Our family is planning a trip to Hawaii. We want to do a luau on either Oahu or Kauai. We have ruled out the Polynesian Cultural Center's luau on Oahu. We've already been to a luau at Disney so this time we really want something authentic, not something too showy and touristy. We don't care which island (Oahu or Kauai) we go to a luau on. Thanks for your help.

I've not been but isn't Smith's on Kauai a good one?

I thought Smith's was supposed to be good too, but it has gotten lots of negative reviews. Thanks for the response!

Mollychris:

Any regularly-scheduled lu`au, is there for the visitors. All of them are showy -- some more than others. 8-)

If you want an authentic lu`au -- the ones held for/by island residents -- check the newspaper for any lu`au being held by a church, school, canoe club, or hula halau which is open to the public. These are held on every island -- with most of them being held in spring/summer/fall. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the price, too -- typically $25 or less per person. Yay!

Instead of partaking in what has become a total high-priced tourist trap, at least on Kauai, why don't you make dinner reservations at a Hanamaulu Cafe and specify for a Tea Room in the back. It is one of those wonderful and intimate family experiences that you will treasure. And you already saw those fireeaters on TV anyway.

Anna Roz

auntiemaria is correct. All of the commercial luaus are for show for the tourists.

They all claim to be the most authentic, but none really are except for the ones described by Auntie.

Don't rule out Polynesian Cultural Center.

They have the best Polynesian entertainment in Hawaii.

Thanks for all the responses. I'm currently trying to find an events calendar for Oahu and Kauai to look for a local luau. This seems like the best option for us. Thanks again!

mollychris: We have been to four luau's on Oahu - Polynesian Cultural Center, Royal Hawaiian, Hale Koa, and Germaine's. The best (and most expensive) overall was the Royal Hawaiian. The Polynesian had the best show, food was OK. The Royal Hawaiian had an excellent show and the best food. The Hale Koa show and food were so-so. The show would have been better, but it features Danny Couch and we're not fans of him. Germaine's had a good show and good food, but the long tour bus ride to and from was not enjoyable.

Thanks for the reply! We don't really want to go to a luau at a hotel. Thanks for the suggestions!

mollychris:

The kind of lu`au I suggested is rarely listed on any online calendar. These events are run by volunteers with whatever organization is hosting, so they rely on flyers they post all over the island, roadside homemade banners, free radio mentions, and free notices in the island newspaper.

Pick up a newspaper as soon as you land -- and keep a watchful eye for flyers/posters in shop windows and on community bulletin boards (typically found at/near every grocery store).

Thanks! I looked everywhere on the internet and couldn't find anything! When we land in Lihue, we'll grab a paper and make sure to keep an eye out for flyers! Thanks so much!