Luaus are a wonderful way to share in Hawaiian culture and welcome its presentation to your family as you visit the Islands. The Ka Wa’a Luau at Disney’s Aulani Resort is the peak of this. The Hawaiian people are very proud of their native language, dances, food and history, so getting to participate in a luau is one of the best ways for a visitor to celebrate this. Here you’ll find all the information for taking part in the Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani and tips for making sure your family has the best experience.
Do you have a luau experience that you particularly love? If you’ve been to the Ka Wa’a Luau or have another that you would like to recommend, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always looking for new ways to celebrate Native Hawaiian culture and enjoy our time in the Islands of Hawaii.
Why go to the Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani?
I have very high expectations of anything we do relating to Disney, and the Ka Wa’a Luau met those expectations. The cast of the luau, both beforehand during craft time and all through the dancing and presentations was fantastic. The people are wonderful, combining the joy and aloha of the Hawaiian people with the style and service of Disney.
When it comes to a luau experience, the Aulani luau is top tier. The food is wonderful, as are the drinks, and the whole dinner process is very easy and smooth flowing. When you’re doing a luau with kids, it can be overwhelming between the activities and noises, and then when you add mealtime to it… The dancing and storytelling with the Ka Wa’a Luau is also impressive. The performers are exceptional in their hula and dance skills, as well as the overall musicality of the presentation. Beautiful voices and instrumentation. I’ve been to many luaus and the Ka Wa’a Luau is my favorite.
Tips for the Best Experience at the Ka Wa’a Luau
Getting to do the Ka A’wa Luau is so special that you don’t want to miss anything. The luau space is opened in advance of the actual meal and performances, and there are lots of activities and even crafts for kids to enjoy. If you get there early enough you can participate in the many things to do, get some pictures in advance of the show and make sure you’re set up to enjoy the luau.
If you have it in your budget, you can actually book VIP luau tickets for up front seating. This is great if you really want to be able to see the actions and dances up close. If you are doing the Ka Wa’a Luau with small kids, I don’t feel that the VIP experience is worth it because it is quite an upgraded cost and small kids tend to need a bit more space, including area to dance if inspired. You know your kids/travel party and can make the decision that’s right for you.
I also like to bring my big camera when we attend a luau. There are great opportunities to photograph the dances and performances, so using my DSLR camera is great for me. If you are well versed in low-light photography with lots of motion, bring yours too!
Dress Code for the Ka Wa’a Luau at Aulani
We like to dress up a bit for luaus. It’s a celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, which is all about the waves, the trees, the flowers and the people, so we don our aloha shirts with pride and add to the colorful night. Because the Ka Aw’a Luau is outside (except in the event of rain, then it moves inside) a light jacket is also a good idea. The luau lawn is rather sheltered from the wind, but a jacket is a good idea.
More Things to do Around Oahu
Oahu is the most popular island to visit I would say, and for the most part it’s due to Honolulu. We have family and friends in Honolulu, so it’s a quick pick when we’re choosing an island plan. There is actually a ton to do all around Oahu though, from the city to the North Shore to upcountry on the Kamehameha Highway. Here are our top picks to add to your trip to Oahu.
- visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
- do farm tours in upcountry (including Dole if you’re interested)
- hike Diamond Head (be sure to reserve your entry)
- visit Waimea Valley and Gardens
- snorkel at Shark Cove on the North Shore
- enjoy the beaches of Kaneohe Bay and Lanikai
- visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- tour Iolani Palace in Honolulu
There are loads of things to do and see all around the Island of Oahu, but these options are very easy to add to your visit no matter where you’re staying. Oahu is full of wonderful hikes too, so be sure to set aside time to hit the trails.
Where to Stay on Oahu
Where you choose to stay on Oahu is going to depend very much on your overall plans for you trip. While you can drive around the whole island in a day, you may not want to do that multiple times during a visit. If you’re able to split your time on Oahu between a stay on the North Shore and then a stay in Honolulu or on the South Shore, that is the best way to get a full experience here.
I hope you’ll consider adding a luau experience to your trip to Hawaii, whether it’s the Ka Wa’a Luau at Disney’s Aulani or one of the other wonderful options on Oahu. Each island has several luaus to choose from so if you’re not able to include one during your time on Oahu, perhaps see what you might get to enjoy during the rest of your trip. If you have any questions about the Ka Wa’a Luau, staying at Disney’s Aulani, or visiting the Island of Oahu, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful Hawaii trip. Aloha!
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