Which Luau is better?

[poohb223]

MY FH and I are going on our honeymoon in February and definitely want to go to a luau.. the question is which one?

 

We are staying in Oahu at the Turtle Bay Resort for a week before we go on the POA.

 

Should we go to the Luau at the Polynesian Center for the buffet and tour or the Feast at LeLe in Maui which I've heard is a private table and a more romantic 5 course meal?

 

TIA!

[Lionesss]

Used to like Germaines on Oahu, but, on the threads I am hearing the quality is going down hill.

Good luck

[Annie Morehead]

We are cruising in April on the Pride of America, and I've been researching luaus. We will have three full days before the cruise. It seems like the Polynesian Cultural Center would really take a lot of time.....we would catch their bus and it would pick up about noon.

 

Also I've been reading that if you do the PCC, you should get the Ambassador package....otherwise can not see as much. Right now we're leaning toward Paradise Cove, but it's had mixed reviews, also.

 

Anyone with suggestions who has been to one?

[Pokeraddict]

If your considering PCC you should really consider doing a full day there and take in either the Luau or there other show which is spectacular or both.

We have been and did the super ambassador pkg, while not cheap it is worth every penny and the buffet was excellent especially if you love shrimp and crab. The only draw back for some is that there is NO alcohol served on the grounds nor should you smuggle any in as this is run and owned by the Church Latter-day Saint.

Also the earlier you book the better the seating will be.

Strongly recommend their transportation as your sitting high up on the bus so the views along the coast are quite nice, it's approx 45 min. ride.

 

Here is a link to some reviews on Feast at LeLe

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60634-d314617-Reviews-Feast_At_Lele-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html

 

The family that runs this luau also runs the Old Lahaina Luau and they are not that far from one another. You'll have to rent a car to get to either of these but the drive is quite straight forward and a gorgeous drive along the coast.

 

We have done and will be going to OLL in January, we thought the food/buffet was very good, fresh and well organized as they escort you to the buffet table by table so no pushing and shoving.

[sptrout]

We are staying in Oahu at the Turtle Bay Resort for a week before we go on the POA.

 

I vote for The PCC also, but just wanted to add that the PCC is just a few minutes (10 maybe) from Turtle Bay. If you go to any other then you will be in for a long trip. Turtle Bay is a long drive from nearly everything except The PCC.

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

Which one is better is totally dependent on what your expectations & care-abouts are. For example, if Mai Tai's are a must, don't do PCC. If you don't want to have 800 people set up on picnic tables, you should consider one of the hotel's in Waikiki. Since you are there for a week, I recommend you do one of them in Oahu vs on the cruise since your opportunities will be more difficult & take away from your time at the other ports. Also, not all luau's have fire dancers if that is what you want.

[sptrout]

Which one is better is totally dependent on what your expectations & care-abouts are. For example, if Mai Tai's are a must, don't do PCC. If you don't want to have 800 people set up on picnic tables, you should consider one of the hotel's in Waikiki. Since you are there for a week, I recommend you do one of them in Oahu vs on the cruise since your opportunities will be more difficult & take away from your time at the other ports. Also, not all luau's have fire dancers if that is what you want.

 

AZ Karaoke Girl hit the two big deal killers for many; no drinks at The PCC, or no fire dancers (mainly the OLL). Either of these have been big show stoppers for many that read these boards. It has always been my opinion (and actions) is to do both types. Go to The PCC for the "learning" experience and the show that most believe is second to none, and also go to a more standard luau for a "eat, drink, and be merry" experience. If time, and money, is OK, I would highly recommend that you consider doing both a few days apart.

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

My friend Ginny (Sunny AZ Girl) did the Smiths family luau in Kauai and really enjoyed it so its another option if you have an overnight there which NCL has.

[smrtypnts]

My familly and I did Feast at Lele in Maui when we did the NCL cruise in July. It was spectacular. I can highly recommend it. The dancersand costumes were amazing. The food was excellent as well. It included fire dancers and drinks. It was a nice sit down dinner. We didn't find the drive to be crazy or outrageous either. We had done the Road to Hana during the day, then went back to the ship, freshened up and headed to Lahaina. We also headed back to Lahania for Black Rock beach the next day--so the drive truly isn't bad at all. I can't speak for any other luau, but we were glad we chose this one.

[Keith1010]

Our son and daughter in law did the Feast at LeLe in Mau a few months ago and loved it.

 

Keith

[Annie Morehead]

What about the luau at the Paradise Cove? We will not be renting a car, so it's either Paradise Cove or Polynesian Cultural Center. We're just thinking the PCC takes too much time....opinions?

[sptrout]

What about the luau at the Paradise Cove? We will not be renting a car, so it's either Paradise Cove or Polynesian Cultural Center. We're just thinking the PCC takes too much time....opinions?

 

PC is a ~3-4 hour meal & show (in the evening). The PCC, if you plan to see the entire place, is an all day trip. PC is about 30-45 minutes from downtown; the PCC is about 90 minutes. You can buy tours that include transportation to either one. It is really up to you which type of show you want to see as has been explained in other posts. IMO, if this is your first trip to HI, I would put the PCC at the top of my "must see" list.

[irismike]

We are going on Star Princess. Anybody know what the cost is for a soda card? We are going for 15 days. Thanks.

