flower lei greeting at the Alii Luau — A warm greeting awaits at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s luau

This North Shore staple is much more than just a luau. It’s an opportunity to experience the history of the Hawaiian Islands in a setting that is deeply rooted in it. While the evening show tells a fantastical tale of early voyagers and settlers in its hula and fire-knife dancing performances, the rest of the center tells the story of each of the island cultures that came together to create the Hawaiian nation.

When you book the Ali’i Luau Buffet, you get the opportunity to explore the history of the North Shore and the Hawaiian Islands through a variety of different experiences. Most prominent are the six villages, each representing one of the cultures of Polynesia.

The Polynesian Cultural Center Luau is packed with cultural activities perfect for children and adults, followed by a buffet spread that showcases the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands. You can make your own lei before filling your plate with kalua pork, or learn how to hula to burn off some calories before you dive into the selection of decadent desserts.

The fun-filled day reaches a climax with the award-winning evening show “Ha: Breath of Life.”

Toa Luau

Another North Shore luau with a focus on culture and tradition is Toa Luau at Waimea Botanical Falls. This intimate evening celebrates the traditions and customs of an authentic luau in a breathtaking location that provides guests with a premier view of the Waimea Botanical Gardens.

Along with the cultural activities, the buffet of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, and the evening performance that showcases the musical styles of Polynesia, guests of Toa Luau also have access to Waimea Valley. This includes the cultural sites, botanical gardens, and stunning Waimea Falls.

To get the most out of your time in Waimea Valley, arrive early so you can explore all of the natural beauty and enjoy the world-famous Waimea Bay—home to big-wave surfing competitions. Hike through the beautiful gardens to a gorgeous waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the clear pool below.