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Paradise Cove Luau

4 star rating
based on 62 reviews

Categories: Nightlife, Hawaiian  [Edit]

2024 N King St
Ste 209
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 679-0003
  • Price Range: $$$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Private Lot
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: Yes
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: No
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Dinner
  • Music: Live
  • Best Nights: Sat, Sun
  • Happy Hour: No
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
  • Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
  • Coat Check: No

62 Reviews for Paradise Cove Luau

Review Snapshot   

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"The show is really fun and they got fun activities for you to enjoy." (in 33 reviews)
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"I'll suggest it to anyone going to Oahu and wanting to go to a luau." (in 11 reviews)
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"This is definitely a must see for any vacation in Hawaii." (in 18 reviews)
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Photo of guam a.

 

140

155

guam a.

Honolulu, HI

2 star rating
10/15/2008

Took my friend and his family here since they were visiting from the mainland. Personally, I thought the whole experience was expensive and a little cheesy. You get a thin shell lei and there are things to do like a spear throwing place, which I sucked at. Perhaps if I was able to heave that spear in a more manly and deadly fashion, the experience would have been better. It is probably not a good idea to judge a place by my own limitations as a manly man, but there you go. The food was just ok, at least coming from a kamaaina. It was sort of like a lesser quality, smaller version of the polynesian cultural center. If you are a tourist, then it probably would be ok, but not for locals.

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6

5

W O.

Hayward, CA

3 star rating
10/12/2008

I did have some expectations of a Luau; and I would say that Paradise Cove met most of them.  

The bus ride:  They picked us up at the hotel and the driver [Bronson] was funny!  I was going to sleep but he kept me laughing to and from.

The place:  Nice and clean.  

Entertainment:  They had good entertainment (tattoo artists, canoe rides, and hula lessons).  The big show was really nice; fire dancer, and nice looking girls and guys for the ladies [How the hell them Samoans get like that?  they make working out look easy].

The Food:  Pretty good.  My father in law really liked the pork (I dont eat it).  I went for the chicken.  They give you 6 drink tickets for booze or beverage.  By last call most people at my table had 3-4 left; so we just turned them all in a had a table full of alcohol [happy trails].

Summary:  I had a good time.  I expected a smaller luau; with everything on the beach.  But for the most part, it was very entertaining and we got drunk.

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6

23

Ruth W.

Honolulu, HI

2 star rating
10/02/2008

We recently took our friends to the Paradise Cove luau based on all the great reviews and unfortunately I have to go against the grain here and say Paradise Cove is not that great.

We got there early, walked around the grounds for quite awhile before finally sitting down to watch the show.  Which is a good show, but, I think PCC is much better as far as the shows go.  The food was mediocre, the chicken was super tough and the only thing good was the kalua pork.  

I understand luaus are exactly that--luaus and you can't expect the best but I was pretty disappointed with this place.  I would much rather go to PCC and for the price of Paradise Cove, I didn't think we got our money's worth.  One thing worth mentioning though, is that the location is beautiful.  The scenery is gorgeous and when it gets dark you get a beautiful view of the stars.

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14

16

Kevin P.

Santa Clara, CA

5 star rating
09/17/2008

The food was great!  The dancers were great!  I would say get your meal buffet style rather than be served simply so that you can get what you want rather than have a full plate of junk.  But everything was delicious though so it was a problem for us!

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28

80

Riza A.

Vallejo, CA

4 star rating
09/09/2008

Looking for an ultra tourist-y thing to do while on Oahu?  This is it.  As far as luaus go, this one is cool.  Activities to do while waiting for dinner (playing games, making stuff, etc).  Demonstrations to cater to the haoles that have never seen it before (pulling the pig out of the pit is always fun...I love seeing the facial expressions of kids and haole adults, haha).  And if you're tired of being encircled by swarms of tourists in cheesy aloha shirts, you can wander out to the private beach and take in the view and the serenity.  

The food itself is ok, I'd rather grab a plate lunch somewhere.  The show is nice, audience participation to show guests how to hula is just hilarious to me (I never thought it was that hard to be graceful and sway your hips to hula, but I guess because I actually dance it it's a different story).  My favorite part of the whole "experience" is the part dedicated to couples, when they call out the couples and invite them to dance under the stars.  That part is DOPE.  

