Luau Kalamaku
The Basics
After a lei greeting, sit down for a buffet dinner of Hawaiian fare beginning with an imu ceremony, where a roast pig is unearthed from an underground oven. Then, you'll watch the Kalamaku performance, in which performers chronicle the voyage between Tahiti and Hawaii that brought the Polynesian people to the island, complete with fire dancing. Guests can choose add-ons like round-trip transportation from area hotels and rides on the Kauai Plantation Railway.
Things to Know Before You Go
Train rides and hotel pick-up and drop-off require additional fees.
If your preferred dates are sold out, you can get on a waitlist in case of cancellations.
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.
Arrive early to explore the grounds or peruse made-in-Kaui products at the on-site craft market.
How to Get There
Getting to the plantation where the Luau is staged is about a seven-minute drive from the center of Lihue, 25 minutes from Kapa'a, or an hour by car from Hanalei. It’s easiest to reach by rental car or by opting for a round-trip transportation add-on at the time of booking, but you can also take a bus to Lihue and then walk for 45 minutes if you really want to save cash.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Luau is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as on some Mondays during summer and winter. You're welcome to come up to an hour early to visit the plantation grounds or take a ride on the Kilohana Plantation Railway. You'll have less chance of rain if you visit between April and November.
The Garden Island
Kauai is known as “the garden island” for good reason: it’s covered by lush vegetation, making it attractive for hiking, photography, and just taking in beauty. The island is also home to many botanical gardens worth visiting, including Allerton Garden, Princeville Botanical Gardens, McBryde Garden, the Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park, and the Limahuli Garden & Preserve.