Luau Seeker

Hi All,

I'm planning a trip to Honolulu for early March. I wanted to attend a luau while I'm there. Polynesian Cultural Center was going to be my choice, but after reading some posts on this message board, I'm hesistant. Another choice seems to be Paradise Cove. Can anyone comment on where to find the best luau (i.e. authentic ceremonies and good food)?

Thanks,

Luau Seeker

Pamela

I really enjoyed the luau at Paradise Cove. Of course, that was back in 1987, but it was the best luau that I've been to. When I was there, they really got the audience involved.

judy

Yes!! Paradise Cove is a very good one to go to. We went last year...we bought our tickets through, Barefoot Toms.com It is right on the beach and the sunset is very pretty. There are activities for you to do along with a grand buffett and entertainment. It is very much worth the money to do this one.

Melissa

You can purchase your tickets directly through the Paradise Cove luau or your hotel concierge. Try to schedule it for the night O'Brien Eselu is the emcee.

jeulitz

The website paradisecove.com see the whole luau setting. Have fun.

Chris

Aloha Luau Seeker,

The two luaus are quite different experiences.

Paradise Cove offers all the cocktails you want, coconut shell bras for the lady performers, the beach scene. The Polynesian Cultural Center luau is in a garden instead of the beach and is better for families. Alcohol is not served.

Paradise Cove has a romantic sunset. Their eating area is not covered, but it hardly rains on that side of the island. Admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center includes some cultural villages and a large night show.

You can get to Paradise Cove in half the time it takes you to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center, but the Paradise Cove drive is through an unsightly part of the island. The Polynesian Cultural Center is on the north shore (60 minutes) and is a scenic drive. Enjoy the sights on the way out because it is dark coming back.

Your escort at Paradise Cove will give you more personal attention but the shows at the Polynesian Cultural Center are stronger. The food is comparable.

Both have web sites.

Missy

My boyfriend and I just got back from Honolulu where we attended the Paradise Cove luau on a Friday night. The tour bus ride was fun b/c you get to meet each other and become a *family.* The Cove is beautiful- on the water with an amazing sunset- don't miss those pictures. There were many activities to do like making flower lei ankle and wrist bracelets, dart throwing, etc. The drinks were fine and plentiful. The food was Ok, but one helping of each item at the buffet was enough. However, the show was GREAT! We really had a great time watching it and it seems to give you an authentic taste of a luau, even though it is staged entertainment. We had heard from the locals that P.C. and Germaine's are the 2 best luaus and we don't think you will be disappointed.

helen

I haven't been to Germaine's, but if your choice is between the Polynesian Cultural Center and Paradise Cove definitely pick the Polynesian Cultural Center. At Paradise Cove you dine on plastic tables, sit on plastic chairs. The trade winds blow sand grits onto your chair, onto the table, in your food. Neighbors become drunk and obnoxious. You fetch your own drinks.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is higher class. Cloth tablecloths and nice entertainment while eating. Garden setting. Drinks are brought to your table. It is on the scenic side of the island. Great night show after the luau. We have an annual pass to the Polynesian Cultural Center and prefer to go on Thursday or Saturday when the world fire knife champion is the show finale.