They really raised the prices though, the last time I was home, I spent about 120 for a couple and the midrange seating.  Now it's 200 per couple.  So unless I can get one of my aunts or in-laws to hook up the kama'aina rate, I wouldn't go back.

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8

78

Chella S.

San Leandro, CA

5 star rating
10/05/2008

had a really fun night here wit my boyfriend. the setting..location..food...service..and entertainment was great. i loved all the activities they had before the buffet. da hula gurls and fire dancers were all good lookin. if its your first time in hawaii and want to see a great luau go here.

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22

61

Cindy N.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
10/02/2008

I'm not a huge fan of luaus, but whenever I find myself going to Hawaii, we end up going so I have been to Germaine's, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and now Paradise Cove and I have say that Paradise Cove is the best by far.  The location was beautiful, but the thing that put it over the top for me is that after we arrived at the luau site, there were so many activities for us to do.  At other luaus I've been to, we would just end up sitting around or standing around waiting for things to start.  The girls wove headbands with flowers while the guys tried their hands and throwing spears.  We all got island themed temporary tattoos and "bowled."  One of our friend even participated in the ceremony to bring in the nets.  The food was decent, the entertainment was good and the dancers (both men and women alike) were hot so that certainly helped to keep us entertained.  Even though it is a little more expensive than some of the other ones, it was definitely worth it.  Just remember to expect a little cheesiness, afterall it is a luau.

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33

362

AhLin C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
09/03/2008

I wasn't expecting a lot from the Luau.  I had heard it was just ok.  But I thought the atmosphere was quite nice.  You get to see the sun set and that was a bit romantic.  For a tourist gimmick thing, it was not bad.  Mai tai's were just ok.  A bit weak for my taste, but I guess they don't want ppl really drunk at these things.  The show was quite good.  I was a bit impressed w/ the dances. I thought it was just 1 hula dance, but there are several different types and the dance itself was quite pretty!

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0

5

suzanne f.

Honolulu, HI

4 star rating
10/02/2008

The Luau was one of the first things I did after moving to Hawaii.  First of all, we were completely suprised to find out that as a "local" you get a great discount.  

We did the delux package, including a welcome mai tai, a coffee mug, a lei, and a complimentary picture.   I love our pictures!!!  We also got table service, where they brought the food to us so we didn't have to go wait in the buffet line.

The little activities before the show were fun, not tooo touristy.  The show was good, especially the fire dancing.  Actualy "good" really doesn't give these people enough credit, the dancing was almost perfect, and very entertaining.  

The food, excellent.  The pork was amazing, the fish was really good.  I wasn't a fan of the chicken though.  OH, and don't pass up those tarro rolls, the purple ones, very good.

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1

28

Marjie F.

South San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/01/2008

this was the best luau i've been to so far in hawaii.  they were the most authentic.  it was definitely the disneyland of luaus.  you were greeted with shell leis and a mai tai.  they have stations to make things, such as a headpiece with flowers and banana leaves, leis, etc.  and, before the feast, they had some male volunteers help "catch" fish from the nearby shore (photo op alert!).  during dinner, they were teaching hula and you can go up on the stage to learn hula and then you received a little cheapy certificate, it was a cute thought.

if you want to experience a luau that is what you might expect from a luau, then paradise cove is your best bet.

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177

David L.

Costa Mesa, CA

5 star rating
07/21/2008

Very cool place. The food was goood!!! Typical Hawaiian history lesson, dancing,pretty Hawaiian girls, good entertainment.... There was this lady who asked me if I would like to switch seats with her because the people on her left were Asian and thought that since I was Asian I would like to talk to them and be friends....damn ignorant American! Still a good experience though...lol

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1

43

Daniel D.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
07/31/2008

As far as luau's go, this one is for fun and friends.  Good atmosphere.  If you're looking for the cultural experience, try Paradise Cove.  If you're looking for the sunset mai-tai feet in the sand experience, go to Paradise Cove.

