Luau on Kauai or Oahu

[pearlygrl9]

In Kauai we're looking at Smith's or Kalamaku at Kilohana.

 

In Oahu we're looking at Paradise Cove or the Polynesian Cultural Center.

 

If you had to choose one, which would it be??

[el820]

We did the Paradise Cove Luau in O'ahu. It was our first Luau, so I can't really give a comparison to the other Luaus. We enjoyed it. Great sunset for photos.

 

We booked it online and received a discount.

[MellowMel]

We heard the Smith one is one of the very best, however, we didn't think we could do it while we were in Kauai because of our long excursion that day. So we opted to do the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. I'm sure it was very different than a traditional luau, however we enjoyed the one at the PCC. The food was excellent - especially the pulled pork and the Chinese rice noodles.

[findmewdw]

I am trying to decide between these two, Smiths or the Kalamaku,also. Good question. I am wondering which would be best for kids ages 15 and 12. Fire dancers are important for the 12 year old:)

[marym933]

We did Smith's with Roberts. The difference between Smith's and the Kalamaku, I think, is the number of people at each luau. For Kalamaku, NCL loads bus after bus. Robert's had maybe a 1/2 of a large bus from the ship. Once there, we joined other folks that were staying at Kauai hotels. There were about 300 people there.

 

Smith's is a true family luau. The grandfather is the host, the auntie the dessert server, nieces and nephews and grandchildren are the dancers. The food is good and plentiful. There was alcoholic and non-alcoholic mai tais.

 

The show is centered on the dance of the different Polynesian islands. Kalamaku, from what I have read, is a more theatrical show. Yes, Smith's has fire dancers. I like them, too!

[BopRN]

We did Paradise Cove...it was WONDERFUL!

 

2 days later we went to PCC. We were told by the staff that is not a traditional luau...basically it is Hawaiian entertainment while eating luau-type food.(Therefore, we chose the Prime Rib buffet) It would not be my reason for going to PCC...the whole place is the destination, not the luau meal.

[Clayswife]

We've done Paradise Cove twice and it was spectacular both times ... Its not just dinner and a show, but they have activities, as well (spear throwing contests, stringing your own lei's, live music and hula "lessons" etc etc) We went with my parents and my kids and there was something for everyone to enjoy ... The show is AMAZING, by the way - We would definitely do Paradise Cove again :p.

 

Jackie