Are you vacationing on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and looking for a luau? In this article, we review Chief’s Luau and share why we recommend booking this unforgettable experience!
We recently went on a family vacation to Oahu. Since it was my husband’s first time in Hawaii, I really wanted to find a traditional luau near Waikiki to go to on his birthday!
With so many different luaus, I spent a lot of time looking at options and reviews. Although attending a luau can be expensive, it is must-do, at least once if you visit Hawaii!
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We share pictures and our memorable family experience from Chief’s Luau in this review! I attended the beautiful luau with my husband, mother, and brother!
Also, be sure to check out our Instagram account, Nurture Happiness Today, for more pictures and videos, from Chief’s Luau!
For even more reviews, explore Chief’s Luau in the link below, and book this popular, highly rated luau too! The luau can be booked with transportation or without. And there is free cancellation (up to 24 hours) so book this memorable experience today:
Chief’s Luau – 3 Types of Luau Experiences
There are three types of Chief’s Luau experiences to select from, briefly summarized below.
All experiences include dinner. Essentially, the experiences main differences are the type of lei, seating distance from the stage, and inclusion of drinks.
1. Aloha Experience Luau
- Greeting
- lei made of shells
- Seating
- Aloha section
- Buffet dinner
- all-you-can-eat buffet dinner
2. Paradise Experience Luau
- Greeting
- lei made of kukui nuts
- Seating
- Paradise section (behind Royal section)
- Buffet dinner
- all-you-can-eat buffet dinner
- two (adult) drinks
3. Royal Experience Luau
- Greeting
- lei made of fresh flowers
- welcome mai tai drink
- Seating
- Royal section, closest to the stage
- Buffet dinner
- first group to all-you-can-eat buffet dinner
- three (adult) drinks
- Souvenir gift
- each of us received a Chief’s Luau beach towel when we arrived at our assigned table!
I booked four people for the Royal Experience Luau on a Wednesday evening in January about one month in advance.
There is also free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience (local time). Given the cost, the free cancellation was reassuring especially since I also gifted this experience to my husband and my family!
Also note, you can book Chief’s Luau Including Transfers to and from your hotel or simply Chief’s Luau Admission without transfers.
Chief’s Luau – What to Expect Overview
Below is a brief overview and highlights to be explored here from our experience at Chief’s Luau:
- Location
- Arrival:
- greeting
- pictures
- Seating
- Pre-show
- interactive cultural activities
- All-you-can-eat buffet
- Polynesian show
- journey through the Polynesian islands
- fire-knife dancing
- Photo opportunity with the performers
Chief’s Luau – Location
Chief’s Luau is located at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. It is approximately 25 miles from central Waikiki. The time it takes to drive can vary depending on traffic. The drive was approximately forty minutes for us coming from downtown Waikiki beach. However, we were caught in rush hour traffic on the way to the luau so plan accordingly.
Notably, it may sound odd that the luau is at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. However, the area for the luau was setup nicely for the evening! It was spacious for all the activities and show, with lovely Hawaiian inspired décor! It certainly did not feel at all like we were at a water park once we entered!
Chief’s Luau with round-trip transportation from Waikiki can be arranged and booked when you purchase tickets, for an extra fee.
Alternatively, you can just book Chief’s Luau, admission only here and drive yourself, or take a taxi or ride share (e.g. Uber), to and from Chief’s Luau. There is a large parking lot with more than enough spaces available.
It is worth mentioning that I did look at luaus in Waikiki beach because I thought it would have been more convenient to just walk. However, the luaus near downtown Waikiki, or at the nearby hotels, did not seem to have elaborate shows nor well reviewed feasts! I was looking for a luau with a “wow factor” experience and ambiance.
In the end, Chief’s Luau was a wonderful evening and worth the drive! Keep on reading to find out more…
Chief’s Luau – Arrival
We were one of the first people to arrive at the entrance and waited on some nearby benches.
The entrance of the luau is by the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii parking lot. There are Chief’s Luau signs displayed as well.
