Travel Channel

We are trying to decide on a luau and we have it narrowed down to either Germaines or Paradise Cove. We decided against the Cultural Center because we want alcoholic beverages. Any suggestions or feedback on either Germaines or Paradise Cove would be appreciated.

I know you were set on those 2 but if I may suggest the one at the sea life park. You can have alcoholic drinks, you get a dolphin show, its not as crowed as the bigger luaus and the food was really good. I heard it was much more comfortable than the bigger luaus and I heard the food was better as well. I know my drink there was really good. I have no other luau to compare it to but I thought it was awesome and you can get free admission to the park with the luau

I have been to the Paradise Cove luau and had a great time! The food wasn't bad- remember at that kind of a mass meal, it's not going to be special. If you get an Entertainment Book there should be a coupon in there for a discounted admission, and is worth it for your whole trip. We got the fru-fru admission that got us front seats, table service (not buffet), and included several drinks that we didn't even use them all.

I agree with catmom3. Paradise Cove was a great show! If you arrive a little early, they have different activities and crafts to participate in at no extra charge. Food is just okay. We got the "fru-fru" package also. I probably wouldn't spend the extra money on that next time. Even with the drink tickets, you still have to pay a fee for your drinks. I didn't buy any alcohol but the free drink we received upon entering had very little alcohol. I've never been to another luau either but I would go to this one again. It was one of the highlights of our time on Oahu.

What about Polynesian Village? I heard they have a luau after you explore the center. How is theirs?
Thanks!

My suggestion is to forget a Luau. The food is generally not good and the shows are not authenic. I have been to Oahu 15 times and have never bothered to do a Luau and never intend to do one.

I have been to both the Paradise Cove Luau and the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center. They both had pros and cons. At Paradise Cove, there are activities that you can do before the luau starts that were really fun. They would be great for kids too. The show was good and the food was decent. I liked the experience of being on the beach a lot.

At the PCC, the show is in a theater, not outside and you do not get the free activities before hand but I thought that the food and the show were a little better.

rdtaylor is right though, these shows are not authentic but they are entertaining. They really don't even do that much hula at the shows. Most of it is other types of dancing. I would not skip it because I had a lot of fun at both of the luaus but just don't expect an authentic Hawwaiian experience.

Hi there, if you are absolutely set on either Germaines or Paradise Cove, I would suggest Paradise Cove. Having been born and raised on the islands and having been to just about all the luaus that would be my suggestion. As far as PCC goes, if you buy a day pass, it really is worth it. You go for the entire day and if you go with a group or buy a package then you tour the entire Center going to each polynesian village and learning about all of polynesia not just Hawaii. There are plenty of activities to do throughout the Center including an Imax theatre where they show many different movies about polynesia throughout the year. They also have an authentic luau show. The night show (which is the culmination to the entire days activities) is well worth it especially if you have spent the whole day at the Center. It brings to a close everything that you would have seen throughout the day in one big show. Held in an outside amphitheatre(sorry not sure if I spelled that right) the show is about an hour long and features dances from all over polynesia. There is no other show like it in the islands. Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy!

I went to the luau over in Whaler's Village called The Feast at Lele. You're greeted with a lei. There is no buffet, you have a server who brings your food and drink. It's also private seating. The dinner is themed, there are 4 courses; Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan,and New Zealand, then you get dessert! The dances are very entertaining. Here is the website: www.feastatlele.com Also, if you're having a birthday or anniversary they bring your dessert plate decorated saying "happy birthday" or "happy anniversary."