Introduction
Choosing a Hawaii luau is only the first decision. Many luaus also offer multiple seating tiers, and what’s included with an upgrade can vary significantly from one experience to another.
Standard, General, Classic, Bronze and Makai may be the starting tiers, while upgraded options have names like VIP, Premium, Gold, Plumeria and Ali’i Preferred.
Ten luaus offered by Blue Hawaiian Activities have multiple seating options, represented across 23 separate listings. Depending on the luau, upgrading may mean better seating, additional drinks, early access or other added benefits.
Here’s what each seating upgrade actually includes and what to consider before paying for the higher tier.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Hawaiian Activities offers 10 Hawaii luaus with multiple seating tiers across 23 listings.
- Seating upgrades vary by luau and may include preferred seating, additional drinks, early access or other benefits.
- Drink inclusions range from 1 to 3 tickets depending on the luau and seating tier.
- Some upgrades offer benefits beyond seating, so it’s worth comparing what’s included before choosing a tier.
- The best value depends on which upgrade benefits matter most to your group.
The Upgrade Is Rarely Just the Seat
Luau upgrades aren’t always about getting a better view. Depending on the experience, a higher tier may include additional drinks, upgraded leis, souvenir photos or extended admission to another attraction.
The Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park on O’ahu is a good example. The luau runs from 5:00pm to 8:15pm, with check-in at 4:30pm, and all three tiers include the buffet, cultural activities and show.
The Bronze package includes a shell lei, one drink ticket and single-day admission to Sea Life Park.
Silver upgrades guests to a flower lei and two drink tickets and includes a five-day Sea Life Park pass. Gold includes the flower lei and two drink tickets, plus a welcome mai tai, one souvenir photo per group and a ten-day Sea Life Park pass.
For guests planning to visit Sea Life Park more than once, the length of the included park pass may be just as important as the luau benefits when choosing a tier.
Availability also varies by package. Bronze is offered Sunday through Friday, while Silver and Gold are offered Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If Tuesday is the only night that works for your itinerary, Bronze is the available option.
Package pricing varies by date, so compare current Bronze, Silver and Gold rates along with the included benefits before choosing your tier.
Germaine’s Offers a Clear Upgrade Path on O’ahu
Germaine’s Luau is located on a beachfront property in West O’ahu, about 27 miles from Waikiki, and has been operating since 1976. The evening begins around 6:00pm and ends around 8:45pm.
All three packages include round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels, an all-you-can-eat buffet with unlimited refills, unlimited soft drinks and hot coffee. Children 3 and younger are complimentary.
The biggest differences between the tiers are seating location, drink tickets and additional perks.
The Makai package includes open seating around the outer perimeter of the beachside dining area and one drink ticket for each adult age 21 and older.
The Original package moves guests to open seating in the central section and includes two drink tickets for adults 21 and older.
The Plumeria package includes premium seating and three drink tickets for adults 21 and older. Guests also receive a kukui nut lei instead of a shell lei, a photo opportunity with a Polynesian greeter, access to a dedicated Plumeria bar window, assistance from a Plumeria hostess, first access to the buffet and a souvenir gift for each adult.
For guests deciding between the three, Makai offers the simplest experience, Original improves the seating location and adds a drink ticket, while Plumeria includes the most additional benefits.
Makai and Original both use open seating rather than assigned tables. Plumeria is described as premium seating, so guests with specific seating needs should confirm the current arrangements when booking.
On Maui, the Upgrade Often Means Better Seating
Five of the ten tiered luaus are on Maui, and several are very specific about where upgraded guests are seated.
The Luau at Grand Wailea runs from 4:30pm to 8:00pm. Standard seating includes a private table, while Premium upgrades guests to a private VIP table in the first two rows.
Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui in Ka’anapali also puts seating at the center of its upgrade. VIP guests receive preferred entry, premium seating in the first or second row and priority access to the buffet.
The VIP option may also be referred to as Preferred Seating, but both names describe the upgraded seating experience.
Myths of Maui offers a more substantial difference between its two tiers. General seating uses pre-assigned, family-style tables that may be shared by more than one party, with up to 12 guests per table. Gates open at 6:00pm, with seating beginning at 6:30pm.
VIP guests receive earlier access, with the bar opening at 5:45pm and seating beginning at 6:15pm. The upgrade includes premium stage-front seating, priority buffet access, orchid leis for women and kukui nut leis for men.
At Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt Regency Maui, the VIP package includes seating closest to the stage, a complimentary photo and a souvenir gift.
Both Standard and VIP tables at Drums of the Pacific are assigned based on the best available seating, with preference determined by booking date. Even within the VIP tier, booking earlier may help secure a more desirable seating location.
More Luau Seating Options on Maui, O’ahu and Kaua’i
A few other luaus offer upgrades that combine preferred seating with additional benefits or transportation options.
At The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui in Wailea, guests can choose between Classic and Premium seating. Premium includes a private table for your party in the front seating section, making the upgrade primarily about a more private and preferred seating location.
On O’ahu, Paina Luau Waikiki offers General and VIP seating at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. VIP includes seating closest to the stage and two additional cocktails.
Table assignments are provided at check-in, which takes place on the third floor of the resort. Self-parking is included with validation.
On Kaua’i, Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation offers options with and without transportation, along with a Gold Seating upgrade.
Gold guests receive premium seating close to the performance area for a more immersive view of the show. The luau lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on check-in time.
Transportation packages are also available from different areas of Kaua’i. If you won’t have a rental car or prefer not to drive after the luau, compare the transportation option with Gold Seating when deciding which package works best for your group.
Feast & Fire: Standard vs. Ali’i Preferred
Feast & Fire at the Outrigger Kona Resort on Hawai’i Island offers a clear difference between its two seating tiers.
Standard seating is pre-assigned, and your party may share a table with other guests. Ali’i Preferred upgrades your group to private seating near the front of the stage.
If having a private table is important to your group, this is one luau where the seating upgrade can make a significant difference to the experience.
Pricing varies by date, so compare the current Standard and Ali’i Preferred rates when booking.
Our guide to the best luau by island can help you choose a luau first; then compare the seating tiers to find the package that best fits your group.
Conclusion
The best Hawaii luau seating tier for your group depends on what the upgrade actually includes.
At some luaus, upgrading moves you closer to the stage or into the first few rows. At others, it adds private seating, early entry, priority buffet access, additional drinks, upgraded leis, souvenir photos or even extended admission to another attraction.
Before paying for an upgrade, consider what matters most to your group. If seating is the priority, look for an upgrade that specifically identifies a preferred section, front rows or private table. If the seating difference is less important, compare the additional drinks, early access and other included benefits.
With 10 tiered luaus and 23 different listings, there isn’t one upgrade that’s best for everyone. The right choice depends on the luau and which benefits you’ll actually use.
Ready to compare your options? Book your Hawaii luau with Blue Hawaiian Activities and our island concierges can help you choose the seating tier that best fits your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIP seating include at a Hawaii luau?
VIP benefits vary by luau. Depending on the experience, an upgrade may include seating closer to the stage, a private table, additional drink tickets, early entry, priority buffet access, upgraded leis, souvenir photos or other benefits. For example, Myths of Maui VIP includes stage-front seating, earlier entry and priority buffet access, while Germaine’s Plumeria includes premium seating, three drink tickets and several additional perks.
Is a luau VIP upgrade worth it in Hawaii?
It depends on what the upgrade includes and what’s most important to your group. If the upgrade guarantees a private table, preferred seating or the first few rows, it may be worthwhile for guests who prioritize the view or seating experience. Other upgrades focus more on drinks, early entry, photos, leis or additional attractions, so compare the benefits before choosing.
How much does a Hawaii luau cost?
Luau prices vary considerably by island, venue, seating tier, date and whether transportation is included. Premium and VIP packages generally cost more because they include preferred seating or additional benefits. Check current pricing for your preferred date before choosing between seating tiers.
Which Hawaii luau includes transportation?
Germaine’s Luau on O’ahu includes round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels with all three of its packages. Luau Kalamaku on Kaua’i also offers packages with transportation from different areas of the island. Confirm your pickup location and transportation availability when booking.
What time do Hawaii luaus start?
Start and check-in times vary by luau and season. Among these experiences, The Luau at Grand Wailea begins at 4:30pm, Aloha Kai at Sea Life Park begins at 5:00pm with check-in at 4:30pm, Germaine’s begins around 6:00pm, and Myths of Maui begins seating General Admission guests at 6:30pm. Always check your confirmation for the current check-in time, since arriving early may be required.
