KA WA'A - A LŪ'AU — Restaurant in Oʻahu

Our top priorities were food, entertainment quality, and drinks included/open bar. We wanted to get the VIP/preferred seating and your seating is assigned and is assigned based on the order of booking. Keep in mind that the booking of this luau is through a 3rd party, and the actual performers and show is a contracted company as well. So it will not be Disney employees, but you know it will be Disney quality. The check in for the VIP is at 4:55pm. The general seating check in begins at 5:10pm. We were lei’d with a nut lei. The children got maui fish hook necklaces. A performer came out and blew the conch. We were told one digital download is included in the VIP package per party. We got our photo taken with some of the performers from the show, and we were given a photopass card for the digital download. When I went on the website, they had taken 4 photos of us and all were available for free digital download (your mileage may vary on this). There were about 5 rows of tables deep and about 5 rows of tables wide, with about 10 people per table, so you were on the lawn with you and about 250 of your closest friends. The tables were arranged farmhouse style so you will have strangers sitting on either side of you. The welcome drink for adults was the Kawaa sunset. The kids welcome drink was a blue vanilla pineapple juice drink. There is an open bar that is included in admission for all. The VIP section does have servers coming around though asking if you need anything. There was a wrist lei station. They had a temporary tattoo station with 4 different patterns to choose from. There was a taro pounding station The last station was a ukulele station. Before they dismiss tables for dinner, you get a quick cameo from Mickey and Minnie! They invite you to do a hula with them. There are two sides to the buffet and they are exactly the same. The food was definitely one of the highlights of the experience. There were so many options! The kids were given a huge bento box with a sampling of things from the buffet. The kids all seemed to enjoy their box. The servers came around promptly to clear plates and gather drink orders. We also ordered the blue Hawaiian drink (just okay) and the mai tai. The mai tai was the home run here. They had a small selection of other liquors and a small wine and beer selection as well as juice and sodas. The show started exactly at 7pm. The live band played in the background the entire time, and the singer sung most of the songs. He also was the one who was telling the stories between the numbers. The singer was absolutely amazing, Broadway quality. All of the performers were extremely talented and were amazing dancers. Each number had a different costume or props. The two most interesting numbers were the Tahiti number which is what you think of with the hips shaking, and the finale with the fire. They were twirling the fire and tossing the fire sticks. It was awesome! Definitely the best part. They had the main stage, then two table rows out they had a platform, and then two more rows out they had two more platforms. So even if you got stuck in the back, you could still have some singular performers up close. We were in the second row which was actually perfect because we had a great up close view of the performer on the platform as well as a great view of the main stage. The show ended exactly at 8pm. The performers stuck around on the lawn for a little meet and greet. Also, if you parked, remember to bring your parking ticket with you to get validated. Only the servers can do the validation so remember to ask one of the servers at some point. Overall this was a great luau experience, especially for someone who has a first trip to Hawaii. The unlimited drinks was a huge plus. The production value, and the show and performance quality was top notch. The musicians, singers, and performers were all very professional and talented. Overall I would highly recommend this luau as the...

This was a highlight of our recent trip to Hawaii. We did not stay at the resort, but after much research thought we’d give this a try. We were not disappointed. Comp parking upon arrival was lovely and easy. The luau grounds are located at the back of the property but a lovely walk through the resort. We got general seating but because we were celebrating our honeymoon, they upgraded us to premium which was so kind! Traveling as two adults, we were thrilled Disney had the sense to group us with a bunch of other adult groups and couples who we enjoyed chatting with. We worried it could be too kid focused, and it wasn’t as all. Child friendly, yes. Child focused, no. The food was all delicious, lots of variety. No shellfish was of benefit for me given an allergy (buffets are scary places!). Oh, and we love an open bar. Unlimited mai tais and other cocktails, and premium beers. The show itself was extremely well done. If there’s one thing Disney won’t mess around with its entertainment, and that’s what I wanted more than anything. Was it authentic? Depends on your definition. Luaus are designed for tourists. The dancing, costumes, music and story telling was fantastic. I liked how each song had a theme and told a different story and slightly different tonality. It was never boring. Past luau’s I’ve felt were so heavy on one thing only, and with super tacky hosts holding it together. The “duo” leading the show were phenomenal, Broadway level talent. Captivating and beautiful voices.

One thing I will say if if you’re coming thinking this will be a character filled evening with Minnie, Mickey, or others, you may be disappointed as they only make a brief appearance at the beginning.

After the show we went to a bar on property to listen to some more live music, and of course the gift shop.

As nearly 40 somethings we loved this outing and it truly was a highlight for us. Disney made us feel special, and despite the very high cost (Canadian tourists with awful exchange rate) we felt it was well worth the investment for the value of...

Ka Wa’a luau offers an enchanting evening that brilliantly showcases the vibrant culture of Hawaii through its food and entertainment. As soon as you arrive, the warm welcome from the staff sets a friendly tone, making you feel like part of the Ohana (family).

The luau features a delicious array of traditional Hawaiian dishes that tantalize the palate. From the moment you're served the flavorful kalua pork, expertly cooked in an underground oven, to the fresh poke, each bite is a celebration of local ingredients and culinary traditions. The lomi lomi salmon provides a refreshing contrast with its zesty bursts of flavor, while the sweet taste of haupia coconut pudding rounds off the meal perfectly. The buffet setup allows guests to sample a variety of dishes, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.

But the experience is not just about the food; it's a feast for the senses with dynamic entertainment. The vibrant hula performances are a highlight of the evening. Skilled dancers tell stories through their graceful movements, beautifully illustrating the rich history of Hawaiian culture. Accompanied by live traditional music, the performances create an immersive atmosphere that transports you to the islands.

As the sun sets, the fire dancers captivate the audience with their mesmerizing skills, creating a thrilling finale to the night. The combination of authentic food, engaging entertainment, and the stunning backdrop of the Hawaiian landscape makes Ka Wa’a luau an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Ka Wa’a luau offers a unique opportunity to connect with Hawaiian culture while indulging in exceptional cuisine. It’s truly a must-see and a must-taste when in the area, ensuring that every guest leaves with beautiful memories and a...