Luau Kalamaku

Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with buffet dining, open bar, and a spectacular Polynesian show at Kauai’s historic Kilohana Plantation.

Getting started

Your evening begins at the Kilohana Plantation, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting. After check-in, take time to explore the vibrant craft fair featuring local artisans and island-made goods. Enjoy your first drink from the open bar as the festivities unfold.

What to expect

Luau Kalamaku

Held on the scenic grounds of Kilohana Plantation, Luau Kalamaku is more than a feast—it’s a cultural journey. This award-winning luau brings to life the epic story of Polynesian migration through music, dance, and fire.

Features

• Buffet-style luau feast: Savor traditional Hawaiian dishes, including imu-roasted pork and tropical desserts, served buffet-style for a generous and communal dining experience.

• Open bar: Enjoy unlimited island-inspired cocktails, local beers, and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening.

• Craft fair: Browse handmade jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs crafted by local artisans before the show begins.

• Hula & fire performances: Be captivated by graceful hula dancers, powerful fire poi ball routines, and the thrilling fire knife dance.

• Award-winning show: A theatrical retelling of the Polynesian voyage from Tahiti to Hawaii, enhanced by a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, vibrant costumes, and live music.

This immersive evening offers an authentic and entertaining window into Hawaiian history and celebration.

Luau Kalamaku

Discover Luau Kalamaku, an immersive Hawaiian cultural experience that includes a buffet luau feast, open bar, live performance, and artisan craft fair. This evening tour features a wide array of traditional Polynesian dishes and drinks, such as imu-roasted pork, poi, and tropical cocktails, served at the event venue in Poipu Beach on Kauai. The cultural show is performed by skilled dancers and musicians who recount the migration story of the people from Tahiti to Hawaii through dance, fire, and music using a state-of-the-art media system. Guests enjoy elevated seating or close-up stage views with upgrades available for premium experiences. This tour offers guided sightseeing with English-speaking guides, audio commentary in multiple languages including Japanese and Korean, and access to exclusive areas within the venue. The event spans approximately 4 hours from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing a comprehensive look at Hawaiian traditions and customs.

Experience Traditional Imu Cooking

Your tour stops at the imu cooking area where you can witness the ancient Hawaiian method of preparing food. This underground oven is typically built by digging a pit in the ground and lining it with rocks, then heating them over an open flame for several hours before placing meat or vegetables inside to cook slowly overnight. The imu has been used since around 1200 AD when Polynesians first arrived on Kauai’s shores. Today, visitors can see how large quantities of food are prepared in these ovens, often measuring up to 6 feet in diameter and capable of cooking over 50 pounds of meat at once. Guests spend about 30 minutes here watching the process unfold and learning about its significance in Hawaiian culture. This unique experience sets Luau Kalamaku apart from other luaus as it offers a hands-on look into traditional cooking methods.

Watch Award-Winning Fire Knife Show

Your tour takes you to the fire knife show where skilled performers dazzle audiences with their agility and strength. The fire knife dance, also known as ‘knife dancing,’ originated in Tahiti but has become a staple of Hawaiian cultural performances since the early 1900s. At Luau Kalamaku, dancers use up to two-foot-long knives wrapped in flaming cloth to create mesmerizing patterns and shapes that are both dangerous and breathtaking. These shows typically last about 20 minutes and have been featured at the venue for over a decade. This performance is unique compared to similar acts because of its scale and intensity; performers often jump, spin, and twirl with knives while maintaining control over the flames. The fire knife show matters greatly to Luau Kalamaku as it showcases Polynesian heritage through dynamic performances that captivate international visitors.

Explore Artisan Craft Fair

Your tour includes a visit to the artisan craft fair where local artisans display and sell their handmade crafts. This pre-show event features stalls selling items such as hand-carved wooden bowls, colorful leis, intricate shell necklaces, and traditional Hawaiian clothing. The fair has been running since 2015 when the venue first introduced it as a way to support local artists and provide unique souvenirs for tourists. Visitors typically spend about 45 minutes browsing through various stalls and interacting with artisans who explain the techniques behind their creations. This craft fair is distinct from other markets because of its focus on Polynesian craftsmanship, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into island culture.

Tour Highlights

• Imu-roasted feast at Luau Kalamaku
• 4-hour evening experience including open bar
• Guided tour in English and multiple languages
• Fire knife show with skilled performers
• Artisan craft fair featuring local artists’ work
• Elevated seating or close-up stage views available
• Live storytelling through dance, music, and fire
• Traditional hula performances by expert dancers

Perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, Luau Kalamaku provides an unforgettable evening experience. Guests can savor traditional dishes at the buffet, watch mesmerizing cultural shows, and browse unique crafts. The 4-hour format allows you to explore Poipu Beach’s rich heritage while enjoying the scenic beauty of Kauai.