Luau Kalamaku

The Basics

After a lei greeting, sit down for a buffet dinner of Hawaiian fare beginning with an imu ceremony, where a roast pig is unearthed from an underground oven. Then, you'll watch the Kalamaku performance, in which performers chronicle the voyage between Tahiti and Hawaii that brought the Polynesian people to the island, complete with fire dancing. Guests can choose add-ons like round-trip transportation from area hotels and rides on the Kauai Plantation Railway.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Train rides and hotel pick-up and drop-off require additional fees.

• If your preferred dates are sold out, you can get on a waitlist in case of cancellations.

• Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.

• Arrive early to explore the grounds or peruse made-in-Kaui products at the on-site craft market.

How to Get There

Getting to the plantation where the Luau is staged is about a seven-minute drive from the center of Lihue, 25 minutes from Kapa'a, or an hour by car from Hanalei. It’s easiest to reach by rental car or by opting for a round-trip transportation add-on at the time of booking, but you can also take a bus to Lihue and then walk for 45 minutes if you really want to save cash.

When to Get There

The Luau is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as on some Mondays during summer and winter. You're welcome to come up to an hour early to visit the plantation grounds or take a ride on the Kilohana Plantation Railway. You'll have less chance of rain if you visit between April and November.

The Garden Island

Kauai is known as “the garden island” for good reason: it’s covered by lush vegetation, making it attractive for hiking, photography, and just taking in beauty. The island is also home to many botanical gardens worth visiting, including Allerton Garden, Princeville Botanical Gardens, McBryde Garden, the Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park, and the Limahuli Garden & Preserve.

Ways to explore

After a lei greeting, guests at Kilohana’s Luau Kalamaku will sit down for a buffet dinner of Hawaiian cuisine beginning with an imu ceremony, where a roast pig is unearthed from an underground oven. Then, the Kalamaku performance begins—performers chronicle the voyage between Tahiti and Hawaii that brought the Polynesian people to the island, complete with fire dancing, hula, elaborate costumes and masks, and more. You can choose add-ons like round-trip transportation from area hotels and rides on the Kauai Plantation Railway.

Accessibility

The main seating area is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility devices

Age limits

None, though you must be 21 to consume alcohol

What to pack

Light jacket or shawl for evening breeze, camera for photos

What to wear

Evening resort attire, like Hawaiian print shirts for men and floral dresses for women

Not allowed

Flash photography during performances, disruptive behavior

Amenities

Buffet dinner, entertainment, local vendors, restrooms, open bar

Address

Luau Kalamaku takes place at the historic Kilohana Plantation in Lihue, Kauai. It’s easy to get there via driving or by booking a package that includes transportation from your Kauai hotel.

Driving

The Kilohana Plantation is just an 8-minute drive west of Lihue Airport. There’s free parking at the venue, right next to the manor house.

Public transportation

While you could technically take a bus to get you within walking distance of the plantation, you’re better off booking transportation or hopping in a taxi/rideshare.

Best times to visit

Though the dinner doesn’t start until 6:30pm, arrive around 5pm to have time to stroll the grounds, ride the train, and visit the local market vendors.

Best days to visit

The luau runs Tuesday through Saturday—there's no bad day to visit.

Best months to visit

The luau is offered year-round. Any month is a good one, but the dry season is typically from April to October.

Special events

The luau is one giant special event, though note that seasonal fare keeps the menu (and the experience) fresh and rotating.