Check-in starts at 5:00 p.m. There was a table with two people checking people in and reviewing receipts.
We were given coloured wrist bands and our assigned table number based on the type of luau experience booked.
Lastly, drink tickets were provided at check in if beverages are included in your package. One drink ticket could be used for adult beverages, “valid for mai tai, beer, wine, or soda.”
Chief’s Luau – Greeting
Guests were directed inside the park, and we lined up, based on experience, to receive our leis.
Since we booked the Royal Experience, our leis were made of beautiful, fresh flowers placed around our neck.
We then waited in line to take pictures with two performers. The pictures are printed and available for additional cost.
A lovely mai tai was offered to us as well since we purchased the Royal package. It was a refreshing welcome as we entered the main luau area!
Chief’s Luau – Seating
Since we purchased the Royal Luau Experience, I knew we would have great seats!
In fact, we could not have gotten better seats! We were assigned table 5A. The table was in the first row, directly in front of the center of the stage! At the same table, there were also two other couples seated behind us.
When we arrived at our table, “Happy Blessed Birthday” was also written on our welcome pamphlet where we were seated.
Our view was unobstructed and truly made for a special evening, especially since we were celebrating my husband’s actual birthday that night!
PRO TIP: If you are celebrating an occasion, contact Chief’s Luau to them to let them know. I emailed Chief’s Luau directly prior to our trip to let them know we were celebrating a milestone birthday and requested central seating to view the stage if possible!
Also, just a reminder that the type of luau experience purchased determines where you are seated and how close you are to the stage.
If you are not too fussy about your seat distance from the stage, for our show, there are no bad seats. Although there was a good amount of people in attendance, the atmosphere was intimate, yet well-spaced.
In general, I must admit I am very particular about where I sit for shows, so I will pay more for closer seats at performances!
Therefore, we did purchase the Royal Experience luau to ensure we were seated closest to the stage. I was not disappointed! So, choose your luau experience accordingly and based on your budget.
Chief’s Luau – Pre-Show & Cultural Activities
As people made their way into the main area and found their seats, there were various activities setup.
People could participate in the activities, grab a beverage, or simply sit and wait.
Activities included starting a fire, face & body painting, arts and crafts for sale, picture taking, and more!
My family and I all participated in the various interactive activities and took some pictures!
Lastly, before dinner was announced, the Chief came on stage and presented the slow roasted pig before it was served for dinner! The kalua pig is the traditional featured dish at Hawaiian luaus.
Chief’s Luau – Photography
Guests at the luau could freely take pictures and video!
My family and I took pictures throughout the evening, around the grounds, during the show and with performers! The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly for all.
There is also souvenir photography which is sold separately. The Photo Team staff came to our table to offer us printed 6 x 8 photographs of the pictures that were taken at arrival. We purchased two printed pictures for USD$50 which were placed in a decorative, paper frame.
Buying the printed souvenir photos of us also included:
- Chief’s Luau cardboard paper frame
- online access to download digital photos which you could print at home or share on social media
- Chief’s Luau printed photo during the fire performance and dancers
Chief’s Luau – All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Dinner
Dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m.
People were called to line up for the buffet dinner by section: Royal Experience followed by Paradise Experience, then, Aloha Experience.
Live music was beautifully played while guests ate and went to the buffet.
The buffet offered a nice variety of food that surpassed my expectations in taste!
At our luau buffet, food served included: salad, vegetables, steamed rice, fried noodles (with and without meat), chicken thighs with pineapple glaze, sweet soy braised fish, slow cooked kalua pork, fresh sauteed vegetables, poi (pounded taro root), taro rolls.
For dessert, there was fresh pineapple as well as pineapple cake.
For dinner, to be honest, I did not have high expectations since it was a buffet. However, our meal was fresh and tasty! Overall, my family and I enjoyed the yummy buffet dinner!
Everyone was also reminded that it was an all-you-can eat Hawaiian luau feast and were welcome to go back to the buffet for more.
