Chief's Luau — Attraction in Oʻahu

The Chiefs Luau is held inside the grounds of the Wet & Wild water park. When we arrived, the waterpark appeared to be closed, but we later saw some people on the rides, so we think there may have been a special after-hours party or event. We weren't bothered by the noise, so it wasn't a big deal.

There are 3 price points. We chose the cheapest option, which was $140 USD per person. The upgraded packages include extra drink tickets, closer seats, better leis. The most expensive ticket came with some other perks, as well. Overall, I don't think our experience was diminished by choosing the least-expensive option. The drinks available to purchase with the tickets were a small Mai Tai, beer (can), wine, or soft drink. Water and fruit punch were available unlimited.

They asked us to pose with a few of the cast members as we walked in. One photo for $35 or two for $50 and it comes with digital copies and some nice photos of the show. You can also purchase a wooden frame.

A pre-dinner show had already started when we got into the luau area. Long folding tables were set up with plastic chairs in an area with astroturf in an alcove of the water park behind some huge satellite dishes that were mostly obscured by trees.

We were dismissed by table to the food buffet. There were plenty of options (salad, white rice, fried noodles, taro rolls (fluffy purple bread), shredded kahlua pork, bone-in teriyaki chicken thighs, glazed white fish, Japanese sweet potato, steamed veggies & pineapple cake w/pineapple chunks for dessert. Poi and lomi lomi were also available, as were condiments (ranch, ketchup, hot sauce, butter). The food was decent enough and quite plentiful.

Once most everyone was done eating, the real show began. The chief was the emcee and band leader. Male and female dancers alternated and performed as different tribes of the South Pacific (Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Polynesia, and Fiji). They changed costumes between the dances and all did a lovely job.

Then started the crowd participation part of the evening. Volunteers were asked to come to the stage to learn the hula. Kids, women, then the guys. It was quite fun. Then birthdays were celebrated. And finally newlyweds and those celebrating anniversaries were brought up and serenaded.

Then came the fire knife dancing, which did not disappoint! After the show, we were told that people in the company hand competed at the highest level in this unique art form.

The evening was over around 8:30 and by 8:45 we were on the bus headed back to Waikiki. We had added the transportation offered by the Chiefs Luau for $39 per person. They picked up from 4 stops in Waikiki based on your hotel location during the 4pm hour. Our guide, Cousin Greg, was entertaining and taught us some Hawaiian phrases and got everyone in a fun mood. In afternoon rush hour, the ride took almost an hour.

Overall, we felt that we got a good value for our money and would recommend the...

A MUST when you're over there. We were able to get tickets the day before we went to the experience. There was a line to check-in before getting in, which is why it's also very smart to buy your tickets online. They gave us wristbands to put on ourselves as we enter the park. We were lead to a photo area with some hula girls. They had tables for us to set our personal belongings before taking the picture, which was very mindful. We then were able to choose to wait in line for our free Mai Tai's or head straight to find our table, so we went with the second option to begin with. We decided to go to the bar area and see what we could get with our two free drink coupons. Unfortunately, we did not enjoy the Mai Tai, at all, which was a bummer. They had unlimited free juice and water. They charge for cocktails. The MC's were funny and super confident, engaging us all. They like to make jokes up there! After presenting the roasted pig (a tradition) to the audience, we were then told dinner was ready. There was a line for people to get everything from the buffet and a line for people to pick-and-choose what they'd like from the buffet. We chose the pick-and-choose line, which we had to wait a bit longer for, but that was fine. There was a screen blocking us and the food and the servers wore masks for our safety. The buffet was also unlimited! I loved the taro rolls (purple bread) they had. The chicken could have been better and the noodles were okay. The cake (with the pineapple on the side) was probably the most delicious because it tasted like fruity pebbles. After dinner and as the sun was going down, the show had started and it was full of constant entertainment. They even bring up couples on stage who just got married or celebrating an anniversary, which was very cute! All the staff and just everyone all around were super kind. We wore these leaf headbands and bead necklaces that we got to take home with us. The beads were kept as souvenir. Overall, we were entertained and satisfied with our luau experience, and Chief's Luau is in the top list of luau's...

The entertainment was 5+ stars!!!! The food was 5 stars!!! The location is 4 stars.

Cousin Beau, our tour director/guide was great and informative, another 5 stars! Yes, we used all his pro tips and rode on the Good Looking bus! We enjoyed Elvis on the way home. He played my parents song and it brought tears to my eyes.

The location. It was at a water park instead of on the beach and yes, that makes it feel a touch less authentic, but it was still nicely decorated. That said, we have no regrets and would attend again. Expedia concierge did not disclose that to us, but we are still happy with his recommendation.

They have the best entertainment. The girls were lovely and graceful when they danced. The costumes were classy.

They actually have quite a few fire dancing world champions on staff. The fire dancing was AMAZING!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Chief is the Ricky Ricardo of Hawaii (and he's looking for his zany, but beautiful Lucy in the audience)!!! He's very talented, hilarious, engaging, and entertaining.

If you are celebrating your birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc...Chief makes it extra special. There were two youths there from MakeAWish and Chief gave them special gifts and asked God to heal them. 😭

Food? They had steak (royal seating only), chicken, fish, and pork. They had vege chow mein (pork next to it that one can add if wanted), rice, sweet potatoes, pineapple, pineapple cake, rolls, poi, Mai-Tais, fruit punch, water, etc. It was very good.

We sat in the royal section, but when we went back for seconds...there was only salad and cake left. The meat was all wiped out. So make sure you get whatever you want the first time through. *Pro Tip: Take two plates going through the line the first time, so you can put the salad and chow mein on one plate and the rice and meat on another.

Please like my review if you appreciate that I take my time to honestly review/inform/update on this place before you spend your...