A couple of the kids are spending 10 days in Oahu next month. They have booked the Royal Hawaiian Luau. Would love comments on this one or other alternatives. TIA ***kim***

Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has the best Polynesian Show, 'Horizons', in all of Hawaii.

That show is included with all priced ticket packages.

One of the ticket packages includes a separate luau, 'Ali'i Luau', which is a good show.

PCC has many villages with demonstrations, comedy, etc. that is included with the ticket.

Also included is an IMAX film & a canoe pageant.

So, the best option is to skip the Waikiki Luaus and ones like Paradise Cove Luau and Germaine's Luau. Go to PCC.

If they can't make it to PCC, the best show in Waikiki is Creation: A Polynesian Journey. They have the best dancers on the island. It's at the Sheraton Princess Kauilani Hotel.

As I post this, I'm grinding my teeth and quaking in fear...someone's going to slam me..oh well, I'll get over it. I respectfully disagree with dusty..I think the Polynesian Cultural Center is the biggest rip off in the islands. It is way over priced, the food at the luau is horrible, you are packed in like sardines eating off styrofoam plates, and the show...well, we left before it was over. There have been some other posts regarding the PCC and some of those posters did in fact agree with me. I can't comment on the Royal Hawaiian luau because I went years ago and things change. I went to Germaines some years back and at the time it was fun but don't think I'd like it at this point in my life but kids would probably go for it. It's hard commenting on things like this because it's all so subjective and right here you have two oppinions that are just poles apart. So, they should just pick one and go.

I have been to the Polynesian Cultural Center many times over the years. I've eaten at the Luau and at the regular buffet. Both have good food and neither was packed in "like sardines eating off styrofoam plates".
I have also been to Germaines and Paradise Cove each a couple of times. Talk about being packed in like sardines!

All right Dusty, put up your dukes!!! Like I say, just pick one and go to it. How does anyone know what someone else will like, ya know?

If the kids are under the leagal drinking age, then PCC might be a good choice as they don't serve alcohol.

We happened to see the entertainment at the Royal Hawaiian Luau a couple of years ago when we were having cocktails outdoors, at the Mai Tai Bar, at the Royal Hawaiian, and stayed for Pupus. Just happened to be the evening of our arrival to Waikiki, and the first thing we did was walk across to the beautiful old hotel from the Hyatt. The Luau is right on the grassy area next to the beach, bar and restaurant with the sunset behind the stage. I thought the entertainment quite good, but can't comment on the luau food.
8-)

"Horizons" at the PCC was fabulous when I saw it ... I thought it was the best thing about the PCC, worth the price of the ticket if we'd seen nothing else there. I can't comment on the Royal Hawaiian luau as I haven't epxerienced it, but I'd highly recommend the luau and show at PCC.

Mrs. MileKing and I did the Royal Hawaiian Luau in October 2003 while on our honeymoon. We had researched the luau options available on Oahu and chose the Royal Hawaiian over others mentioned in this thread. Reviews of PCC seemed extremely inconsistent; people either loved it or hated it. Opinions of the Germaine’s and Paradise Cove luaus seemed consistently negative. What we had seen about the Royal Hawaiian Luau was that it was generally acceptable and had very few negatives. After experiencing it, I would concur with that view. The food was OK, but nothing special, mai tai drinks flowed freely, and the entertainment was quite good. Incidentally, we asked some of the locals what they considered the best luau on Oahu and most recommended attending a local church luau or other organization sponsored luau. When we asked about the typical tourist luaus, most of the locals recommended the Royal Hawaiian.

There is a 20% discount to the Royal Hawaiian luau here:
http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/de_luau.htm

crefloors - This is the main difference between the luaus at Paradise Cove and Germaine's luaus compared with the one at Polynesian Cultural center.

There is not a great deal of difference between any of them. The ones at Paradise Cove and Germaines are right on the beach and for that I would give them a nod over PCC. Most that go to Paradise Cove and Germaine's are bussed there from Waikiki. So I have to take back the nod I gave to Gerrmaines and Paradise Cove. Many take tour buses to PCC also and the ride is as long, but more scenic during the day.

The really big difference is that if one books the Ali'i Luau at PCC for about $30 more than the price of a regular ticket, not only do you see a good (not great) luau at 5pm, you get better seats for the 'Horizon's' Show at 7;30 which is by far the best show in Hawaii.

The regular price ticket is about $50 ($34 kids) and does not include any meal or luau. It does include everything else at PCC including the 'Horizons' show.

For $80 ($56 kids) the Ali'i Luau is included and seats to 'Horizons' are upgraded.

There are also even more expensive packages which include better seats for both the Ali'i Luau and 'Horizons'.

My point is that for $80 you can see a "good' luau, a great 'Horizons', several villages of Polynesia, IMAX, Canoe Pageant, etc. for almost the same price as any of the other luaus on Oahu or on any of the other islands.

For the regular price of $50 you can see the best show 'Horizons' and everything else at PCC except for the luau.

Either way, it is much better than going to Germaine's, Paradise Cove, etc.

My problem with PCC is that is appears to "Disney" up the island experience. Plus it is run by the Mormans (hello, that's why there's no alcohol).

Not a full luau but there are a number of places to see free hula and music in Waikiki, down on the beach near the Duke statue, on the stage at the Royal Hawaiian shopping center, at any number of hotels or bars along the beach, etc.

I went to Germaines like over 20 years ago. I thought it was pretty cheezy at the time, but I was single, with a girl friend, into drinkin' a bit too much on occasion and the "party" scene...so, it was OK. That's why I said that at this point in my life, I don't think I'd like it. I went to the luau at the Royal when I was a "kid", my first trip to the islands so I hesitated to venture an opinion because it was so long ago. I was at the PCC two years ago, so that was of a more recient memory. I don't like the PCC because of the whole Mormon thing..I have luckily escaped the "sell" while there, the stupid comentary and jokes at the various venues. Like I say, it's all so subjective anyway. At the same time, I wonder why people ask for the opinions that they do sometimes. I mean, how would I know what they like or don't like? So, then keep my mouth shut? Hmmmm, now THERE'S a thought!!!! I say potato-you say po-tah-to..All the luaus are well attended, all of them have been around for a long time, they all have the music and dancing, if you haven't been to one, jut decide on price, convenience, being able to reserve the night that works for you and go to one. I was at a Thai restaurant the other night. I ordered a shrimp dish that I had never had before. I didn't like it, I didn't eat it...well, how would I have known if I didn't order it? I might have loved it..I mean I had to try Red Curry at one time and well, lucky me I LOVE the stuff. I actually DO appreciate why people ask for opinions, I really do, but sometimes you just have to take a "leap of faith" or you can just confuse yourself into agony and not even be able to make a decision about anything.

Great points crefloors! Not to mention (back to the original post) the luau is already booked & it's the Mom not the people who will be attending asking the question!!