Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park Review – Our First Time!
Thinking about going to the Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park? We recently went for the first time (bought their silver package) and have so much to share! Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, what we enjoyed, and what could’ve been better. Keep in mind that I personally paid for the luau myself so this is a completely unbiased review.
Quick Takeaways
Only have 5 minutes to read the article? Here are the main points to take away from our Aloha Kai Luau review!
What We Loved About Aloha Kai Luau
- We got to enjoy a large buffet of local Hawaiian dishes
- 2 specialty drink tickets are included
- Fresh flower (or shell) lei greeting that we could take home
- This luau really does offer traditional Polynesian entertainment that we were looking for
- Phenomenal show watching skilled hula dancers and performers
- Stunning ocean backdrop!
- The drive there from our hotel in Waikiki was also really pretty
- Opportunities to take part in cultural activities, like lei making, etc.
- Not too crowded compared to other luaus like the one at Polynesian Cultural Center
- Complimentary entry to Sea Life Park to see some marine life up close before the show.
When we looked at different luaus in Oahu, we read that guests rave about the food selection and entertainment at Aloha Kai Luau, with many saying it’s a great option for first-time luau-goers. We agree!
The mix of cultural performances and interactive activities keeps things lively and engaging throughout the night. Plus, the park’s location on Oahu’s eastern shore offers some pretty spectacular sunset views to round out the evening.
What We Didn’t Love About Aloha Kai Luau
- Extra cost for luau parking
- Food quality was so-so (but at least the portions were generous)
- The location can be somewhat far from downtown Waikiki
Thorough Review of Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park
The Location at Sea Life Park
The Aloha Kai Luau is hosted at Sea Life Park, which doubles as a marine mammal park and bird sanctuary. This means you can make a full day of it by exploring the park before the evening’s event kicks off (we highly recommend it).
Compared to other luaus I’ve been to, the Aloha Kai Luau had a much better location. I’m convinced now that Sea Life Park has some of the most spectacular views on Oahu. We saw glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, the iconic Makapuu Lighthouse perched on a cliff, Rabbit Island, and the Waimanalo shoreline.
But not only was the ocean backdrop just out-of-this-world stunning, the venue also had architectural elements to the buildings like thatched-roof structures and tropical plants everywhere that make it feel like you’re in old Hawaii.
The stage where performers dance is also central and they didn’t overpack the luau portion of the park, which my husband and I loved because it meant everyone got a good view of the show.
Getting There
Sea Life Park is about 15 miles east of Waikiki. You have a few options for getting to the luau:
- Drive yourself: Take the Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72) east. The park is clearly marked and easy to find. We had a rental car during our visit and found that there was ample parking. Keep in mind that parking is extra though!
- Shuttle service: Many hotels offer transportation to the luau. Check with your concierge for details.
The drive itself is scenic, hugging the coastline for much of the way. You’ll pass beautiful beaches and lookout points.
Silver Aloha Kai Luau Package
Aloha Kai Luau offers 4 different packages, but we ultimately decided on the silver package as we felt that gave us the most bang for our buck.
The Silver Package was $175 per adult (or $150 per child) and includes the following:
- Buffet Dinner
- Cultural Activities
- Flower Lei Greeting
- Silver Tier Seating
- (2) Drink Tickets
- Sea Life Park Admission (5 Day Pass)
- 20% off retail
- 20% off Tiki treats
Looking back, I’m glad we went with this package – it gave us everything we wanted in a luau without the extra fluff.
Before You Go
The Aloha Kai Luau runs for about 3 hours, typically starting in the early evening. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show begins to get settled and explore a bit.
Best times to visit:
• Weekdays tend to be less crowded
• Sunset shows offer stunning ocean views
• Avoid major holidays unless you love big crowds
Remember, Hawaii’s weather is pretty great year-round. But if you’re picky, April to June and September to November often have the best combo of good weather and smaller crowds.
Also, a few things to note on venue accessibility:
• Wheelchair access is available
• There’s an uphill walk to the luau area
• Staff can assist with seating if needed
What to Bring to the Aloha Kai Luau
Packing for the luau doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you have everything you need:
✓ Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
✓ Light jacket or wrap (evenings can get breezy)
✓ Cash for tips or souvenirs
✓ Comfortable shoes (you might want to dance!)
✓ Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
Don’t worry about bringing food or drinks. The luau includes a Hawaiian feast and we each got 2 drink tickets to redeem at the Tiki Bar (you can buy extra drinks there if you want).
Pre-Show Activities
Don’t just watch – join in the fun! Before the show starts, you can try your hand at some Hawaiian crafts. Learn to make a flower bracelet, play the ukulele, or try weaving with palm fronds.
During the pre-show demonstrations, you might get picked to come on stage. Don’t be shy – it’s all in good fun. You could end up learning to hula dance in front of everyone!
If you have kids, there are also different activities just for them, like face painting, and games.
At the end of the night, we left with great memories and maybe even a new skill or two!
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to snap amazing photos during the pre-show (we definitely did!)
Aloha Kai Luau Dinner Spread
Come hungry, because the luau comes with a dinner buffet that’s packed with different Hawaiian dishes. Personally, my husband and I found the quality to be standard of buffets in general.
I appreciated that the food catered to lots of different dietary preferences. Taste-wise, the food was nothing mind-blowing, and some of the proteins could have used more seasonings.
But as non picky eaters, we definitely loved that you can refill your plate as many times as you want – especially after a day of exploring! Here’s a picture of my plate and my husband going for seconds 🙂
When we visited, this was the dinner menu featuring their traditional luau fare:
- Vegan Curry – this was delicious!
- Kalua pork – the pork was tender, but could have used some salt
- Teriyaki Chicken – standard teriyaki chicken, great with rice
- Fresh Island Fish with Mango Salsa – this lacked seasonings but the salsa helped!
- Fresh Pineapples – so sweet and delicious!
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – soft & fluffy
- Chow Mein Noodles – it was just okay
- Steamed with Rice – can’t go wrong with rice!
- Roasted sweet potatoes – SOOOO good!!!
- Steamed Vegetables & Green Salad
- Lomi lomi salmon – served in small cups
- Poi (taro paste) – this wasn’t our favorite but we tried it!
And don’t forget to save room for dessert – the coconut cake was our favorite!
Outside of water, 2 specialty drinks are included, so we got to sip on some tropical cocktails as we enjoyed the meal. You can use one of your drink vouchers for a mai-tai!
What’s the seating arrangement like at the Aloha Kai Luau event?
The luau uses a communal seating style. You’ll sit at long tables with other guests. Tables are typically close to the stage, so you’ll have a good view of the performances.
Luau Dance Performances
As for the main show itself, we were blown away by the graceful hula dancers at the Aloha Kai Luau. Their flowing movements tell stories of Hawaiian legends and traditions. What was cool is we saw different dances from other Polynesian islands too, each with its own unique style!
My husband really enjoyed the fire dancers – they were really good!
Between dances, you’ll learn about Hawaiian customs and traditions. The performers do a great job of explaining the meaning behind each dance and song.
The dancers’ colorful costumes were also just gorgeous to see. We watched the dancers sway to the rhythm of live music, with ukuleles and drums setting the beat and the sun setting in the background – talk about a perfect moment!
Take Home Souvenirs
I thought it was awesome that the luau offered complimentary souvenirs like the handmade leis and palm leaf headbands. But if you are looking for more, you can visit the gift shop/booth to buy gifts like tiki mugs and local crafts.
If you opted for the gold or VIP package, you also get a free souvenir photo(s). If you chose the bronze or silver package like us, you can also buy them.››
Is Aloha Kai Luau Worth It?
Overall, my husband and I found the Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park to be well worth the cost! The luau offers a fun-filled evening of Hawaiian culture, food, and entertainment. Y
You’ll enjoy amazing performances, taste delicious local dishes, and even get a chance to join in the fun yourself.
Looking for More Fun Things to Do in Hawaii?
- Where to Buy the Best Malasadas in Oahu, Hawaii
- 14 Best Oahu Hikes & Top Trails for First-Time Visitors
- Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour – Our Jurassic Park Backyard Experience
- 15 Best Ice Cream Shops in Oahu to Beat the Hawaiian Heat
- Kualoa Ranch Ocean Voyage Tour Review
Subscribe to DWELL and get new travel ideas delivered straight to your inbox! In addition, follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest updates!
Have you been to the Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park? Feel free to leave a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the features of the Aloha Kai Luau experience at Sea Life Park?
At the Aloha Kai Luau, you’ll enjoy a mix of Hawaiian culture and marine life. The event includes a traditional lei greeting and photo opportunities.
You’ll see hula dancers and fire knife performers showcasing Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. The luau also offers hands-on activities like hula lessons and lei making.
The Aloha Kai Luau serves up a feast of Hawaiian and Polynesian dishes. You’ll find classics like kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, and poi.
There are also tropical fruits, salads, and desserts. Vegetarian options are usually available. Don’t forget to try the Mai Tais or other tropical drinks!
What kind of activities can you expect to do at Sea Life Park during the luau?
Before the luau starts, you can explore Sea Life Park. You might see dolphin shows, sea lion encounters, or shark feedings.
There’s also a bird sanctuary and aquarium to check out. During the luau itself, you can join in hula lessons or try your hand at lei making.
How much time should I set aside to fully enjoy Sea Life Park and the luau?
Plan to spend about 5-6 hours total at Sea Life Park and the Aloha Kai Luau. The park usually opens at 3:30 PM for luau guests.
This gives you time to explore the park before the luau starts. The luau itself lasts about 3 hours. It’s a full evening of fun and entertainment!
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Content is written by Michelle Schmidt and/or team of dwellbymichelle.com.