For beverages, a tent was set up where guests can use their drink tickets or buy drinks, including:
- beer
- mixed alcoholic drinks (e.g. mai tai, rum, vodka)
- non-alcoholic beverages
- bottled water, pop, flavoured sparkling water
- hard seltzer
- wine
We were a family of four adults and we each received three drink tickets, more than enough for the evening!
Also note that wait staff go around the Royal section seating throughout the evening and show so you do not have to get up and go to the bar.
Chief’s Luau – Polynesian Show
Overall, the Chief’s Luau Polynesian Show was amazing! It was filled with beautiful cultural costumes, instruments, music, and performances.
Chief Sielu was funny, entertaining, and shared interesting stories throughout the evening.
The show highlighted the different Polynesian cultures and dances. It was a fascinating, engaging, and vibrant show!
Also, guests participated in the show! My husband and brother even went on stage and danced!
Many guests were also celebrating special occasions at the luau! Therefore, it was wonderful that Chief’s Luau took some time to honour couples celebrating wedding anniversaries and birthdays, like my husband!
The fire dancing was one of the incredible highlights of the show and our trip to Hawaii! The performers, including a world champion, were truly amazing to watch!
At the end of the show, all the performers gathered by the stage and guests were welcomed to take a picture with the group! My family and I posed with the group for a lovely souvenir photo, captured on my own cell phone.
Additional Information:
- Guests:
- I recommend this show for adults and families with children! It was a fun-filled night from beginning to end!
- There were many people like us celebrating special occasions! In particular, there were many couples celebrating wedding anniversaries! It is a great place to celebrate a special occasion!
- Length: approximately 3 – 4 hours
- Restrooms:
- there are ample restroom indoor facilities available
- Chief’s Luau is wheelchair accessible
- Cancellation Policy: you can cancel up to 24 hours (local time) in advance for a full refund
Chief’s Luau – Conclusion
In the end, in hindsight, would I book Chief’s Luau again for my family? Yes! Absolutely!
Is it costly? Yes, but a luau is a must do at least once, when in Hawaii!
And quite frankly, most people that vacation in Hawaii know that a trip to the Hawaiian islands is not cheap. Excursions when you travel can be pricey, so I spend a lot of time researching options. This was a memorable evening with my family in Hawaii…worth the cost.
Ultimately, celebrating my husband’s birthday at Chief’s Luau was the special, unforgettable evening I hoped it would be!
Chief’s Luau is a great experience, not to be missed if you are near Waikiki!
Wishing you happy travels! Enjoy Hawaii!
Explore even more reviews and book it here to experience Chief’s Luau too!
Waikiki – Accommodations – Where to Stay
We stayed at two places on our Waikiki vacation – check our website soon for our detailed reviews and pictures from our stay:
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
- 5-star hotel: luxury iconic hotel in the center of Waikiki
- A fabulous stay! We would love to stay here again if we return to Waikiki!
- OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
- The home of Cirque du Soleil’s newest show – ‘Auana
- A great stay in a newer, modern hotel, located in the center of Waikiki, steps from Waikiki beach (across the street).
Explore other Honolulu hotels and resorts on Booking.com here or in the link below:
Waikiki – Other Popular Tours
Explore other popular tours in Waikiki with reviews:
Hawaii Resources
Other websites you may find useful in researching your trip:
Oʻahu Visitors Bureau
- contracted by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) for leisure destination marketing in the United States.
- website: https://www.hvcb.org/about-hvcb/island-chapters/oahu-visitors-bureau/
Hawaii Tourism Authority
- “…the state’s official source for information on tourism market research, partnership opportunities, industry news and timely updates during emergency situations.”
- website: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/
The activity described in this article was self-funded. The views and opinions expressed through this website are our own from personal experience(s). Our content and this article is informational only, not facts, and cannot be construed as professional advice. We always give our honest opinions on topics, experiences or products, made in good faith. Any product or service claims, made by the product or service, should be verified with the manufacturer or provider in question. There may be potential errors on our website, for example due to changes and unintentional mistakes. Thank you.
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