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18

Debbie A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/24/2008

I've been to a lot of Luau's and I dance hula and tahitian.  This one stood out.  I couldn't see much of the show because we were in the back and I the food is never anything special at any Luau.  But, what I really liked is the activities before the actual show.  My girls were able to make flower lei's and Ti Leaf Lei's.  They got tatoo's and other fun stuff.  I guess it was the pre-entertainment that I enjoyed.  But, then again, when it comes to Luau's it's pretty hard to impress me.

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Elite '08

51

169

Ron T.

Beaverton, OR

5 star rating
05/29/2008

So much fun here.

There are tons of activities (native games), ceremonies, drinks are good. You'll get lei'd as soon as you enter.

To get good drinks, try to smile and be friendly to the crew/bartenders. They are more than willing to accomodate what you want on your drink, plus they are very friendly. (After all, they are there to make your stay pleasant and fun)

Don't be a bitch and whine about everything that you don't have at the luau. Guess what? you can't have everything, if you want them go back home and do it yourself.

The kahlua pork is salty but knowing they love spam is enough for me. I've tried it, I can't say I did not like it as I ate half of my plate (that is pulled pork). Weirdly enough, I enjoyed the poi. The haupia is not bad either.

I wish they have snow cones there.

Some people do not like to drink and they can give you their stubs to get you plastered.

FYI, real Hawaiians do not wear hawaiian shirts. Please do if you are a tourist over the age of 40 and you don't have any good fashion sense.

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1

59

N S.

Torrance, CA

4 star rating
07/10/2008

Kid friendly luau. In the sense that there are activities to do while you're waiting for everything to start. Food and performances was good.
Overall it's more entertaining with something always to do.

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6

24

Michi C.

Honolulu, HI

5 star rating
07/24/2008

This is my favorite commercialized luau on Oahu.  It's ideal for families with younger children because the gates open at 5:00 p.m. and everything is basically done by 9:00 p.m. - just make sure the little ones take their nap in the afternoon.  It's also great for the older folks because all events and activities are within close proximity so there's not a lot of walking (note:  some of the activities are on the sand so wheelchairs are do-able but a bit difficult).  The activities prior to the luau are very interactive and fun - canoe rides, spear throwing, lei making, temporary tattoos, etc.  Paradise Cove has a beautiful ocean backdrop, great for picture taking with loved ones.  Seating is uncovered so bring a light jacket or sweater.  If you can swing it, get the more expensive tickets - you'll get covered seating, table service (no getting up and standing in the buffet line), additional drink tickets, and some other perks.  Also, they used to (and still might) allow anyone with a Hawaii ID to sponsor visiting friends/family - for every one person with a Hawaii ID, two visitors can be sponsored at the kama`aina price.

(Just for the record, I love the Polynesian Cultural Center too, but it's a completely different experience.  PCC is an alllllll day event starting from noon- little kids and older adults are gonna tank before the luau even starts and then you still have the Horizons show to get through plus the long ride out of Laie.)

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6

94

Robert T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/11/2008

You get on a bus to Paradise Cove. They hold you hostage trying to sell you stuff while the food is prepared, in the guise of "activities". Some people like the edutainment, but I came for the food and the show.

The luau food is OK (standard kalua pig, macaroni salad, fish, etc.). If you are trying to get plastered, the 4 drink tickets you get are not enough, but you can probably get some from the other people in your group. The show is pretty good.

Compared against the Marriott Wailea luau on Maui: the Maui food was better, but the Paradise Cove show was better.

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68

144

Miki W.

Diamond Bar, CA

4 star rating
04/21/2008

I've been to a couple of luau's and I have to say Paradise cove has been the best so far.. Great food .. great activities .. and great show. I finally learn how to make a lei but it didn't turn out so well. The young lady who taught me was nice enough to finish it up for me. Great place to take the family with young kids.

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9

72

Lisa J.

Honolulu, HI

4 star rating
06/05/2008

I've come to realize that ALL luaus are going to be cheesy.  Heck, it can't be a luau WITHOUT cheese (and badly sunburnt tourists in loud alohawear).  I've been to this luau many times (bringing visiting friends/family) and somehow it's still tolerable!  

