Are you looking for the best luaus in Kona, Hawaii? Keep scrolling for this honest review of the Fairmont Orchid Luau on the Big Island.
This review of the Fairmont Orchid Luau on the Big Island of Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for an authentic luau experience on the Big Island? I’m going to be straight with you about the Hawaii Loa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid.
I’ve been visiting Hawaii since I was 10 years old. I’ve been to over 40 times now, I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, and I danced hula for 20 years.
So I’ve seen my share of luaus, good and bad.
The Hawaii Loa Luau? It’s one of the best I’ve experienced on the Big Island, hands down.
My Background with Luaus (And Why I’m Picky)
When I was 10, my grandmother and I watched the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival together on TV at her place on Kauai. That was my first time seeing hula kahiko, the ancient style of hula dancing. I was completely mesmerized.
That moment sparked something in me. I ended up dancing hula for the next two decades.
So when I go to a luau now, I’m looking at it through a different lens. I notice the storytelling, the technique, the cultural authenticity. It matters to me that it’s done well.
The Hawaii Loa Luau gets it right.
Why We Chose the Fairmont Orchid Luau
One of the main reasons we stayed at the Fairmont Orchid back in 2022 was specifically for this luau. We’d been hearing great things about it for years from other Hawaii travelers, and I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype.
Spoiler: It absolutely did.
And honestly, being able to walk back to our room after the show instead of driving 30+ minutes? That was pretty amazing too.
What to Know Before You Book
The Hawaii Loa Luau happens every Saturday evening at the Fairmont Orchid Resort on the Kohala Coast. It’s about 30 minutes from Kona Airport and just minutes from most Waikoloa resorts.
Check-in starts at 5:30 PM, the buffet opens at 6:00 PM, and the show begins at 7:00 PM. Plan on about 3 hours total for the whole experience.
Current pricing for 2025:
- Standard seating (Ohana Package): Around $203 per adult, $104 per child (prices going up to $214 adult/$110 child after January 1, 2026)
- VIP seating (Ali’i Package): Around $240 per adult, $141 per child
If you’re driving, valet parking is $15 or self-parking is free with validation.
They have a 24-hour cancellation policy, which is pretty standard for luaus. Just make sure to cancel at least 24 hours before if your plans change.
Should You Spring for VIP Seating?
We decided to book the VIP package. Look, we were already paying for a luau, so I figured we might as well pay a little more for better seats.
Best decision.
The VIP package includes preferred front-row center seating, a complimentary professional photo, a fruit and appetizer platter before dinner, and a nicer lei (mongo shell instead of kukui nut).
We got there a bit early and snagged spots right in the front row, dead center. My son had the perfect view for the entire show.
Arrival and First Impressions
Here’s my tip: get there on the earlier side. Many luaus seat people as they arrive, so showing up right at 5:30 PM or even a few minutes before means you’ll get better seats (if you’re doing standard seating).
When we checked in, they gave us our leis. Then we took our time walking over to get professional photos. Since we had VIP tickets, the photo was included. It turned out great and I love having that memory.
As soon as we walked into the event space, servers greeted us with mai tais and tropical punch.
Then they escorted us to our table. The whole arrival process felt really welcoming and smooth.
The Pre-Show Activities (My Son’s Favorite Part)
My son is all about the pre-show activities. This luau delivered.
First up was a Polynesian stick game. We’d actually played this earlier in the week at Aloha Adventure Farms, so he was excited to show off his skills.
They also had a lawn game that’s sort of like bowling. We’d seen this at another luau before, so we knew the drill.
The hit of the pre-show? Temporary Polynesian tattoos done with stamps and paint. The line was long but moved quickly. My son got a gecko on his arm and was thrilled.
The funniest moment was watching a balding man get a tattoo smack in the middle of his forehead. Bold choice.
The Food Situation (Honestly Incredible)
Listen, I need to talk about this buffet because it was genuinely impressive.
I’ve been to a LOT of luaus as a professional tourist. This is easily one of the best spreads I’ve seen anywhere in Hawaii.
Since we had VIP seats, our server brought us a fresh fruit platter during the pre-show. It wasn’t just pineapple (though there was plenty of that, both plain and with li hing mui powder).
They also had rambutan, longan, blueberries, ahi jerky, and macadamia nuts.
Then the buffet opened.
The poke station alone had poi, ahi limu koho, spicy shellfish, surimi crab with broccoli, garlic sesame edamame, lomi lomi salmon, cucumber namasu, and Molokai sweet potato salad.
The poke was outstanding. I went back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Main buffet highlights:
- Kiawe wood-smoked kalua pork (carved fresh at the station)
- Teriyaki BBQ chicken
- Miso-glazed catch of the day
- Kalbi-style Hawaiian beef with ginger soy glaze
- Sugar cane-skewered shrimp yakitori
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Furikake rice
- Fresh taro rolls
They also had a separate kids’ buffet with mini hot dogs, mac and cheese, and taro rolls. My son was happy.
Dessert spread:
- Hawaiian dark chocolate lava cake
- Pineapple upside-down cake
- Molokai banana bread
- Coconut cream haupia
- Big Island fruit salad
Everything was fresh, well-prepared, and better than your typical luau buffet fare.
You can book your tickets here or check out luaus on Hawaii Activities if you want to see other Big Island luau options too.
The Bar Setup
The luau includes a full open bar as part of your ticket price. This is in addition to the welcome drink when you arrive.
