Diamond Head Luau at Waikiki Aquarium

Spend a magical evening enriched by Hawaii’s vibrant culture, history, food, and dance.

Conveniently located within walking distance of much of Waikiki yet removed from the crowds and bustle, the luau takes place on the oceanfront grounds of the Waikiki Aquarium. Upon arrival and being greeted with a fresh flower lei, a Mai Tai cocktail, and fresh appetizers, you can enjoy exclusive access to the aquarium (it’s no longer open to the public at this time of day), included in your luau experience. As the sun sets over the ocean that is mere steps from the luau grounds, when not taking photos of the beautiful surroundings, you may visit multiple stations set up to learn cultural activities such as hula dancing, lei making, weaving, ukulele playing, tattoos, and more. 

An all-you-can-eat gourmet dinner showcases a variety of both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian dishes, including fresh poke (raw tuna), Kalbi short ribs, Huli Huli Chicken, Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, and multiple fresh vegetable and side dishes. Most ingredients and dishes are from local farms, providing an authentic Farm-to-Table culinary experience. Pair with a variety of premium tropical cocktails, local craft beer, and wine, with 2 drink tickets included (on top of the welcome drink).

Performances during the show portion will take you on a journey through Hawaii and broader Polynesia, both past and present. Highlights include an exciting Maori war dance, graceful hula dancing, and a climactic fire dance, with humorous commentary and audience participation sprinkled throughout. You’ll not only be entertained, but also depart with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Hawaii.

Premium Seating

For $30 more per person, you will receive first row seating and priority access to the buffet dinner. Note: lap children 3 & under are still free.

Our online prices as published on this page are up to 20% OFF the retail price ($159)! There is no downside versus paying full price.

No availability in the booking calendar for the only date you can do? Check out our other luau, which tends to have more availability (although it doesn't run on Thursdays & Saturdays). Or there's a chance there may be some flexibility with this luau, in which case feel free to contact us.

• Gourmet dinner sourced from local farms and prepared for a smaller luau, rather than the mass-produced hotel food produced at other luaus with ingredients often from the mainland
• A more intimate setting (100-250 people) versus other luaus which average 400-1200+
• Convenient to most Waikiki lodgings, either a pleasant walk or short drive. Don’t dampen your evening with traffic, a long trip to/from Ko Olina, or not being able to fully enjoy the bar due to worrying about driving afterwards.
• Peaceful and beautiful outdoor oceanfront location, whereas other Waikiki luau sites include an indoors hotel ballroom and a rooftop garage adjacent to noisy streets
• Includes exclusive access to Waikiki Aquarium
• Fresh flower leis for everyone

Oahu Revealed guidebook:

The Diamond Head Luau is a great choice. The smaller, more intimate setting helps give it a backyard barbecue feel. Good aloha and plenty of fun pre-show cultural activities. The young cast seems to be having most fun compared to other shows. Lots of genuine smiles and very entertaining. Another nice thing: no long drive back to your hotel afterward; you can walk. Reserve a spot well in advance.

Welcome Appetizers

• Mai Tais
• Freshly made sweet potato chips
• Lychee wood-smoked marlin dip
• Taro hummus
• Hawaiian fern caprese salad

Buffet Dinner

Salads

• Mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh cucumbers dressed with your choice of vinaigrette along with a fresh assortment of local & seasonal fruits

Main Entrees

• Ahi poke (raw tuna) with ginger soy dressing
• Grilled bone-in Kalbi beef short ribs
• Free range, cage-free Huli Huli (Hawaiian style) rotisserie chicken breast
• Kalua pig cooked for hours in an umu (above-ground earth oven with heated rocks and the pork wrapped in banana leaves)
• Vegan vegetable curry stew with crispy local tofu and a roasted farmers vegetable medley

Side Dishes

• Traditional poi (blended taro) with lomi lomi salmon
• White rice and brown rice

Dessert

• Assortment of fresh chef-made desserts (may include: seasonal island fruits, traditional Haupia (coconut pudding), fruit pie made with breadfruit, mango, or sweet potato)

Drinks

Variety of premium tropical cocktails, local craft beer, and wine, with 2 drink tickets included (on top of the welcome drink)

Notes:

• The vast majority of ingredients for above food items are sourced from local farms.
• Many items above are gluten-free and/or vegan. Specifically, everything is gluten-free except the salad, ribs, and chicken. Vegan items are the fruits, salad, the vegan curry, poi, hummus, taro chips, sautéed vegetables, and desserts.

• Sourcing ingredients from Hawaii both supports local farming communities and greatly reduces the carbon footprint
• Having the luau located conveniently in Waikiki, where most guests stay, reduces the carbon emissions and the negative impact on traffic from otherwise guests having to transport themselves outside Waikiki
• Ecofriendly utensils and flatware

• Refundable until 24 hours prior to activity time

• 4.712% Oahu sales tax (GET)