I like that there are activities to do before the luau show starts.  It's nice to have more interactive options than just the 'let me make a fool of myself on stage' bit during the show.

The food isn't spectacular but come on, who goes to a luau expecting fine dining?  There's enough to fill me up and I've never gotten food poisoning.  What more could I ask for?

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76

46

Mark C.

Honolulu, HI

5 star rating
03/19/2008

I've been to Paradise Cove quite a few times and each time was awesome. Prices are rather reasonable. If you're a visitor vacationing here in Hawaii then expect to pay about $75 per person however if you're a resident then you'll naturally pay kamaaina rates at $35 per person.  Rates include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage tickets.

As soon as you arrive and go through the entrance you're greeted by the natives with a group photo op which you can purchase for $15 and is available at the end of the luau. There are various carts which sell an array of items from jewelry to tattoos.

There are a couple of entertainment events which take place before the luau begins. One is a canoe ride in the lagoon followed by a fish catching demo. The other is an area where they actually roast the pig in a pit located on the opposite side of the dining area.
The actual luau itself starts just after dark. Guests are instructed to help themselves to a Hawaiian style buffet table by table.

The buffet consists of the following items:
. Macaroni Salad  
. Pasta Salad  
. Poi  
. Lomi Lomi Salmon  
. Fried Chicken  
. Island Fish w/ Macadamia Nut Creme Sauce  
. Kalua Pig  
. Steamed White Rice  
. Fresh Pineapple Chunks  
. Haupia  
. Banana Coconut Cake  
. Hot Coffee or Hot Tea  
. Taro Rolls & Butter

Luau event is as follows:
5:00 P.M.
-------------------------------------------------- ----
Arrival at Paradise Cove
Aloha Mai Tai Greeting & Arrival Photos*
Live Hawaiian Music - Mini Stage
Games of Ancient Hawaii/Specialty Photos
Hawaiian Arts & Crafts
Hawaiian Storytelling
Musicians & Dancers Performing in the
    Courtyard & Hawaiian Village
Mini Show: Pareo Demonstration
Shower of Flowers
Hukilau on the Beach
Royal Court Procession
Imu Ceremony
Prayer

7:00 P.M. -- 8:00 P.M.
-------------------------------------------------- ----
Luau Feast
Polynesian Dinner Show
Hukilau Hula
Spectacular Hawaiian Revue
Marketplace
Entertainers' Farewell

If you're looking for a really great time and want to experience the bit of the Hawaiian culture then this is well worth it. Hope you have fun and enjoy =)

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11

94

Cynthia R.

Chatsworth, CA

5 star rating
05/22/2008

The best luau on Oahu!  

My mom lives in Hawaii, and she hooks it up with the Kama'aina rates.  

My 5 stars is not for the food, drinks or show.  It is for the MEN.  My gawd.  From the hottie climbing up the palm tree, to Fue, the hottie with the flame!  All are available for photo ops throughout the pre and after parties.  

On one of my most recent trips, the tour guide thought me and my fellow naturally tanned friend were "locals", so he started talking to us.  Once he found out my friend wanted to learn how to surf, he got on his phone, called his brother, and the next day said friend had  free lesson in Waikiki.   And they were hot!  Thank you Johansen brothers!

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0

7

Ed B.

Fairfield, CA

3 star rating
07/24/2008

Let me set the scene for you...  As your bus pulls up next to the other tourist buses in the parking lot, your guide, Cousin Bill (in our case), reminds you to stay with the others from the bus until you are assigned a seat at the dinner table.  Once you get off the bus, you get in line, go through a turnstile and receive your complimentary mai tai (served in a small plastic cup).  Still in line, you wait for your turn for the lei greeting.  Once you get your lei (or shell necklace), you pose for a picture with a couple of the dancers (the pictures will be available by the end of the luau for $15).  

This was my first time at a luau and I guess I was expecting a little too much.  Too commercial for me.  A lot of cheesiness, re-hashed jokes/banter, audience participation that seemed a little hokey...  

