Tom’s Tips – Oahu Luaus

Luaus in Oahu are fun. Really fun! But they are really different as well in a couple of ways. First off they are quite large in comparison to most outer-island luaus. Some of these luaus have as many as 800, 1000 and even 1200 persons all attending the same event. Yes, that’s a lot of people, but the sheer volume of people creates an almost ‘festival’ type event with everyone there in the mood to have fun. Everyone is focused on having a good time. Of course this is overstated, but it feels a little bit like a Mardi Gras type vibe.

Secondly, of all the luaus on Oahu, only two are located in Waikiki where you are probably staying. Of all the rest you either have to drive to get there or be picked up and driven to by a van or bus. Oahu is unique in that most activities will have hotel pick-up available so that is really not so unusual. In the case of a luau, it is actually probably a very good thing. Being picked up and brought back to your hotel means that you don’t need to drive on your own and consequently you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving. The other thing about being picked up by buses to be driven often 45 minutes away to the luau of your choice, is that the party starts early, on the bus. Most buses will have a driver but also have sort of a MC person assigned to your bus and the group you are being transported with. They stand up in the front of the bus to address you, are usually quite funny and will describe a bit about the luau you will be attending on the way there. Visitors usually ask impromptu questions as well and you can learn a lot. You will have a great time with this, essentially ‘warm-up’ act in anticipation of the actual luau show.

The whole luau routine is quite different on Oahu, but as I mentioned earlier, you’ll meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun.