Meaning “gathering for a meal,” it was traditionally held to celebrate a human milestone like the birth of a child and weddings, to seek the help of gods, or as a gratitude for bountiful crops, fish, or harvest. The event involved delicious foods, chants, and hula dance. Nowadays, some traditional Hawaiian families still practice aha’aina during special occasions. The term luau that people use today originated in the mid-1800s, which has remained ever since. Depending on the location and performers, luaus are held differently. Few things are standard, though – the cooking of the kalua pig in an imu or underground oven, fire dances, and hula dances.

Taking place a few times a week at the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel or the “Pink Palace,” the Aha’aina Luau allows you and your family to experience a Hawaiian Royal-style luau while enjoying the breathtaking and relaxing views of the Waikiki Beach and the Diamond Head. It is a tribute to the once playground of Hawaiian Royalty. It also lets you explore old Polynesia through music, dance, food, stories, and traditional crafts with one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island as the backdrop!

After checking-in, you will be welcomed with a warm lei greeting. The friendly staff will escort you to the ocean lawn at The Royal Hawaiian, where you could see the crashing waves of the ocean. You can try some Hawaiian activities such as Kapa making and pounding poi. Kapa was once the most common fabric used by early Hawaiians to make baby clothes, warriors and dancers’ costumes, and they even used it to wrap bones of dead people. It is done by pushing the wet cloth into the grooves of a special board. On the other hand, poi made from the taro plant’s corm is one of the main flavors of luaus.

When you hear conch shell sounds, that signals the feasting. Take your seats and enjoy your delicious island-style buffet dinner, including Korean BBQ kalbi ribs, local island chicken, poi with fresh salted salmon, and desserts like Royal Hawaiian bread pudding and pink haupia cake. You also get to taste slices of refreshing fresh tropical fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and others.

As you sip your Mai Tai when the sun starts to dip down the horizon, a knowledgeable storyteller will narrate the significance of lei and legends about the ocean. After your meal, sit back and relax while their multi-talented performers demonstrate a stunning performance showcasing the islands’ history, the folklore of the Hawaiian people, and the Hawaiian songs and dances featuring the cultures of the land of Aloha.

• Delicious buffet dinner
• Experience Polynesian arts and crafts
• Test your skills on Hawaiian games
• Warm lei greeting
• Luau at a beachfront with spectacular views
• Listen to interesting legends and history

• FULL LUAU (Premium or standard seating): Includes 1 welcome drink and 2 drinks during the luau.
• PREMIUM SEATING: 1st row of oceanfront tables, closest to the stage.
• COCKTAIL SEATING: Includes the show and 2 beverages (no food). Seating at 7 pm.

• POI AND POKE STATION: Poi with Fresh Salted Salmon, Ho Farm Tomatoes and Maui Onion Ahi, Shrimp, Tako, Hamakua Tomato, and Mushroom Poke on Ice Bar

• ISLAND FRUIT STATION: Sliced Pineapple, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Kula Strawberries, and Mojito Style Mango

• ISLAND SALADS STATION: Island Coleslaw, JA Farms Caesar Salad with Portuguese Bread Croutons, White Anchovies and Pipikaula, Ho Farms Tomato and Cucumber Salad, JA Farms Baby Greens with Edamame, and Ho Farms Tomatoes and Watermelon Radish

• HUI HUI GRILL ACTION STATION: Local Island Chicken, Garlic Fried Rice, Wok Fried Choy Sum with Crispy Shallots, and Roasted Vegetable Curry

• KIAWE WOOD BBQ STATION: Korean BBQ Kalbi Ribs, Chinese Steamed Monchong with Ginger and Scallion, Real Above-Ground Kalua Pig Live Carving Station

DESSERT STATION: Royal Hawaiian Bread Pudding, Pink Haupia Cake, Halo-Halo Flan, Waialua Estate Chocolate-Coffee, and Tiramisu

• Hamakua Tomato and Mushroom Poke 
• Island Coleslaw
• JA Farms Caesar Salad with Portuguese Bread Croutons
• Ho Farms Tomato and Cucumber Salad
• JA Farm Greens with Edamame, Ho Farms Tomatoes, and Watermelon Radish served with Yuzu or Papaya Seed Dressing
• Garlic Fried Rice
• Wok Fried Choy Sum with Crispy Shallots
• Royal Hawaiian Bread Pudding
• Pink Haupia Cake
• Halo-Halo Flan
• Waialua Estate Chocolate Coffee
• Sliced Exotic Fruits: Watermelon, Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Kula Strawberries, and Mojito Style Mangoes

• Hamakua Tomato and Mushroom Poke 
• Island Coleslaw
• JA Farms Caesar Salad with Portuguese Bread Croutons
• Ho Farms Tomato and Cucumber Salad
• JA Farm Greens with Edamame, Ho Farms Tomatoes and Watermelon Radish served with Yuzu or Papaya Seed Dressing
• Garlic Fried Rice
• Wok Fried Choy Sum with Crispy Shallots
• Halo-Halo Flan
• Waialua Estate Chocolate Coffee
• Sliced Exotic Fruits: Watermelon, Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Kula Strawberries, and Mojito Style Mangoes

• Hamakua Tomato and Mushroom Poke 
• Island Coleslaw
• Ho Farms Tomato and Cucumber Salad
• JA Farm Greens with Edamame, Ho Farms Tomatoes and Watermelon Radish served with Yuzu or Papaya Seed Dressing
• Garlic Fried Rice
• Wok Fried Choy Sum with Crispy Shallots
• Sliced Exotic Fruits: Watermelon, Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Kula Strawberries, and Mojito Style Mangoes

• Location and Time: Check-in begins at 5:00 pm (Cocktail seating checks in/begins seating at 7:00 pm) at the Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815.

• Restrictions: There is a 72-hour cancellation policy for this activity. There are no cancellations or refunds beyond such time. 

*Note: A child (0-4 yrs) is free when they sit on the lap of an adult. These children do not include their own plate but are welcome to pick off the adult’s plate.

*You should select the pricing “Per Child in Own Seat, with Plate (0-4 yrs)” if you would like the child (0-4 yrs) to have their own seat (including sitting in a highchair) and plate. Please note if the child with a seat will need a highchair, the luau will do their best to provide one but they may be limited.

• Operations: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
• Duration: 2.5 hours