Once I got past all of that, I had a good time.  The pork and some of the desserts were good.  The show was also good.

I'm glad i tried it, but I don't know if I'd ever go back to another commercial luau again.

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26

103

Cher L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/30/2008

Best luau on the island (well out of the bigger luau spots).  I've been to Germaine's (nothing special), Paradise Cove, and the Polynesian Cultural Center (better for families, didn't really have alky and nobody was wearing a coconut bra...but GREAT show).  Paradise Cove is great for a younger to middle aged crowd...we got drunk, did some fun activities while waiting for dinner, had some great buffet food, and watched a wonderful show.  Fun Fun Fun Fun!

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bel d.

Fremont, CA

4 star rating
02/17/2008

Better than Germaine's. But if you've been to a luau already... you pretty much know what to expect.

The activities are fun, however, there's a long line to when you want to participate. Especially for making leis and paddling out on the canoe.

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17

88

Christine D.

San Bruno, CA

5 star rating
04/17/2008

I've been to many Luaus in Oahu, and think out of all of them this is the best.  Just because of the interactiveness.  On the bus, they keep you entertained by asking questions and playing games like they do on every other Luau, but when you get to the actual location of where the Luau is located there's so much more to do before the actual event.  You can hang out on their own little private beach or ride on a kayak.  You can make leis, bracelets, or anklets out of flowers and leaves.  You can play games and collect seashell necklaces.  There's an event called showering of the flowers.  You can get tattoos painted on.  If you decide to go with your significant other it's very romantic and if you decide to go with a group of friends drinks and games will keep you entertained the whole night.

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6

68

Warren B.

Honolulu, HI

5 star rating
04/03/2008

This is a good show man. It also has good food. The show is really fun and they got fun activities for you to enjoy. I tried throwing the wooden spear at a target, but I only hit the ground. 3 guys were laughing at me. They didnt do too well either. Whatever.

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11

145

Joseph R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/05/2008

I got the tip to hit Paradise Cove from a coworker and it turned out to be a great place for my first luau.  The cove itself is a beautiful spot and we had perfect weather that night.  As everyone has mentioned, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, but I think that paddling the canoe was the best, especially as the sun starts to go down.  

All of the staff were incredibly friendly and made you feel like you were a part of the family (which is the point of course).  Our hostess was cute enough to have one of the guys pose with me, instead of having one of the women pose between me and my date.  The food was decent, but the show and activities are the real reason to come to any luau.  I have to admit that there were plenty of handsome men, which definitely doesn't hurt; and the fire dancing was pretty amazing.  

Overall it's a pretty solid experience and a good value for what you get.  I went with the deluxe package because you don't have to go wait in line at the buffet (gotta love table service) and you get 6 drink tickets.

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Elite '08

37

363

Gerald S.

Fontana, CA

5 star rating
01/21/2008

If you plan on coming here, you MUST and I reiterate MUST get the Entertainment book.  There is a coupon in there that'll save you 20% on the price of admission.  Trust me, it's worth it.  We had it and used it to get the Deluxe Luau package.  This package used to include all you can drink specials but no more apparently (boo hoo).

Being at this beach, exclusive for the Paradise Cove customers, made me feel like I was truly on vacation.  I didn't feel like there was a worry in the world.  You can watch the sunset right along the beach.  You get to watch the kalua pig ceremony.  You get to sit at the front of the crowd w/ table service.  Just remember the closer you are to the stage, the better the view is of the hula dancers. tee hee

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10

49

Mary Ann S.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
04/29/2008

Hella fun if you're with Kamaaina because they're bound to know at least three people who are working the bar. They'll get you plastered.
The food was pretty standard for a popular luau for tourists. I do wish they had some haupia cake and laulau.
Overall. l had a great time. You cannot beat the view at Ko'olina. My family used to come to this beach all the time because it's quieter than most.  I think Anthony Bourdain explained best when he said something to the extent of, "who am I to judge? Hardworking Americans want to come to Hawaii for a good time." And that's that.

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37

55

teresa o.

