Luaus on the Big Island
The Big Island has fewer luau options than Oahu or Maui, but the ones that operate here are solid. Most are concentrated on the Kona/Kohala Coast (the dry, resort side of the island). If you are staying in Hilo or Volcano, plan on a 2-3 hour drive to attend a luau on the west side.
Prices range from about $170 to $270 per adult. The Big Island's lower tourist volume means luaus here feel less crowded than their Oahu and Maui counterparts.
Quick Comparison: Big Island Luaus
| Rank | Luau | Location | Price (Adult) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Voyagers of the Pacific | Royal Kona Resort | From ~$169 | Oceanfront, value |
| #2 | Legends of Hawaii | Hilton Waikoloa Village | From ~$238 | Families, resort setting |
| #3 | Feast & Fire Luau | Outrigger Kona Resort | Check current rates | Intimate, oceanfront |
| #4 | Island Breeze Luau | King Kam's Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona | From ~$184 | Historic site, Kona pier |
Voyagers of the Pacific (Royal Kona Resort)
The top Big Island luau. Set on the oceanfront lawn of the Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona, this luau delivers stunning sunset views over Kailua Bay. The show covers Polynesian voyaging history, and the imu ceremony (unearthing the kalua pig) is a highlight. General admission typically starts around $169 per adult, with VIP seating in the $225+ range. Children 5–12 are discounted; check the operator's booking page for the current rate sheet.
Legends of Hawaii (Hilton Waikoloa Village)
Located within the massive Hilton Waikoloa Village resort on the Kohala Coast. The show features fire knife dancing, hula, and Samoan performances. The resort setting means easy access to parking and pre-luau activities (the resort's boat canal and tram are kid magnets). General admission typically starts around $238 per adult, with premium Aliʻi seating climbing past $270; confirm pricing on the resort's booking page before reserving.
Feast & Fire Luau (Outrigger Kona Resort)
The intimate Kona-side luau at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay (the property operated as the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa until it rebranded to Outrigger in the early 2020s). The oceanfront setting is beautiful, and the lower attendance cap means less crowding and more interaction with performers. Confirm current pricing on the Outrigger booking page.
Check Feast & Fire Availability »
Island Breeze Luau (King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel)
The most historic setting on the island. Island Breeze runs oceanfront at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona, on the grounds of Kamakahonu Bay and Ahuʻena Heiau — Kamehameha the Great's former residence. The royal-court procession and moʻolelo (storytelling) lean harder into Hawaiian history than the typical pan-Polynesian revue, and the show has taken "Best of West Hawaiʻi" honors for years. It runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Pricing starts at about $184 per adult (before tax and fees).
Check Island Breeze Availability »
Booking Tips for Big Island Luaus
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season. Big Island luaus sell out less frequently than Maui or Oahu, but premium seating goes first.
- If staying in Hilo, attend early in your trip so you can combine the drive to Kona with other west-side activities.
- Sunset seating is worth the upgrade. The Kona Coast sunsets are spectacular, and oceanfront luaus take full advantage.
Luaus on Other Islands
Visiting multiple islands? See our luau guides for Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and all Hawaiian islands.