[Bucky3]

Especially if you are staying at Turtle Bay, we would recommend definitely going to the Polynesian Cultural Center during the day and for the fantastic show there. There is so much to see and many other South Pacific Island areas represented on their grounds. It will make both an educational and entertaining experience.

 

Having said that and as others have posted, no alcohol will be available at the PCC. Remember, too, that if you decide to attend a Luau in Waikiki or any other area, you will have a long drive back to Turtle Bay in the dark unless the hotel offers transportation. That drive is not something we would look forward to especially after several Mai Tais!!

 

Even if you decide on a different Luau experience, since you will be so close to the PCC we would recommend you visit there at least during the day. Since you are staying out there for a week, you can easily go by and check out pricing for the different packages they offer before deciding on what you want to do. Congratulations and enjoy your honeymoon in paradise! Aloha!

[smrtypnts]

We are going on Star Princess. Anybody know what the cost is for a soda card? We are going for 15 days. Thanks.

A little off topic wouldn't you say?

[SandSeaSail]

I love the Feast at Lele. I've been twice and I'd go again. It isn't a traditional Luau. If you want traditional, I'd recommend Old Lahaina Luau. The Feast at Lele has great food, you sit at your own table and servers bring everything to you. Feast at Lele is a small beach location where the OLL used to be many years ago.

[kato92]

I found Roberts is doing a luau in Kauai to the Hyatt. Anybody do this? Smiths is not performing in Dec when the POA is there. So this may be the only choice (not using NCL).

Thoughts.....

[Pokeraddict]

Here is a link to some reviews from tripadvisor.com which is the sister site to CC for land vacationers. The luau is rate attraction #18 out of 25. The recent reviews read well but if oyou go into 209/10 tey are not so good.

Personally I would not do a large hotel event as we like smaller venues.JMO

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60621-d522399-Reviews-Grand_Hyatt_Kauai_Luau-Koloa_Kauai_Hawaii.html

[travelvulture]

I've just returned from a POA cruise, and I had the same dilemma. We opted to go to the Smith Family Luau while on Kauai, and it was fantastic. Yes it was kinda touristy, but the show food and the surroundings were great. I've written a blog that further details the entire cruise, and the ports if you're interested at http://www.travelvulture.com/?p=6 . Have fun!

[poohb223]

so many options... I think that we are leaning towards the PCC since it is so close.. now to choose the luau meal or the prime buffet which I don't think includes the traditional luau but offers the change to see their other show after.

[mfinster007]

I've been to the luau at the PCC and Paradise cove, and many others. Most all, I felt like cattle and a commercialized event. Don't get me wrong, you should definitely visit the PCC but I would skip the luau there and opt for one on Maui. I did a lot of research on activities prior to my last trip on POA. I had a car rental while on Maui and we thoroughly enjoyed the Polynesian Village Luau. I initially found it on trip advisor (you can read the reviews here http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60632-d1957613-Reviews-Polynesian_Village_Luau-Kihei_Maui_Hawaii.html

 

This luau is family owned, small and intimate. It was really hands on with no more than 100 people. Definitely purchase the VIP tickets so you can sit up front.

 

As much as I enjoy a nice tropical drink, this luau does not serve any alcohol. Funny thing is, you can bring your own. I was driving, so it was a nice not to pay for something I wasn't going to drink.

 

If you're in the position to either get transportation, or you will have a car rental (which I recommend), then check it out. I think you'll really enjoy the show.

[njaloha]

MY FH and I are going on our honeymoon in February and definitely want to go to a luau.. the question is which one?

 

We are staying in Oahu at the Turtle Bay Resort for a week before we go on the POA.

 

Should we go to the Luau at the Polynesian Center for the buffet and tour or the Feast at LeLe in Maui which I've heard is a private table and a more romantic 5 course meal?

 

TIA!

 

Fond memories of Turtle Bay Resort. We stayed there pre-cruise on POA in 2005. Beautiful. Did you know that many movies filmed scenes there including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Soul Surfer and The Big Bounce. We love that place and what a perfect place for a honeymoon.

 

I suggest Old Lahaina Luau on Maui since you have two days there. We booked the Luau for the first day, rented a car, drove around, went to the Maui Ocean Center and ended up in Lahaina for the luau. Perfect. Food was fantastic, show was just what we wanted, Hawaiian-style Luau.

 

The second day we went to the beach, turned in the car and got back on the ship.

[grammyprf]

I've just returned from a POA cruise, and I had the same dilemma. We opted to go to the Smith Family Luau while on Kauai, and it was fantastic. Yes it was kinda touristy, but the show food and the surroundings were great. I've written a blog that further details the entire cruise, and the ports if you're interested at http://www.travelvulture.com/?p=6 . Have fun!

Your blog was very helpful in deciding to go with the Smith Family Luau Golden Princess Excursion which will insure that we don't miss the ship. thanks!

[Astro Flyer]

I suggest Old Lahaina Luau on Maui since you have two days there. We booked the Luau for the first day, rented a car, drove around, went to the Maui Ocean Center and ended up in Lahaina for the luau. Perfect. Food was fantastic, show was just what we wanted, Hawaiian-style Luau.

While I'm not an expert, I do agree with experts & you that the OLL is the best in all of Hawaii. The entertainment is Hawaiian only & not some of the other things in other luaus which have other Polynesian cultural entertainment also. It's very popular & generally requires advance reservations.