Laguna Niguel, CA

5 star rating
03/09/2008

What can I say!  I have been to the Paradise Cove twice now.  Both times it was absolutely the best time I had!  First we took the bus from Waikiki with all of our other "cousins" and when we arrived, we were greeted with a mai tai and we took our picture.  From there, we walked around and enjoyed the many activities.  The location of this luau is gorgeous.  Make sure you have your camera for the beautiful sunset.  The dinner and show is wonderful and a great place to celebrate any special occassion.  This is definitely a must see for any vacation in Hawaii!

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16

115

sam t.

Santa Clara, CA

5 star rating
05/06/2008

BEST LUAU I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!
(also the only one =])
You start off by being greeted with a drink and you get to take a picture with a hot hawaiin male/female (pretty much your choice)
The day time you get to do fun activities such as making the lei necklaces, some games, they teach you how to hula and you can even wait in line to get a fake tattoo that's they give the tradiotional way.
You get to see a canoe race, a guy climb up a cocoanut tree, but by far the coolest parts were when the fire show started and when the hula girls preformed different types of dances.

Package comes with dinner && some drink tickets, yes they have alcohol, but I don't think the variety of selection is that big.

This place has a beautiful view, especially with the sunset...very romantic I must admit.
Price range is around $80 give or take a few dollars, but its worth every penny.

OVERALL THIS PLACE IS GREAT FOR ANY AGE AND YOU WILL MOST LIKELY HAVE A GREAT TIME!
(if you didn't, there's something wrong with you!)

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Elite '08

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Bailey Z.

La Jolla, CA

4 star rating
04/04/2008

A very touristy thing to do, but it was fun. Did all the games like throwing a spear at a target, which went horribly and somehow bounced back at me. The one thing that I was pro at was paddling in the outrigger haha. The buffet dinner was average as was the fire show, but I guess I gotta try the luau thing at least once right? I like how everyone who visits Hawaii goes to this luau and every single person has the exact same sunset picture between the two palm trees overlooking the beach.

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Elite '08

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83

Mari K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/25/2008

"Paradise Cove.  How can I help you?"
"I need directions!"
"Where are you coming from?"
"Uh... hold on... um... Waielea.  No!  No, we're on Arrington (was actually Farrington, but the F was rubbed off)"
"Which direction are you headed?"
"Uh..."
"Well, are you headed towards Waikiki?"
"Yes.. we just passed Gov't Postal Road"
"Okay, what's around you?"
"We just passed a Napa Autoparts"
"You're passing a lot of 7-Elevens, huh?"
"Yes"
"You'll pass a power plant on your left-hand side and then take the Ko Olina exit"
"Thanks"

Talk about patience!  Very helpful and super nice customer service rep.  That's just about how we can describe every staff member from Paradise Cove.  The bartender even put 3 limes and 3 pineapples in my friend's drink, AND even remembered her drink when she returned.  Mucho impressive.

Highlights: the sunset, the BILLIONS of stars you can see out there, the jokes, and cousin Ali =P (a very genetically blessed entertainer)

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Greg S.

Honolulu, HI

4 star rating
04/07/2008

I've been here twice now, a while back as a visitor and then recently as the hosts for friends from the mainland.  For each occasion, all facets of the evening have been above average.  I recommend just sticking with the basics though, because they give you plenty of chances to give them more money (very commercialized).  A luau should deliver a memorable and fun time, which Paradise Cove definitely delivers.

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63

Trina A.

Hayward, CA

5 star rating
02/26/2008

I had soo much fun at Paradise Cove! We got the deluxe package, which included Six drink tickets each! You bet our whole bus was drunk all the way back to our hotels! The activities were fun, but each site was filled with people at all times. The Mai Tai's...are the best! The Otea's were nice and the food was alright...The deluxe package is nice cuz youre in your own area, and you dont have to wait in line for the buffet.

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Kathleen N.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
07/09/2008

best luau of oahu. maitai greeting, orchid seats. sexy ass dudes.... almost naked... i melted. actiivites are funnn. got to make leis.. the flowers we're very nicely colored. toobad i couldnt bring any home. hella drink coupons. what can be better. food never changes tho. omg... cannot forget the scenic views of the sunset. hey the sexy cousins we're on bus 6. the others are ugly cousins... "i feel sorry for yall." AS SOON AS you walk on the bus, theres entertainment.

