Pa'ina Waikiki Luau at the Waikiki Beach Marriott
Pa'ina Waikiki Luau brings Hawaiian storytelling, dinner and live entertainment to the Waikiki Beach Marriott, close to the beach, hotels and the evening energy of Waikiki. This is not a far-away luau night. You stay right in Waikiki and enjoy a show built around the stories, music and people connected with this famous stretch of Oahu.
The performance honors Waikiki’s legendary eras through hula, song, dance and narration. One of the meaningful parts of the show is the tribute to Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, who spent time in Waikiki and had summer homes in the area. Through hula kahiko, or ancient hula, Pa'ina Waikiki looks back at the Hawaiian royals and historic homes once connected with these grounds.
The show is produced by Tihati Productions, one of Hawaii’s long-running entertainment companies. You can expect Polynesian music, hula, keiki performers, audience participation and a fire knife dancing finale, along with a buffet dinner if you choose General or VIP Seating.
A Waikiki Dinner Show with Hawaiian Stories
Pa'ina Waikiki feels different from a beach luau, valley luau or large cultural park. The setting is a Waikiki hotel, and the heart of the evening is the story of Waikiki itself. The show connects the area’s royal history with music, dance and modern island entertainment.
This luau works well if you are staying in Waikiki and want a shorter evening with dinner and a show nearby. You can choose the full buffet dinner experience, upgrade to VIP Seating, or book Show Only Seating if you already have dinner plans.
Pa'ina Waikiki Highlights
- Hawaiian lei greeting
- Welcome Mai Tai cocktail
- Lei making demonstrations and temporary Polynesian tattoos
- Hawaiian luau and prime rib buffet with General and VIP Seating
- Luau music and dance performance
- Ori Ori Tatou E audience participation
- Fire knife dancing finale
- Meet the cast and photo opportunities
Dinner Menu
Below is an overview of the buffet items typically served during the luau. Menu items may change without notice.
Appetizers
- Fresh Island Greens, Shaved Kabocha, Fennel, Tomatoes, Ume-Lilikoi Vinaigrette (GF/Vegan/Dairy Free/Nut Free)
- Kamuela Tomatoes, Japanese Cucumber and Maui Onion (GF/Vegan/Dairy Free/Nut Free; Contains Sesame Oil)
- Watercress and Tofu Maui Onion Salad (GF/Vegan/Dairy Free/Nut Free; Contains Sesame Oil)
- Sliced Fresh Island Maui Gold Pineapple (GF/Vegan/Dairy Free/Nut Free)
- Furikake Potato & Macaroni Salad (GF; Contains Sesame Oil)
- Lomi Lomi Salmon Salad (GF; Contains Sesame Oil)
- Hanalei Poi (GF/Vegan/Dairy Free/Nut Free)
Buffet Line
- Huli Huli Chicken, Pickled Red Onion, Smoked Jus *(GF/Dairy Free/Nut Free; Contains Sesame Oil)
- Above Ground Smoked Kalua Pork *(GF/Dairy Free/Nut Free; Contains Pork)
- Seared Island Catch* Ume & Yuzu Beurre Blanc Sauce (GF/Nut Free)
- Molokai Style Sweet Potatoes (GF/Vegan/Dairy Free)
- Island Fried Rice (GF)
- Taro and Sweet Rolls with Butter (Contains Gluten/Eggs/Dairy)
Carving Station
- 12 Hour Roasted Prime Rib (GF/Dairy Free/Nut Free)
- Smoked Au Jus (GF/Dairy Free/Nut Free)
- Horseradish Cream (GF/Nut Free)
Desserts
- Coconut Crème (Nut Free; Contains Gluten/Eggs/Dairy)
- Haupia (GF/Vegan)
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with Koloa Rum (Nut Free; Contains Gluten/Eggs/Dairy)
- Hawaiian Paradise Kona Blend Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Taylor Assorted Teas
General, VIP and Show Only Seating
General Seating: Includes the full buffet dinner and luau show.
VIP Seating: Includes the full buffet dinner, two additional cocktails and seating closest to the stage.
Show Only Seating: Includes the show only. No meal is included with this option.
Choose General Seating if you want the full dinner and show. Choose VIP Seating if you want to sit closest to the stage and include extra cocktails. Choose Show Only Seating if you want the performance without the buffet.
Check-In, Parking and Seating Notes
Check in on the 3rd floor at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort. VIP Seating check-in is at 5:15 pm, General Seating check-in is at 5:30 pm and Show Only Seating check-in is at 5:45 pm. The luau ends around 8:00 pm.
Self-parking is included for up to 6 hours with validation. Valet parking is available for an additional charge.
Seating is first-come, first-served within the assigned section. Your ticket guarantees your section, not a specific seat. Arrive on time or up to 20 minutes early if sitting together is important for your party.
Reserve Pa'ina Waikiki Luau
Select your seating option and date to reserve Pa'ina Waikiki Luau for a Waikiki evening with Hawaiian storytelling, buffet dining, music, hula, audience participation and fire knife dancing.
Questions & Answers
Quick answers before you reserve your luau.
Where is Pa'ina Waikiki Luau located?
Pa'ina Waikiki Luau is located at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort on Oahu.
How long is Pa'ina Waikiki Luau?
The luau lasts about 2.5 hours and ends around 8:00 pm.
Does Pa'ina Waikiki include dinner?
General Seating and VIP Seating include the buffet dinner. Show Only Seating does not include a meal.
What is included with VIP Seating?
VIP Seating includes the full buffet dinner, two additional cocktails and seating closest to the stage.
Is Pa'ina Waikiki a good option if you are staying in Waikiki?
Yes. The Waikiki Beach Marriott location works well if you want a luau-style dinner show without leaving Waikiki for the evening.
What makes Pa'ina Waikiki different from other Oahu luaus?
Pa'ina Waikiki focuses on Waikiki’s history, Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaiian storytelling, hotel-based dinner show entertainment and the option to book dinner seating or show-only seating.
Special Instructions
Where & When
5:15 pm check-in for VIP Seating
5:30 pm check-in for General Seating
5:45 pm check-in for Show Only Seating
Check in on the 3rd floor at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort View Map
Luau ends at approximately 8:00 pm.
Parking: 6-hour self-parking included with validation; $25 for Valet.
Restrictions
Seating is first-come, first-served within the assigned section. Tickets guarantee section, not specific seats.
We do our best to seat parties together, especially groups of 4 or more, but there is no guarantee as seating is community-style. Please arrive on time or up to 20 minutes early to increase the chance of sitting together.
Infants (ages 0-3) are considered lap children and cannot occupy a chair. A stroller cannot take the place of a chair. Strollers will only be allowed if space permits.