Home / Things to do in Oahu / Paradise Cove luau
Lights, Camera and lots of Kalua Pork…head to Paradise Cove Luau and let the luau begin! While a few resorts feature a dinner luau on site only once in a while, this Oahu attraction puts on a full grand production every night. With hula performances, beach activates, fun games, and a Hawaiian feast like no other, it’s going to be a memorable night!
Paradise Cove luau sits on 12 acres of beach front property in Ko’olina with their own semi-private beach lagoon. All Oahu beaches remain free in Hawaii, but this one is not easy to get to.
And while you might know that a luau typically features an entertaining hula show and large Hawaiian banquet spread, it’s many other activities that help make it a grand experience.
Enter through the beautiful botanical gardens and you’ll be presented with a purple orchid lei or white stranded puka shell necklace. Proceed towards the lagoon beach were you’ll find a few ongoing activities.
Reserve your tickets early as this event can sell out.
There are lots of fun activities, games, and entertainment taking place throughout the grounds, so make sure to walk around and explore. This luau is loaded with excitement for the whole family including kids!
Test your throwing spear abilities! Who doesn’t want an opportunity to throw a 5 foot spear! The question then becomes is it as easy as it seems?
You’ll get that opportunity as you line up with others in a friendly contest to see who gets closest to the bullseye. At the very least you’ll have fun trying!
Look up if you see folks gathering around one of the surrounding coconut trees, and you’ll most likely see a demonstration how coconuts are harvested. Warning, do not try this back at your hotel…or anywhere for that matter.
Don’t forget your camera as there are some many great photo opts to be taken. There’s even some friendly tropical birds that would love to join your family photo.
How fun would it be to take part and learn how to make a Hawaiian flower lei or straw hat…
Shoppers beware as there are many temping souvenir in your path with a few kiosks and gift shop featuring Hawaiian made jewelry, neat shell necklaces, keychains, and other special tokens for memories and gifts.
Paradise Cove is not just another luau, it’s a full production with lots of activities and entertainment that some others tend to lack. Kick off the afternoon with some Mai Tai’s and join in the celebration and festivities!
A Luau is a celebration for enjoying each other’s company, play traditional Hawaiian games, watching a Kalua Pork Imu ceremony take place, participate in a hukilau of pulling in a large fishnet from the ocean, listening to live local music, and being entertained throughout the night with many Polynesian and Hula performances.
There is an art to casting the net into the sea… Don’t miss a select few that will be chosen to help pull in the traditional fishnet called a Hukilau. And trust me, this is more entertaining than a few grown men pulling in dinner for the night!
Or watch the Paradise Cove Luau pros cast their handheld fishing nets into the water and draw them back in, with hopes of a lucky catch.
Another not-to-be-missed tradition that takes place in a luau is the Kalua Pig Imu Ceremony. Preparations starts long before the Kalua Pork makes it to your table.
In fact it starts the night before with prepping the pork by wrapping it up with burning lava rocks, and burring it in the ground with many protected lairs so nothing contaminates the meat or let smoke and heat escape the imu oven.
The magic is revealed through a ceremony and unearthing the layers of the imu to discover the the gift of smoked Kalua Pork.
Along with a blessing and a traditional hula performance into the sunset, it’s a special moment before night entertainment begins.
When the sun finally sets, the luau feast begins. A special prayer is giving to bless the food and the friends who’ve come to join it. Bring your appetite as it will look like a Hawaiian style Thanksgiving feast!
This luau includes a diverse selection of food, includes both traditional Hawaiian classic dishes and Pacific Rim International Cuisine.
The Luau Menu
There is a Mai Tai greeting for those who are 21 and older. Fruit Punch, water, and soft drinks are also available. A walk up bar is available for additional drinks to purchase.
1. Luau Package - $100 Child (4 to 12), $115 Youth (13 to 20), $150 Adult:
2. Orchid Luau Package $120 Child (4 to 12), $150 Youth (13 to 20), $165 Adult:
3. Deluxe Luau Package $175 Child (4 to 12), $200 Youth (13 to 20), $230 Adult:
Reserve your tickets early as this event can sell out.
Dig into the feast and turn your attention to the stage and let the main show begin. You’re in for a grand show of many entertaining performances.
I promise you the keikis (kids) will steal the show when they are asked up on stage to perform for the audience.
The hula performances are not only colorful with the traditional costumes worn, but also through the different display of instruments and styles of performances given.
When the sky is finally dark, the dramatic fire dances begin. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat with talented young men twirling sticks of fire into the air, and flames braising their skin.
And although the fun night must come to an end with a bid farewell from the Paradise Cove Luau family, it’s a memory for life…
Bus pick up times from Waikiki take place from 3:15 PM and 4 PM, before heading over Ewa Beach where the Hawaiian luau takes place.
The Paradise Cove Luau takes place daily from 5 PM to 8:45 PM, starting with a lei greeting at 5 PM, and ending at 8:45 PM with a farewell performance.
5 PM to 7 PM – Greetings, Photos, Live Music, Games, Performances, Demonstrations, Imu Ceremony, Hawaiian Prayer
7 PM to 8 PM – Hawaiian Luau Feast, Dinner Show including Hula & Polynesian Performances
8 PM to 8:45 PM – A Special Grand Performance and a Farewell from the Entertainers
Reserve your tickets early as this event can sell out.
Paradise Cove is not just another luau, it’s a full production with lots of activities and entertainment that some others tend to lack. Kick off the afternoon with some Mai Tai’s and join in the celebration and festivities!
A Luau is a celebration for enjoying each other’s company, play traditional Hawaiian games, watching a Kalua Pork Imu ceremony take place, participate in a hukilau of pulling in a large fishnet from the ocean, listening to live local music, and being entertained throughout the night with many Polynesian and Hula performances.
When purchasing tickets you can also reserve round trip bus transportation from Waikiki for $35 per person.
Ko’olina is a newest developed resort area on Oahu. The surrounding area features 4 beautiful half crescent beach lagoons and just a few resorts that neighbor them. Ko’olina is not only home to Paradise Cove Luau, but one of the best golf courses, and popular restaurants.
I would recommend arriving early and spending time at one of the beach lagoons before hopping next door for your luau.
Tie on a visit to Waimea Falls Park with an evening luau dinner with cultural demonstrations and Hawaiian entertainment. The Toa Luau includes your entrance to Waimea Valley & Waterfall.
Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get back in time for the festivities. Note that this luau only takes place on Mon - Wed. Learn more and reserve a spot...
Germaine’s Luau is a perfect places on the Westside of Oahu to immerse yourself in rich Hawaiian culture with local live music, hula & Polynesian dance performances, Kalua Pork and a delicious luau spread, and surprises throughout the evening.
This luau has a family feel hosted in someone's grand backyard. Check out more on Germaine's Luau and see if this one if for you...
Loaded with fun activates, captivating shows, and a grand luau of its own, this is another full day of entertainment that is located 15 minutes up the road in Laie, North Shore.
The Polynesian Cultural Center has been an institution since 1964, and continues to evolve and entertain throughout the years.
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie
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