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126

J T.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
03/11/2008

I was born and raised in Honolulu so why the hell did I go to a luau that wasn't at a friend or family's house?  Because my boyfriend is not from Hawaii and had never been to one, so we added this to our little list of "touristy things to do".  Quite honestly, it was kind of fun.  It's set on the west side of the island and it isn't just a "sit down, eat and watch the show" kind of place.  There are a few things to do and see while you're out there, and for those staying in Waikiki, they even provide transportation to and from your hotel.  The food's typical "tourist fare", but other than that, it was fine.  I'll suggest it to anyone going to Oahu and wanting to go to a luau.

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tong t.

San Jose, CA

3 star rating
02/08/2008

Paradise Cove is located in such a beautiful place. Watching the sunset was just amazing.
However the food wasn't that great. The performance was nice.
They had little activities that was cool.
The best part of paradise cove luau is the location.

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Elite '08

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280

Just J.

Union City, CA

4 star rating
07/05/2007

I've been to another luau in Maui and the cafeteria-style Polynesian Cultural Cove luau before this one and this by far is my favorite.  Its beachside location and various activities intended to build your appetite before you start your serious grubbing are what make this luau a cut above the rest for me.  The hukilau ceremony, lei making and basket weaving for beginners were definitely more exciting than watching tourists jockey each other for a good camcorder position on the pig being dug out of the imu.  Food was standard luau fare but entertainment was top notch.  The "hot" fire eater Samoan guy with the tatoo on either side of his torso was a definite treat as were the female Tahitian dancers who inspired me not to finish my two fully loaded plates of food .  Yeah, 'cause one less forkful of kalua pork will really make a difference.

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Charrylenne S.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/26/2008

Like everyone else, we arrived there via bus. "Cousin" Gina, our entertainer on the bus, was extremely friendly and funny. Upon arrival you are granted a choice between a watered-down mai-tai and a virgin mai-tai - both taste the same so gulp one up and then quickly head to the activities.

If you're a lady, the first thing you should do is head over to where they make the lei's, since a long line forms within the first twenty minutes or so.  If that's crowded, make sure you check out the pareo class with Mr. Ono (hottest guy there - he's wearing white pants in one of the pics posted for this place) - his pareo skills are essential, you'll see why.  If you're a guy, head straight to the bar and order something hard - that way when you stumble around drunk you don't notice your girlfriend checking out Mr. Ono.  Or maybe get inked by some hot young'un that will take hold of whatever part you stick out.   Either way, there's plenty of activities to keep you busy.

When you decide to get shit-faced, order shots instead of mixed drinks, since the cocktails barely have detectable amounts of alcohol.  One of the bartenders liked us so much she hooked us up with cute souvenirs for free and made her "special" for us, which tasted like it actually had alcohol. We started to really feel the "AloHa spirit" then.  So befriend the bartenders! The food was mediocre, nothing particularly amazing, so don't expect to eat well here.

The entertainment was the only downer.  I've been to school with Samoans, worked with Hawaiians/Tahitians/Moro peeps, so I know a thing or two about authentic Polynesian dancing.  The entertainment was sub-par imho, but most people don't notice it since they don't get acquainted with these cultures. The Samoan "slap" dance performance was weak, not passionate as I've remembered it to be.  The girls were beautiful of course, but you could tell a couple of them had just recently learned the dances. My favorites were the fire dancer and the "married" couple dance, since Mr. Ono was center stage.  LOTS of flashes went off during that portion.  I was drunk though, so maybe those flashes were all mine.

Overall, it was a fun night.  The ride back was fun too, since our driver "raced" the other drivers.  Cousin Gina teased us mercilessly by evoking images of waterfalls and rivers, then making us sing a couple of songs about how we had to "wee wee now." So elementary, I know, but you could care less when you still feel inebriated and half-rowdy.  

The last thing I remember was when Dido's "Thank You" came on.  It was like the whole bus was center-stage for a drunk karaoke-style competition - and everyone was singing at the same time.

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