What to Expect at a Traditional Luau in Waikiki
While you’re visiting Waikiki, you simply need to soak up some of the local culture. For such a small and remote nation, Hawaii boasts an incredibly rich, diverse, and historical culture. When the sun goes down, one of most vibrant experiences you can take part in is the luau in Waikiki. But before the night arrives, you might want to try your hand at another one of Hawaii’s favorite cultural exports – the incredible sport of surfing.
At Big Dave Wave, we teach surfers of all experience levels how to take on the waves at one of the most legendary surfing destinations in the world. In addition to group lessons, we offer private one-on-one tuition for those who like a personal touch. As we teach you how to carve the ocean, we’ll immerse you in the local culture. After all, Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing.
Below, we detail what to expect at a luau in Waikiki, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to book your first surfing lesson.
Introducing the Luau in Waikiki
Here are just five aspects of the celebrations that you can expect to experience at a luau in Waikiki:
1. Traditional Hawaiian Cuisine
The food is a central part of any luau. At a luau, you'll enjoy classic Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, which is cooked in an underground oven called an imu, poi made from mashed taro root, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia, a coconut dessert. Many luaus also feature tropical drinks like Mai Tais and fresh fruit to complement the meal. It’s a delicious way to experience authentic Hawaiian flavors and culinary traditions.
2. Hula Dancing
No luau is complete without hula dancing, a traditional Hawaiian art form that tells stories through movement. Dancers, adorned in vibrant costumes, perform graceful hula kahiko (ancient hula) or lively hula ʻauana (modern hula). The dances are accompanied by chants, drums, or ukulele music, creating a mesmerizing performance that captures the spirit of Hawaiian culture.
3. Music and Entertainment
Live music plays throughout the evening, setting the tone for the celebration. You'll often hear traditional Hawaiian songs played on instruments like the ukulele and slack-key guitar, as well as Polynesian drum beats. Many luaus also include performances from other Polynesian cultures, like Tahitian drum dances or the thrilling Samoan fire knife dance, adding an exciting, multicultural dimension to the event.
4. Cultural Storytelling
Luaus are more than just a party—they’re a way to connect with Hawaiian history and culture. Through songs, chants, and narrated performances, you’ll learn about Hawaii's legends, mythology, and traditions. For example, you might hear stories of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, or about the ancient Polynesians who navigated the Pacific using only the stars.
5. Sense of Community and Aloha Spirit
A luau isn’t just a show—it’s an experience that fosters a sense of community. Sharing a meal, dancing, and celebrating together reflects the aloha spirit, a core value in Hawaiian culture that emphasizes love, compassion, and connection. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, a luau brings people together to honor the traditions of Hawaii in a warm and welcoming way.
Work up an Appetite before the Luau in Waikiki
As you can see from the above, a luau in Waikiki is an incredible event that gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. When you want to immerse yourself in culture during the day to work up an appetite, you can join us for a surf lesson. Contact our friendly team of certified instructors led by local guru Dave Carvalho today for more information.