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Tropical Fun at a Luau in Oahu

A visit to Hawaii usually necessitates attending a luau or Hawaiian feast for many of us. During our visit to Oahu last month, we decided to make this into a family event with my brother and his family who lived there and our other brother who joined us. Paradise Cove claims to be Hawaii’s best luau and has been around for over 20 years. Come join us for some Hawaiian activities and food amidst a fantastic tropical setting.

Paradise Cove luau oahu

Located at the beautiful Ko Olina Cove on Oahu’s coast. Paradise Cove has an enviable oceanfront location set on 12 acres. There’s a reason Disney’s new Aulani resort was built down the road.

Paradise Cove beach

It felt like entering a tropical garden as soon as we entered the gates to the luau. We were greeted with some Hawaiian music to add to the ambience. The free Aloha Mai Tais (with and without alcohol) were freely passed out to get everyone in a festive mood. Depending on the package you purchase, guests are also greeted with a shell or orchid lei.

Paradise Cove luau singer


One of my favorite things about Paradise Cove luau compared to other ones we’ve been to is the variety of fun, pre-show activities everyone can participate to learn Hawaiian games, arts and crafts.  We’ve gone here before but this was the first time with the kids.  My kids and nieces excitedly ran from one session to another.

They liked participating in traditional Hawaiian games like the ‘O’o ihe (Spear throwing) and ‘Ulu maika (Rolling stone disks). They quickly collected shell leis as prizes. How to tie a sarong (always very useful tips for the ladies) or even cut and husk a coconut were also part of the demonstrations.

Paradise Cove activity

Some of the guys got temporary Polynesian tattoos, while the women tried their hand in making Hawaiian leis or leaves, “crowns” or bracelets. My daughter couldn’t get enough of those plumerias and orchids and happily wore some of the ones they made as accessories. While I appreciated the effort put on by the staff, I was a little put off with the tip jar for each complementary activity.

Hawaiian luau with kids


The kids also tried some canoeing in the small lagoon. One of the staffers helped them row around which made their day. To top it off, they had the island’s spectacular sunset as a background.

Paradise Cove canoe

Many of us assembled at the beach area to catch these beautiful views. How could we stop taking pictures with scenes and colors like these?

Oahu sunset

Just one more Hawaiian sunset photo.

Paradise cove sunset


The staffers made a wonderful effort to announce events and gather the visitors. It was a pleasure to see an island boy climb a tall coconut tree quickly. Once he reached the top, there was a “Shower of Flowers” as sweet-smelling tropical blossom strips floated down to us.

Paradise Cove shower of flowers


After watching the islanders and chosen guests participate in the traditional hukilau or pulling of the fishing nets from the lagoon accompanied by island chants, we were led to the Imu Ampitheater. The Paradise Cove Royal Court led a sunset ceremony to extract the customary pig being roasted in Hawaii’s version of an underground oven or imu.

Paradise Cove imu theater

This whole ritual was supposed to emulate what the ancent Hawaiians did to cook the pig. It involved digging a pit in the sand with logs and river rocks to top it, the pig wrapped in banana leaves and burlap bags on top to keep the steam in for 6-8 hours of cooking.

I’m not sure if it was the exact same pig but I’d like to think it was for an added authenticity. Although, the fast-turnaround it took to put the shredded pork on the table was highly suspicious.

Paradise cove pig


We didn’t stay long at the ceremony since it had started to rain a bit. Many stuck it out while some of us sought out cover. It was a pleasant surprise to find ponchos for us to keep at our table when we returned though. Luckily, the rain stopped long enough for us to enjoy the food and show.

Don’t expect 5-star dining or gourmet here since it is a buffet with mass-produced food. The buffet included a variety of salads, pineapple chunks and traditional luau food like poi (pudding-like paste made from mashed taro root), lomi salmon, fish with macadamia nut crème sauce, fried chicken (yes, very Hawaiian) and kalua pig with desserts like coconut cake, jello for the kids, cookies and haupia (coconut custard).

My kids couldn’t get enough of the supposed taro rolls which were really purple Hawaiian sweet rolls After all the pre-dinner activities with no food in sight, this feast was enough to make even the picky eaters pile their plates.

Paradise Cove food


The night ended with some traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian songs and dances on the Paradise Cove Main Stage. I don’t know how my brother managed to get us tickets at the front and center area but it was a great vantage point.

Paradise cove dancers


The one-hour show had quite a bit of audience interaction – picking people in the audience to learn the hula, honoring the military, birthday and anniversary and newlywed celebrants. It was also a delight to witness someone propose to his lady love.

The dancers were very talented and entertaining. I wish they included more dances from other Polynesian cultures but they only had one Tahitian dance during the performance. But, it was still a lovely way to end the whole luau. Everyone can pose with and meet the performers afterwards.

Paradise Cove dancers

Although, the highlight was the exciting fire dancer who kept our attention.  He was awesome and the kids’ favorite performer. Sorry, hula dancers.

Paradise Cove fire dancer


Paradise Cove was such an idyllic, scenic tropical spot for a luau. It was one of the reasons we decided to come back to this luau. They did a wonderful job celebrating Hawaii’s culture despite it being a bit touristy at times.

We really like the cultural crafts, demonstrations and activities beforehand. There are a few luau options in Oahu but it’s hard to beat the setting here. If you’re planning a visit to the islands, don’t rule out a luau for some Hawaiian style fun, food and feast.

Paradise Cove family

Tips for Visiting Paradise Cove Luau

  • Transportation from 9 convenient Waikiki locations is included with admission. We saw plenty of large tour buses transporting the guests. We had a rental car so we drove there and parking was free.
  • There were plenty of things to do while we waited for dinner, however dinner is not until about 7 PM so if you have young ones it might be best to have a late lunch or bring some snacks.
  • We got there around 4:30 before the buses came and there were no lines anywhere and the kids were first in many of the activities. Paradise Cove is open daily.
  • Admission comes with two free drink tickets for basic beverages on a list. Many of the sought after drinks were available for a ticket plus some other dollar amount. Thank goodness water was free!
  • Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event or book in advance. Check your hotels for any discounts since the cheapest package is almost $90. If you have access to the military bases in Hawaii, buy the tickets there for significant discounts.
  • Three packages are available with the most expensive one having seats at the front and waiter service. We had the intermediate package and we didn’t feel like we missed out on anything. Check their website for pricing options and packages.

*Have you attended a luau? Any favorites?


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Paradise Cove

39 thoughts on “Tropical Fun at a Luau in Oahu”

  1. Looks like such a fun evening and what a great family event. You are one gorgeous looking family!Sunsets also look amazing especially considering it started to rain.

    Hope you end up having a super fun and very Merry Christmas. Are you staying in California?

    1. Thank you, Leigh! We all had fun and it was a memorable evening. The sunsets were just spectacular and these pictures don’t do them justice. We are staying close to home for the holidays. Have a Merry Christmas to you and your family too.

  2. What a fun evening! The sunsets look amazing. It’s been about twenty years since I’ve been to Hawaii…it’s probably time we thought of stopping there on our way to the States. Best wishes to you and the family for a great Xmas

  3. Going to a luau is a must when visiting Hawaii, isn’t it? This looks like a top notch one. I’ve been to one in Maui that was very adamant about being authentically Hawaiian so they didn’t include Fire Dancing. My kids were bummed. Your daughter’s woven headband looks beautiful. Does she remember how to make one again? The activities would probably be my kids’ favorite part of the luau, especially going out on a canoe. I’ll need to keep Paradise Cove in mind if we visit Oahu.

    1. The one we went to in Maui didn’t have any pre-show activities but a longer and better show with fire dancers. The lady was helping her make her headband and I wasn’t paying attention so I doubt she remembers. They loved the canoe as I’m sure your kids would too. Your family will like this one. Thanks Michele!

  4. Ko Olina, means ‘place of joy’ and it appears that it was just that during your visit to the luau. You captured its spirit beautifully. Love the sunset shot, but then I think that’s my favorite part of Hawaii. Merry Christmas!

  5. I loved Hawaii and it is one of the places I really want to visit again one day, it’s a real paradise. Unfortunately I did not attend a Luau when I was there last time but after reading this and seeing those gorgeous photos I definitely will next time.

  6. Hi Mary, I know luau is a Hawaiian tradition that is a must when visiting Hawaii, but I missed it when I was in Hawaii. I guess we were so busy planning which beautiful trail to hike next that we didn’t think about it. Next time. Your photos of the ritual looks so beautiful, and fun and so festive. I don’t eat pig so it’s good to know that there are a lot of other kinds of food to eat. Love the sunset shots; I can’t have enough of them. And I so love the photo of my little sis. She looks so lovely with the flower on her hair and the lei. She can defnitely pass for a true Hawaiian.

  7. I didn’t realize there was so much variety at a luau, Mary. I thought it was mostly food and a little entertainment. Fantastic! I bet it’s a memorable experience, especially when you’re lucky to score good seats like you did. Thanks for the tour!

  8. Oh gosh I thought I had commented on this before and I see that I didn’t. Sorry, Mary! That last picture of the four of you literally made me smile. It was awesome to see YOU in the snapshot for once! The last pic of the sunset was poster perfect! As always, the inner kid in me was able to live vicariously through your children, as in all of the posts I read. Love it! My ex and I went to Hawaii four times…I proposed to her on Maui. Then married on Kauai! Wonderful times. Thank you for always bringing a smile to Phoenix and I, our friend! :)

  9. Wow, fantastic setting and gorgeous views! Hawaii has still remained elusive to us, but we’d love to change that one day. Your family pic looks absolutely adorable. Happy holidays!

  10. We attended a luau in Maui and the kids loved it! The fire dancers were very impressive but Emma LOVED the hula dancers – we had to get a photo with them afterward – Emma was 5 and I think she thought we were at Disney World! ;) Your photos are gorgeous – that sunset is amazing! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s with your family, Mary and all the best for 2014!!

  11. I loved your photos. You took me back. I have been there and done that. I love everything about Hawaii no matter where it is-Maui, Oahu, The Big Island, etc. It’s all grand and beautiful. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

  12. What an excellent way to experience and learn about Hawaiian culture. Luau really included everything we think of when thinking of Hawaii. Great photos too. There is not such a thing as too many photos of Hawaiian sunsets. They are all gorgeous! Happy holidays! Thanks for linking up to the Sunday Traveler.

  13. I wish we had went to this one. We chose one, which quite frankly, sucked. It stormed halfway through the show and the tent split. They didn’t offer us a refund or anything. Grrrr.

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