Waikiki: Nā Lei Aloha Luau Dinner Show & Premium Buffet

Summary

Handcrafted cocktails, Hawaiian flavors & hula under Waikiki lights

You’ll taste classic Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork and poke at a premium buffet in Waikiki before settling in for handcrafted cocktails and an intimate luau show. Watch local artisans make leis up close, join in on pre-show hula if you want to try, then soak up chants and storytelling that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at the Nā Lei Aloha Luau in Waikiki wasn’t the music or the dancers — it was the smell. Warm, sweet plumeria from the lei-making table mixed with something savory drifting from the buffet upstairs. Our host, Leilani (she had this gentle way of saying your name), handed me a lei and laughed when I tried to pronounce “aloha” properly — apparently my accent needs work. But she said it with a wink, so I didn’t feel embarrassed.

I’d read about luaus before, but seeing local artisans actually making leis right there felt different — their hands moved so fast, threading petals while chatting in bursts of Hawaiian and English. The pre-show was mellow: ukulele strumming somewhere behind me, kids giggling as they tried hula steps with one of the dancers (I almost joined in but chickened out). The sun dipped behind glass towers and suddenly it was time for dinner. The buffet was huge — prime rib next to poke bowls, crab legs stacked on ice, even lomi salmon that tasted bright and cold. I went back for seconds of kalua pork because it reminded me of smoky campfires somehow.

When the show started, everyone got quiet all at once. The chants were deeper than I expected — not just background music but something you could feel in your chest. One dancer caught my eye and smiled mid-spin; for a second it felt like she was dancing just for us. Our server kept checking if we needed another cocktail (mine had pineapple and something floral — wish I’d asked what). Honestly, I didn’t expect to get emotional watching a story about lei traditions, but there’s this part where they talk about family and connection… anyway, yeah. It stuck with me.

I left full (maybe too full) and smelling faintly of flowers and roasted pork. Walking back through Waikiki’s busy streets after all that color and music felt strange — like stepping out of someone else’s dream into real life again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Na Lei Aloha Luau Experience

• Check in for dinner guests on 3rd floor
• Order beverages and visit buffet
• Enjoy international and Hawaiian dishes
• Watch lei making and hula pre-show
• Check in cocktail show guests
• Attend Nā Lei Aloha cultural show

Top questions

Is dinner included at Nā Lei Aloha Luau?

Dinner is included only with Dinner Show Packages; "Show Only" tickets do not include dinner.

What kind of food is served at the Waikiki luau buffet?

The buffet features Hawaiian favorites like kalua pork, poke, lomi salmon plus international dishes such as prime rib, crab legs, sushi, steak, desserts and more.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan selections are available at The Buffet @ Hyatt; dishes are labeled with ingredients.

Is Nā Lei Aloha Luau wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included at the luau?

One handcrafted cocktail (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) is included; more are available for purchase.

Can children attend the luau?

Yes; infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats or strollers.

Where does check-in take place?

Dinner guests check in on the 3rd floor; show-only guests also have designated check-in before being escorted to their seats.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted at Nā Lei Aloha Luau.

What’s included

Your evening includes admission to Nā Lei Aloha Luau in Waikiki with a premium all-you-can-eat international buffet (for dinner packages), one handcrafted cocktail per guest, gratuities covered, live entertainment with hula and music performances, lei-making demonstrations by local artisans before the show begins—and all areas are fully wheelchair accessible for comfort throughout your visit.