They had mixed drinks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. We were happy with our mai tai and fruit punch, so we didn’t venture over. But the people next to us grabbed multiple drinks and said the bartenders were great.
The Show (Where It Really Shines)
The show started with a man blowing a conch shell right before dinner service. It’s traditional and signals the official start of the luau.
Live Hawaiian music played throughout dinner. Our emcee was engaging without being cheesy, which can be a fine line at luaus.
The show opened with hula kahiko. As someone who danced for 20 years, I can tell you the quality was superb. The storytelling, the technique, the connection to the movements… it was all there.
The first time I’d seen hula kahiko was when I watched Merrie Monarch with my grandmother on Kauai all those years ago, and it brought back all those memories.
They also did Tahitian dancing, which always gets the crowd going. The emcee explained how Polynesian voyagers used the stars to navigate to Hawaii, which added nice context.
There were several contemporary Hawaiian hula dances performed in both English and Hawaiian. The dancers were talented and you could tell they’d been trained well.
The grand finale was a Samoan fire knife dance. The performer started on stage but then came right into the front rows, high-fiving guests and literally eating fire just a few feet from our table. My son thought it was the coolest thing ever.
We clapped enthusiastically at the end. It really was a fabulous show.
What Makes This Luau Family-Friendly
Out of all the Big Island luaus I’ve experienced, this is my top pick for families with kids.
They serve drinks right away, which is a lifesaver when you have thirsty kids who’ve been at the beach all day. The pre-show activities keep children entertained.
The separate kids’ buffet means picky eaters can find something they’ll actually eat. And there’s plenty of grassy area to run around before the show starts.
It’s structured in a way that keeps kids engaged without dragging on too long.
If you’re planning a Big Island trip with kids, I highly recommend checking out my free 7-day email course on planning a Big Island vacation. It covers everything from where to stay to which activities are worth your time and money.
How It Compares to Other Hawaii Luaus
The Hawaii Loa Luau ranks right up there with other top-tier luau experiences across the islands. It’s very comparable to the Auli’i Luau on Kauai at the Sheraton.
This is a premium experience. You’re paying more than you would at some other Big Island luaus, but you’re getting outstanding food, quality drinks, and a professionally produced show. If you want the best luau experience on the Big Island, this is it.
For a comparison of all the Big Island options, check out my complete Big Island luau guide.
Big Island Luau FAQs
What’s the best luau on the Big Island?
The Hawaii Loa Luau is my top pick, especially for families. The Legends of Hawaii Luau and Royal Kona Luau are also popular options with different vibes.
Are Big Island luaus kid-friendly?
Yes, most Big Island luaus welcome families. Many offer special kids’ menus, activities like lei making and hula lessons, and Hawaiian games. The Hawaii Loa Luau excels at this.
What happens if it rains during a luau?
Most luaus have a backup indoor plan. The Hawaii Loa Luau is primarily outdoors but can be moved inside if needed. If they cancel before the event starts, you get a full refund. Once the show has started, there are typically no refunds.
Will I have to participate in the hula dancing?
Usually there’s an audience participation portion where the emcee or a dancer teaches everyone a simple hula. It’s optional and meant to be fun, not stressful.
How much does a Big Island luau cost?
Prices range from around $120-240 per adult and $60-140 per child, depending on the venue and seating package you choose.
VIP packages with premium seating and extras cost more but often include nice perks like professional photos and appetizer platters.
Planning Your Big Island Trip
If you’re working on your Big Island itinerary, I have tons of resources to help. Beyond luaus, there are so many incredible things to do.
We loved the Big Island Bees tour where you get to see live hives and taste amazing local honey.
If you’re looking for adventure, Kohala Zipline offers the only full canopy zipline course on the island with 8 lines, 6 sky bridges, and a rappel through the forest.
I also talk about Big Island planning in detail on my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy. Check out these episodes:
For comprehensive planning help, grab my Big Island Travel Guide for Families. It includes detailed itineraries, accommodation recommendations, and all my insider tips from years of visiting as a Hawaii travel expert.
If you want personalized advice for your specific trip, I also offer one-on-one travel consultations where we can talk through your questions and build the perfect Big Island itinerary for your family.
Getting to the Fairmont Orchid
The Fairmont Orchid is located at 1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 on the Kohala Coast.
From Kona Airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive north. If you’re staying at Waikoloa resorts, you’re only a few minutes away.
The luau check-in desk is at the Plantation Estate area of the resort, which is tucked away near the tennis courts.
If you need a rental car, I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare rates from all the major companies and typically have the best prices. Use my referral code to save even more.
My Final Verdict on the Hawaii Loa Luau
If you’re going to book one luau on the Big Island, make it this one.
The combination of the beautiful setting at the Fairmont Orchid, the exceptional food (seriously, that poke), the quality of the show, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it worth every penny.
The VIP package is worth the upgrade if it fits your budget. Front-row seats for the show and that complimentary photo are nice extras.
Get your Hawaii Loa Luau tickets here and book early, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. Saturday evenings fill up fast.
If you’re looking at other Big Island activities, check out my Royal Kona Luau review for another option. And don’t miss my complete guide to hotels in Kona and the Kohala Coast to find the perfect place to stay.
Mahalo for reading, and I hope you have an incredible time at the Hawaii Loa Luau!
Looking for more Big Island luau reviews? Check out our review of the Royal Kona Luau!
