⚠️ Update: Paradise Cove Luau Closure (2025)
As of late 2025, the Paradise Cove Luau in Ko Olina has officially closed. While this post reflects our personal experience attending before its closure, it’s no longer available to book. If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, a new experience, Kaula Luau, has since opened in Ko Olina, taking its place. Review will be up soon!
We’ve been to Oahu many times (it’s our happy place), but on our most recent trip we were celebrating one of our friends birthdays and we wanted to do something we’ve all never done before. The first thing that came to mind was going to a luau to eat, drink, and learn more about the hawaiian culture. After a lot of researching (and price comparing) we chose the Paradise Cove Luau.
All in all, we had such a great experience and highly recommend this luau if you’re in the market for choosing one!
Our review will be based on activities, food and drinks, and the show. To start, here are some common questions about the Paradise Cove Luau that helped us decide if it was the right fit or not:
Things to consider:
Transportation to and from Paradise Cove
If you’re staying in the Waikiki area like we were, we opted to pay for the transportation from Paradise Cove. They had pick-up points very close to where we were staying and dropped us back off in the evening. According to their website transportation costs $35 per person roundtrip, which is not bad! Of course, you can organize your own transportation but this was the easiest and most convenient in our opinion.
Pricing at Paradise Cove
There are three different packages for the luau at Paradise Cove:
- Hawaiian Luau Package: $150
- Orchid Luau Package: $175
- Deluxe Luau Package: $240
You can check out this page on the website to see which package is best for you, but we opted for the Orchid package and had a lovely time!
Now, let’s get into the review!
Activities at the Paradise Cove Luau
From the moment we arrived, we felt the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality. There were employees telling you where to go depending on the type of package you purchased, but no matter what you were welcomed with a lei, a tropical Mai Tai, all while the melody of ukulele music in the background.
Once you enter, you’re shown to your seat and are free to explore until the show starts. There are so many activities to do from traditional Hawaiian games, to canoe riding, to spear throwing, and you’re welcome to do whatever you want. It’s such a fun way to learn something new and learn more about Hawaiian culture.
If you love getting professional photos, there also photo stations that will print your photo out for you at the end of the show for you to purchase. Highly recommend doing this because it’s a fun way to remember the day!
Food & Drink at the Luau
In terms of food and drink, we had no complaints. Depending on the package you purchased, your ticket gives you 1 to 3 complimentary Mai Tais to sip on throughout the night. If Mai Tais aren’t your thing, there are also bars spread out through the property and sell a variety of cocktails, beer and wine. They also had a lot of non-alcoholic options, too! After we drank our 2 included Mai Tais (included in the Orchid Package) we really didn’t need to get more, but the pina coladas were too good not to!
If you wanted water, there were water stations on both sides of the property where you were able to fill up as often as you needed to. They weren’t super far from the tables, so you don’t have to worry about missing any part of the show if you need to get a refill.
The food was a highlight, with a buffet featuring a wide range of Hawaiian dishes and other options. Usually when you think of a buffet, the food isn’t the best, but Paradise Cove didn’t disappoint. Popular choices included kalua pig and poi, and the variety ensured something for everyone. For added convenience, the Deluxe Luau Package included table service vs having to go up there yourself.
Overall, you won’t leave Paradise Cove thirsty or hungry and the quality surpassed our expectations!
The Show
Before the main event, the Paradise Cove Luau offered a unique pre-dinner experience with the imu ceremony. This traditional Polynesian practice involves slow-cooking food underground, using hot coals and volcanic rocks. Here, we saw the kalua pig, a staple of Hawaiian luaus, being prepared for the upcoming feast. Accompanied by hula dancing and Hawaiian music, it was a fascinating to watch and was such a cool experience. It really set the stage for the rest of the night.
Afterwards, it was time for the main event. The main event featured various island dances from all parts of Polynesia. We witnessed the graceful movements of Tahitian dancers, the vibrant energy of Samoan dancers, and the impressive fire dancing, and so much more! Throughout the show, live music kept the atmosphere lively, and guests could enjoy food and drinks at their leisure. Audience participation added a touch of interactivity, making the luau a truly memorable experience and that much more fun to watch.
Overall Impression and Value
Paradise Cove Luau exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in Hawaiian culture and hospitality. The delicious food, engaging activities, and captivating show created a truly memorable experience. Based on the package prices, we felt like we got our moneys worth and so much more.
The only thing we would add is this definitely feels a bit more commercial that some other luaus that we’ve been to. That’s not a bad thing, but if you’re not looking for something as cookie cutter I would stray away from Paradise Cove.
We left feeling entertained, enriched, and eager to come back and share this experience with the rest of our loved ones. If you’re trying to decide on a luau, this is your sign to visit Paradise Cove! We would go again in a heartbeat.
In the middle of planning your trip to Oahu? Check out our other blog posts to give you some inspiration as you plan!:
- Eating Around Waikiki for First Timers
- 4 of our Favorite Hotels in Oahu
- 5 Hikes to Enjoy the Beauty of Oahu
Happy travels!
