What's the best luau to go to in Oahu?

CTHawaii14 · 01-21-2008, 11:19 PM

I was wondering if anyone was familiar/or have been to any of the luau's on Oahu? I had initially wanted to go to Germaine's because I had heard that is was the best one, but then I started looking into it and they have some pretty bad reviews. That's when I looked into the Paradise Cove one and the Polynesian Cultural Center luau, but am confused because they have mixed reviews also. So, if anyone has been to one or now which one is better please let me know. This is going to be replacing my rehersal dinner so I dont want to mess up (so to speak). Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Sorry if this is in another thread. I have searched for it for a couple of days now and haven't really found anything. Also sorry it is so long.

starchild · 01-22-2008, 12:29 AM

I'm not sure which is best, but I went to Germaine's many years ago and was very happy with it. It was on a pretty beach and the food was good, I don't know how to critique a luau but it worked for me...lol

katrina · 01-22-2008, 04:47 AM

my grandparents have lived on the island for the past 20 years and whenever they have visitors they take them to paradise cove over the others. i've never asked why and i've never been to the others, but just wanted to give you a local's (my grandparents) preference. :)

amandalovesryan · 01-22-2008, 04:55 AM

my mom has been there a bunch of times so I will ask her and get back to you on that. i know that she prefers one over some of the others. -Amanda

mpark46 · 01-22-2008, 10:52 AM

I went to the Paradise Cove one. It was very good. Before the actual luau you can take photos with parrots, do spear throwing, canoeing, lei making & other activities.

The food was decent and the overall experience was great.

Paradise Cove is a 45 minute drive from Waikiki but they will pick you up and drop you off, and that price is included in the fee.

BeachBride82 · 01-22-2008, 11:03 AM

We are going to Oahu for our honeymoon. I have heard that the Paradise Cove luau is the best. You can also combine your trip with a show called the Magic of Polynesia at a discounted rate on the same date. Both shows come highly recommended from friends of ours that have owned properties in Oahu for several years.

CTHawaii14 · 01-22-2008, 11:32 AM

Wow. Thank you guys so much.

I really appreciate all of the feedback. I was hoping that someone had either been there or knows of people that have been there because you cant always trust reviews.

TA Dina · 01-23-2008, 04:16 PM

One thing to keep in mind with luaus, is you will have your more "commercial" type luau and you will also find your more "authentic" type luau.

Comparing Paradise Cove to Poly Cultural Center is apples to oranges.

Since you said it's replacing the rehearsal dinner, Paradise Cove might be a good option. It's very "flashy". That's where you'll see the big fancy costumes, the fire dancers etc. They bring people up on stage at the end to hula. It's a fun show. You are sitting out on the beach basically at like picnic tables. It's buffet style served with paper and plastic, and the food is just ok. Honestly last few clients I had out there said it's going down hill a little so I'm recommending it these days with low expectations. But I'd imagine the overall show would be fun with a group. I'd definately recommend the Ali'i package.

The PCC on the other hand, total opposite as far as show/atmosphere. It's more authentic hawaiian. No flashy costumes, no silly acts on stage. But a really pretty show. Overall it's a bit more laid back than PC. But if you did the luau and the Horizons show at the end of the evening that would be fun.

Just check around and remember, not all luaus are the same. What might appeal to one will not to the other.

CTHawaii14 · 01-23-2008, 06:26 PM

Thank you very much for all of the info TA Dina. I will def. keep all of that in mind when I make my final decision.

PJ8108 · 02-24-2008, 10:39 AM

I have heard that PCC and PC are the better ones to go to there. I have about 50-75 people potentially coming out and plan to schedule a night to go to a luau there. Given that most of them have never been to Hawaii, which place would you take them to? The only one I've ever been to is Germaine's and it was just ok for me.