We will be traveling to Honolulu in December and are interested in going to a luau. Any suggestions? It doesn't have to be authentic, good food and entertainment (not too cheesey), would be great.
Thanks for your help

What is a luau

JUST RETURNED FROM WAIKIKI,PARADISE COVE LUAU WAS GOOD,ALTHOUGH THE FOOD WAS OK. THE ENTERTAINMENT WAS ALSO GOOD.THE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER HAS A FANTASTIC SHOW IN THE EVENING WHICH IS EQUAL TO A TYPICAL LUAU. THE AMBASSADOR TOUR IS YOUR BEST BET.IT INCLUDES PREMIUM FOOD(PRIME RIB,CRAB,SUSHI,AND OTHER SEAFOOD).MY WIFE AND I PLUS A COUPLE OF FRIENDS WHO WENT WITH US REALLY ENJOYED THE POLY CENTER,THERE WAS PLENTY TO DO. JUST BE AWARE THAT THIS IS SPONSERED BY THE MORMOM CHURCH SO YOU WON'T SEE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS OR CAFFEINATED DRINKS OF ANY TYPE.THEY DO HAVE PLENTY OF FRUIT DRINKS AND SHERBET.THERE ARE A COUPLE OTHER LUAUS ON THE ISLAND THAT CLAIM THEY ARE THE BETTER,BUT TALKING TO THE ISLANDERS,THESE ARE THE BEST IN MY OPINION. ALOHA!

I would completely steer clear of the Polynesian Cultural center. It is not authentic and much closer to a tourist trap. The most authentic Luau on any island is on Maui, old lahaina luau.

I lived on Oahu for 4 years I never met a Hawaiian that endorsed the Polynesian Culture Center as a serious cultural center. I remember one Hawaiian friend saying it is like Disney land for the Polynesian culture. I don’t think he meant this as a compliment. I was extremely embarrassed taking visiting friends. We saw people walking out during the evening show.
The performers are talented but they take Polynesian behaviors out of context and then make them sort of look like clowns. I did not see them doing this with “Elvis” though in the same show.

On Oahu you have a couple of choices Germaines, Paradise Cove both pretty commercial. I have to say I think the luau's that are not authentic are just a waste of money. Much of the entertainment at these commercial luaus can be seen around Oahu for free. They will even say presenting so and so from the Polynesian Culture Center.

Every Friday and Saturday night you can see fire twirling, Tahitian dancers, hula and fire works in front of the pool of Hilton Hawaiian Village. I see Merry Monarch groups (State Wide Hula Competition) doing hula in traditional outfits along the main strip near the water in Waikiki frequently. This is just off the top of my head you will undoubtedly bump into this stuff on your travels.

I would skip the luau experience and go have dinner at "Alan Wong's, Sam Choy's or Roy's" You have some incredible dining on Oahu that sometimes tourist skip. Remember because this is a travel destination world chefs flock here. If entertainment is important go see Don Ho, go to blaisdale website see who is coming to town on your dates, or do any number of things in Honolulu. I would try to take in a Kabuki performance at University of Hawaii. A long time resident told me it was one of the best performances you can see on Oahu. Go to the Bishop Museum and Waimea Falls park for true pictures of the early Hawaiians. Visit the heau on the North Shore I really think the luau experience in Honolulu and on most islands has become a bit cheesy.

Please someone explain what luau is?

I think a luau is the big flower chain they place around your neck in Hawaii

For meme and Tom in case you both just docked form Mars exploration: A luau is an Hawaiian feast that includes local foods dressed down to appeal to the masses. A pig is is cooked in a below ground pit and removed ceremoniously by the hosts. After drinks and the buffet diner hawaiian entertainment completes the event. The flowers or leaves worn round the neck are leis. Not to be confused with the activity of most honeymooners in Hawaii.

Hey you "whatever" why you so smart and think that everyone suppose to know everything. Isn't that what a traveling is about? Learning about things we do not know? Give them some credit and stop being such big ...........

Hmmm "X" didn't enjoy my little "docking from Mars" jab. Too bad. The trolls are this site are busy this summer. I do however expect full grown adults to know what a luau is. Try taking a poll among grownups if you know any and report back how many didn't know what it was.

I've been to the Ploynesian Cultural center, and Richard is right on target--it's a tourist trap, and the luau is totally low-rent--the performers look embarassed, the food is crummy, and the come-ons from the Mormon recruiters are just the living end. Truly, there's no such thing as an authentic luau--they're all overpriced and phony--forced fun.

That's not true, there ARE authentic luaus, but these are family- or club-oriented events.

I asked 7 people in the university setting what is luau and only one knew. Maybe because they do not travel to Hawaii?

Liz do not listen to these people. PCP is a good time. If you don't believe me , then just go and see DON HO and have a terrible time with bad drinks and bad food.