Introduction
A luau may be one of Hawaii’s best-known evening experiences, but it is far from the only option after the sun goes down.
Blue Hawaiian Activities offers 12 evening show listings beyond traditional luaus, including dinner cruises, live theater, a fire show, magic, stargazing and immersive Polynesian experiences. Ten are on O’ahu, while two are seating options for the same Kaua’i dinner and fire show.
Some include a full dinner, others focus entirely on the entertainment, and several offer different seating categories for the same show.
Here’s how the options compare and what to know before choosing your evening experience.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Hawaiian Activities offers 12 evening show options beyond traditional luaus.
- Ten listings are on O’ahu, with two seating options for the Ahi Lele Dinner & Fire Show on Kaua’i.
- Two Polynesian Cultural Center packages combine island experiences with the HA: Breath of Life evening show.
- Two O’ahu dinner cruises sail aboard the Star of Honolulu, with different dining experiences.
- Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana offers four seating categories for the same 80-minute production.
- Five of the 12 listings include dinner.
Two Polynesian Cultural Center experiences
Two of the twelve are packages at the Polynesian Cultural Center on O’ahu, and both build the same afternoon.
Each gives all-day admission from 12:30pm to 6:00pm across 42 acres, described as a self-guided experience through six island villages, then the HA: Breath of Life evening show from 7:30pm to 8:45pm. Both include a free 3-day pass, a free preselected digital photo and a downloadable app carrying the map and schedule.
The biggest differences are dinner and seating.
Islands of Polynesia & Show package includes Bronze-level seating for HA: Breath of Life, but dinner is not included.
Islands of Polynesia, Buffet, & Show package adds the Gateway Buffet with live music and upgrades the evening show seating to Silver level.
If you’re planning to spend the full afternoon and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center, the buffet package provides the more all-inclusive experience. If you prefer to make your own dinner plans, the show-only package offers the same daytime admission and evening production.
Two O’ahu cruises aboard the Star of Honolulu
Two O’ahu dinner cruises aboard the Star of Honolulu
Two evening experiences sail aboard the Star of Honolulu, both departing at 5:30pm and returning at 7:30pm, with disembarkation at approximately 7:45pm.
The Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise offers the more elevated dining experience. The Star of Honolulu sails from Honolulu Harbor toward Diamond Head and features four levels of walk-around decks and a 60-foot observation deck.
Dinner includes selections such as imported and domestic cheeses, Hawaiian greens salad and a whole Maine lobster, followed by the 60 Years of Aloha show.
The Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise offers a more casual experience aboard the same vessel. Guests receive a Star Signature Mai Tai on arrival, followed by a roast beef buffet and Polynesian entertainment.
Both cruises combine sunset views, dinner and live entertainment, so the main difference is the style of dining experience you prefer.
For more evening options on the water, our comparison of sunset dinner cruises by island covers additional choices throughout Hawaii.
Two seating options for the Ahi Lele Dinner & Fire Show
On Kaua’i, the Ahi Lele Dinner & Fire Show offers two seating options for the same 3-hour evening at Porter Pavilion in Anaina Hou Community Park on the North Shore.
The show is offered Mondays and Wednesdays, with doors opening at 5:30pm. The evening combines storytelling, live Hawaiian music, hula and fire performances with an island-style buffet featuring locally sourced Kaua’i ingredients when possible. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
VIP Seating places guests in rows 1 through 3 and includes one complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
General Seating is first come, first served. Drinks are available for purchase throughout the evening, including cocktails, beer, wine and the venue’s signature mai tai.
Both seating options include the same dinner and show, so the choice comes down to seating location and the included beverage.
Four ways to experience Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana
Four ways to experience Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana
Four of the 12 listings are seating categories for Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana, an 80-minute production created specifically for Hawaii.
Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana is performed Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30pm and 8:30pm at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The custom-designed theater seats 784 guests.
The show combines acrobatics, comedy, live music, singing and hula across eight chapters inspired by Hawaiian mo’olelo.
Four seating categories allow guests to choose based on proximity to the stage and viewing angle. Category 1 offers orchestra-level seating close to the stage, while Golden Circle seating is located in the center orchestra section within the first six rows.
