Your luau evening
Step into the historic beauty of Kilohana Plantation, where Luau Kalamaku turns a night on Kauai into a rich celebration of food, music, culture and storytelling. Just outside Lihue, the plantation’s lush grounds and historic setting give the evening a sense of place before the main show even begins.
Guests staying at the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club should note that there are several Marriott resorts on Kauai, and the luau may be closer to the resort than the available transportation pickup points.
Luau Kalamaku is known for its large-scale theatrical production, featuring more dancers and entertainers than any other luau on Kauai. The show was also named “Best Luau Show” by Lonely Planet. For those who want to add more to the evening, an optional train ride through Kilohana Plantation is available before dinner.
Before the feast, enjoy time to explore island arts and crafts demonstrations and watch the traditional imu ceremony as the kalua pig is lifted from the underground oven. Then settle in for a generous Hawaiian buffet with a wide variety of island favorites and familiar choices.
As the evening deepens, powerful drumming, music and dance bring the story of ancient Polynesian voyagers to life. The production honors the courage and determination of those who crossed the Pacific in search of a new home, building toward an inspiring performance filled with movement, emotion and the spirit of Hawaii.
Luau Kalamaku Highlights
- Hawaiian luau buffet
- Award-winning Hawaiian and Polynesian show
- Open bar
- Hawaiian hula dancers
- Traditional fire-knife dancing
- Hawaiian crafts and cultural activities
Luau Kalamaku Schedule
- 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Craft demonstrations and Hawaiian games
- 5:30 pm to 6:10 pm: Kauai Plantation Railway ride, available as an add-on
- 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm: Open bar
- 6:15 pm to 6:30 pm: Imu ceremony
- 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Dinner, dessert, live music and hula
- 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm: Main Kalamaku show
- 8:15 pm to 8:30 pm: Photo session with the cast
Luau Packages
Hawaiian Luau Package
The Hawaiian Luau Package includes standard seating for the Luau Kalamaku dinner and show.
Silver Luau Package
The Silver Luau Package includes elevated seating for a clearer view of the stage. From this prime location, guests can take in the music, movement and storytelling of the Luau Kalamaku performance.
Gold Luau Package
The exclusive Gold Luau Package includes premium seating close to the stage. This up-close view places you near the heart of the performance, including the thrilling fire-knife dancing.
Kauai Plantation Railway Train Ride
The train ride is available as an additional upgrade before the luau feast. Travel through 105 acres of Kilohana Plantation, passing plantation homes, forests and fields of pineapple, taro and sugarcane.
Along the way, the train stops near areas where guests can feed wild pigs, goats and sheep, while also seeing cattle, horses, Clydesdales and donkeys. After the ride, there is time to explore the imu ceremony, arts and crafts demonstrations and shops inside the historic mansion.
Luau Kalamaku Menu
Starters
- Potato macaroni salad, vegetarian
- Vegetarian tofu salad, vegan
- Seasonal fruit platter, vegan and gluten free
- Kauai fresh green salad, vegan and gluten free
- Balsamic vinaigrette, vegan and gluten free
Entrees
- Teriyaki chicken
- Kalua pork, gluten free
- Seasonal fish
- Steamed jasmine rice, vegan and gluten free
- Vegetable chow mein, vegetarian
- Sauteed garlic vegetables, vegan and gluten free
- Poi, vegan and gluten free
- Hawaiian sweet rolls, vegetarian
Desserts
- Banana cream tart
- Pineapple upside-down cake
- Haupia coconut pudding
Drinks and Bar
The bar serves traditional tropical drinks, mixed drinks, local beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
Manor House Experience
The Manor House Experience combines the Luau Kalamaku show with an elegant four-course dinner at Gaylord’s Restaurant at Kilohana. It is a lovely choice if you want to begin the night with a more relaxed dining experience before walking by torchlight to the luau pavilion.
Manor House Menu
| Course | First Choice | Second Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Appetizer | Roasted Vegetable Tartine (df/nf): Avocado puree, pickled red onions and cucumber, fire-roasted squash, zucchini and grape tomato settled on charred brioche alongside baby arugula in lemon and roasted garlic oil | Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp: Poached Cortez shrimp served with guava cocktail sauce |
| Salad | Island Caprese (nf): Vine-ripened tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and mesclun greens, drizzled with balsamic gastrique and served with charred crostini | Caesar Salad (nf/df/gf without croutons): Hearts of romaine tossed in lemon anchovy dressing, drizzled with poi vinaigrette and topped with Parmesan cheese and focaccia croutons |
| Entree | Fresh Catch and Kalua Pork (df/nf/gf): Fresh catch, pan-seared and finished with coconut lemongrass and unagi sauce, alongside kalua pork topped with lomi lomi tomato relish, settled on coleslaw and steamed jasmine rice accented with lemongrass | Short Ribs and Kalua Pork (nf/df/gf): Braised boneless short ribs finished with truffle-yaki sauce and kalua pork topped with lomi lomi tomato relish, settled on coleslaw and steamed jasmine rice accented with lemongrass |
| Dessert | Taro and Hawaiian Sweet Bread Pudding (nf): Taro and Hawaiian sweet bread topped with creme anglaise and seasonal fruits | Profiteroles (nf): Vanilla-flavored ice cream tucked inside pate choux and drizzled with chocolate sauce |
Dietary notations: df indicates dairy free, nf indicates nut free and gf indicates gluten free.
Manor House Schedule
- 5:00 pm: Fresh flower lei greeting and check-in
- 5:15 pm: Champagne reception
- 5:25 pm: Four-course dinner at Gaylord’s
- 6:45 pm: Gallery and boutique shopping
- 7:05 pm: Torch-lit walk to the Luau Pavilion
- 7:30 pm: Premium reserved seating for the show
Please note that menu selections are subject to change based on seasonal ingredient availability.
Inclusions
- Open Bar (Until Main Show Begins)
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- All special dietary requests and ADA requests must be notated and requested at least 48 hours prior to the luau date
Meeting & Check-in
- Pickup: Pickup is available, or meet at the designated start point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
