The team at Ali’i Kai Resort is often asked for recommendations for the best luàu on Kauai. We always give the Luàu Kalamaku.
We believe this is the best, most authentic luàu for our owners and guests to really enjoy Hawaiian culture, with delicious food, local music, hula, and an amazing after-dinner show.
But what is a luàu, and why should you include this in your vacation plans?
While many recognise that the term luàu means a big feast, it actually refers to the leaf of the taro plant, which is served at a luàu. In fact, the correct term we should be using is päìna, which means a gathering of people for a celebratory dinner—or simply put, a party Hawaiian style.
While incorrect, the term luàu is now used by all Hawaiians to describe special celebrations for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and so on. Interestingly, one of the most important is the luàu for a baby’s first birthday as, traditionally, this was when the family would name them.
The food served at a family luàu includes a kalua pig, fish, limu (seaweed), crab, he’e (octopus), opihi (limpets), lau lau (pork and vegetables wrapped in leaves) and poi.
With Luàu Kalamaku, visitors to Kauai can now experience a true Hawaiian luàu for themselves. It is a night they will remember forever.
Taking place every Tuesday and Friday, this event features fire dancers, graceful hula, and delicious local food under the Kauai night skies.
Located at the historic Kilohana Plantation, guests can stroll the grounds, view the cultural demonstrations and creations before sitting back and enjoying the Luàu Kalamaku show. The Kilohana estate dates back to 1896 when plantation manager Albert Spencer Wilcox, one of the original missionary families, developed a working cattle ranch.
Today, the 16,000 square foot plantation mansion has been lovingly restored and houses speciality shops, galleries and restaurant which guests can browse before the dinner show.
The Luàu Kalamaku begins at 6.15 pm with the Conch Shell call, which signals the start of the traditional Hawaiian Imu Ceremony. From 6.30 pm, guests enjoy traditional hula and live music as they dine, followed by dessert and coffee.
The evening begins at 6.15 pm with the Conch Shell, which signals the start of the traditional Hawaiian Imu Ceremony. From 6.30 pm enjoy the traditional hula and local live music as you dine followed by dessert and coffee. The Luàu Kalamaku follows this show from 7.30pm.
Like other luàu, there is the dramatic torch lighting and imu ceremony, Tahitian rhythms, fantastic music, and traditional hula dancing. However, Lu’au Kalamaku goes one step further with a state-of-the-art media system and an interactive stage design that transports you to ancient Polynesia during the time of their remarkable migration to the islands.
It is during the time of epic voyages between Hawaii and Tahiti, along one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia, that the journey takes place. Through laughter, fear, seduction and fire, a new legacy is created, born from the cherished seeds of their ancestors. The theatrical luau culminates with a fantastic fire dream featuring fire poi balls and traditional fire knife dancing. In a climactic ending, Pele the fire goddess, her sister Hiiaka, Lohiau the prince of Kauai, and the fire breathing Moo-dragon women pay homage to Kauai mythology.
While the incredible tale unfolds, you find yourself not merely watching a story– but in the heart of the story itself. Kalamaku, a child of the new land, carries the fiery torch of one family’s future. Celebrate the primal rhythm of Kauai through story and song. Explore the depths of the family’s great effort as they seek the courage and vision that will carry them far over the horizon.
Join us as the Kauai skies darken and our cast takes the stage to tell the amazing story of the epic voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti along one of the longest sea roads of Polynesia. Through these ancient voyagers’ laughter, fear, seduction and fire, a new legacy is created, born from the cherished seeds of their ancestors.
This theatrical luau will bring you to tears and have you jumping from your seats. The story the cast weaves will take you back to the original days of the Hawaiian people, culminating in a fantastic fire dream featuring fire poi balls and traditional fire knife dancing.
Guests for the luàu have three options to choose from:
Hawaiian luàu package – $112.45*
This is an unforgettable evening filled with a lavish island buffet and a truly immersive and interactive show. You’ll be able to explore the many shops and experience the cultural practices of traditional Hawaiian life.
Dinner and luàu – $157.24*
The Plantation Owners Evening begins with a culinary tour back in time, including a four-course dinner at Gaylord’s Restaurant at the Kilohana Plantation and premier seating at the Luàu Kalamaku show.
The show only – $56.19*
The best luàu show on the island which will transport you to ancient Polynesia during its remarkable migration to the Islands complete with fire poi balls and fire knife dining.
Make your experience even more special with a trip on the Luau Kalamaku & Kauai Plantation Train. Step back in time and ride across the 105-acre plantation passing historic plantation homes, low land forest and fruit fields then disembark to feed the estate’s herd of wild pigs, goats and sheep and see the cattle, horses and donkeys.
To book your tickets for this amazing show, visit the reception at Ali’i Kai Resort, and the team will make all the arrangements.
*Prices are correct at the time of publication, but please check with the resort team.