All ‘Auana tickets are non-refundable. After purchase, guests receive seating confirmation and digital tickets from an agent.
Children ages 2 and younger may sit on a parent’s lap at no charge. Guests should arrive 30 minutes before showtime, and the theater opens approximately 15 minutes before the performance. Flash photography is not permitted.
Two more O’ahu evening experiences
For something completely different from a luau or Polynesian stage production, O’ahu also offers magic and stargazing experiences.
The Magical Mystery Show at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel is a 90-minute Victorian-inspired parlor magic experience presented in a London salon-style setting.
Shows are offered at 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. Adult admission includes one beverage, children receive a complimentary magic kit, and infants ages 0 to 3 may sit on an adult’s lap at no charge.
Complimentary valet parking is included, and a portion of each ticket supports the Shriners Children’s Hospital Club.
The Star Show Tour at Ko’Olina offers a completely different outdoor experience with 60 minutes of guided stargazing on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, with tour times between 7:00pm and 10:00pm.
Guests learn about the movement of the night sky and the role stars played in traditional Polynesian navigation while a guide uses a green laser to identify the Hawaii Star Lines and other features overhead.
Which Hawaii evening shows include dinner?
Five of these 12 evening show listings include dinner.
Both seating categories for the Ahi Lele Dinner & Fire Show include an island-style buffet. The Polynesian Cultural Center’s Islands of Polynesia, Buffet, & Show package includes the Gateway Buffet, and both Star of Honolulu evening cruises include dinner.
The Islands of Polynesia & Show package does not include dinner.
Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana is a show-only experience, with dining available separately at the hotel. The Magical Mystery Show includes one beverage for adults but no dinner, while the Star Show Tour focuses entirely on the stargazing experience.
If a traditional luau is still the goal, our guide to the best luau by island covers those separately.
Conclusion
Hawaii’s evening entertainment goes well beyond the traditional luau, with 12 options ranging from an 80-minute Cirque du Soleil production to dinner cruises, a 3-hour Kaua’i fire show and a full afternoon and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Start by deciding whether you want dinner included. From there, consider the type of entertainment, how much time you want to spend and whether seating location matters to your group.
For a relaxed evening on the water, consider one of the Star of Honolulu dinner cruises. For live theater, ‘Auana offers four seating categories and two nightly showtimes. On Kaua’i, Ahi Lele combines dinner, Hawaiian music, hula and fire performance in one 3-hour experience.
Ready to plan your evening? Book your Hawaii evening show with Blue Hawaiian Activities and our island concierges can help you compare the options and choose the experience that fits your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two Polynesian Cultural Center packages?
Both packages include daytime admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center from 12:30pm to 6:00pm and the HA: Breath of Life evening show from 7:30pm to 8:45pm. Islands of Polynesia & Show includes Bronze-level seating and does not include dinner. Islands of Polynesia, Buffet, & Show adds the Gateway Buffet with live music and upgrades the evening show seating to Silver level.
Are the two O’ahu sunset show cruises the same boat?
Yes. Both the Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise and Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise take place aboard the Star of Honolulu. Both sail from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, with disembarkation at approximately 7:45pm. The main difference is the dining experience: the Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise features a plated menu including Maine lobster, while the Pacific Star offers a more casual roast beef buffet.
What does VIP seating include at the Ahi Lele Dinner & Fire Show?
VIP Seating places guests in rows 1 through 3 and includes one complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. General Seating is first come, first served, with beverages available for purchase. Both options include the same 3-hour show and island-style buffet dinner.
Are there Hawaii evening shows that aren’t luaus?
Yes. Blue Hawaiian Activities offers several evening experiences beyond traditional luaus. Options include Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana, the Magical Mystery Show, Star Show stargazing experience, Star of Honolulu dinner cruises, the Ahi Lele Dinner & Fire Show and the HA: Breath of Life production at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
How much do Hawaii evening shows cost?
Prices vary by show, seating category and package. Check the individual activity page for current pricing, or contact Blue Hawaiian Activities for help comparing available evening experiences.
