Royal Kona Resort Luau Kailua-Kona
Experience a vibrant Hawaiian luau with stunning ocean sunsets, traditional feasts, and captivating Polynesian performances at the Royal Kona Resort.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For sunset & show
Royal Kona Resort Luau Kailua-Kona
Best Time
For sunset & show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a vibrant Hawaiian luau with stunning ocean sunsets, traditional feasts, and captivating Polynesian performances at the Royal Kona Resort.
"The band was the highlight of the evening and is the sole reason this review is getting two stars."
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Get there early to enjoy the stunning ocean views and find your preferred seating before the buffet opens.
☔ Be Weather Ready
Pack a light rain jacket or be prepared for ponchos; heavy rain can impact the show.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Sunset
Resort grounds
Witness breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, a perfect prelude to the evening's festivities.
Traditional Luau Feast
Buffet area
Savor a taste of Hawaiian culture with a buffet featuring local delicacies and island flavors.
Polynesian Performances
Stage area
Experience captivating hula dancing, traditional music, and a thrilling fire knife dance finale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset & Show Timing
Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Get there early to enjoy the stunning ocean views and find your preferred seating before the buffet opens.
☔ Be Weather Ready
Pack a light rain jacket or be prepared for ponchos; heavy rain can impact the show.
💰 Consider VIP Seating
For a better view of the performances, especially the fire dance, VIP tickets are recommended.
📸 Photographer Available
A photographer is on-site to capture memories; photos are available for purchase.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Arrive for Sunset
Get there early to enjoy the stunning ocean views and find your preferred seating before the buffet opens.
☔ Be Weather Ready
Pack a light rain jacket or be prepared for ponchos; heavy rain can impact the show.
💰 Consider VIP Seating
For a better view of the performances, especially the fire dance, VIP tickets are recommended.
📸 Photographer Available
A photographer is on-site to capture memories; photos are available for purchase.
🎶 Live Band Delight
The live band is often a highlight, providing great entertainment throughout the evening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Royal Kona Resort Luau offers a scenic oceanfront setting for a traditional Hawaiian evening, complete with a buffet and Polynesian show. While the sunset views and performances, particularly the fire dance, are often highlights, some guests find the overall value questionable due to the high price point and potential for weather disruptions impacting the show. The food and drinks are generally considered decent but not exceptional.
"We were recommended this location both by online advertising and the concierge service we used for activity planning. We paid $180 a person for general admission seating, all inclusive food and well drinks.
Price: We were a bit surprised to pay so much regardless of age. Two underage, one pregnant daughter, three drinking adults. We are in show business and understood we were getting food, drink and a show-but it still seemed like a lot-especially with no lower option for non drinking patrons.
Food: Fine. Nothing spectacular, no ornate visuals or mind blowing flavors. Think work conference buffet dinner.
Drinks: Nothing special. Served in plastic disposable cups.
Seating: Fold out table with sturdy chairs placed quite close together. Uneven ground.
Show: Unsure. Entry at 5, buffet at 5:30, show to start at 6:15. Rain rolled in at 6:30 cutting the performance short. Now, I get weather conditions are unpredictable and the venue did provide plastic ponchos in case of sprinkles; however, the show was "suspended" because the stage surface became too wet for the performers. The three performances we did see were interesting and well delivered, but nothing jaw dropping.
If you are asking your audience to pay $150+ for mediocre food, mediocre drinks, mediocre viewing and the risk of weather suspending the show (without even a partial refund) then I would expect the venue to have the ability to cover the stage so the audince members can decide if they want to watch in the rain or leave. The stage was not so big that a retractable covering would be impractical and for the price paid it's the least the venue could have done.
The band was the highlight of the evening and is the sole reason this review is getting two stars.
Summary: For this price we belive it could have been justifiable had we seen the whole show; this is tourist attraction afterall. But given the venue doesn't seem to put in the effort in the details, we did not feel it was worth it."
Lydia Keith
"We accidentally came a day before our reservations and they were very accommodating. The food was good, I don’t drink but if I did the open bar is a good investment. We got seated last because of the issue with showing up on the wrong day so the view wasn’t as good but that’s on us. Photographer took great photos of everyone."
Megan Escoto
"We’re very disappointed in our experience. I understand you can not control the weather. We were there June 25. It was raining a lot y’all offered ponchos. Then it poured just when we got our food. We couldn’t really see the dancers. Food was good. Dessert could have been better if it wasn’t wet from the rain. We stayed for like 45’mins-1 hr. Couldn’t take the rain pouring. Hoping you surely would call the luau over and do rain checks. But not even that. We came from Texas 15 hrs for a very sad experience. $400 down the drain. Took most of the money we had saved to enjoy Hawaii. I’m just highly disappointed. I feel bad giving less than 3 stars but this would have been 1 star for sure ⭐️"
Felicia Cortinas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Kona Resort is located in Kailua-Kona. Many visitors arrive by car, as it's a well-known landmark. If you're staying in Kona, it's often accessible by a short drive or taxi. Public transportation options might be limited for evening events, so check local bus schedules if that's your preference.
Yes, the Royal Kona Resort typically offers parking for guests attending events like the luau. It's advisable to arrive a bit early to ensure you find a convenient spot, especially during peak times.
If you're coming from Hilo or other distant parts of the Big Island, driving is the most common method. Factor in travel time, as it can be a significant journey. Renting a car is often recommended for exploring the entire island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around $180 per person for general admission, which includes food and drinks. There might not be a lower-cost option for non-drinking patrons.
It is highly recommended to book your luau tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred seating.
General admission tickets typically include access to the buffet dinner, an open bar with well drinks, and the evening's Polynesian show.
Yes, while general admission offers seating, VIP tickets are available for a potentially better view of the performances, particularly the fire dance.
Entry usually begins around 5:00 PM, with the buffet typically served around 5:30 PM, and the show starting at approximately 6:15 PM.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The luau offers a buffet-style dinner featuring a variety of Hawaiian and Polynesian dishes. While generally considered good, some reviews suggest it's akin to a conference buffet rather than gourmet dining.
Some reviews indicate limited vegetarian options, so it's advisable to inquire about specific dietary needs when booking or upon arrival.
An open bar serving well drinks is typically included with your ticket. Drinks are usually served in disposable plastic cups.
The buffet usually offers a range of dishes that can appeal to children, though specific kid-friendly options might vary.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The show typically includes traditional Hawaiian hula dancing, music, and a highlight fire knife dance. The performances are generally well-delivered and engaging.
In case of rain, plastic ponchos are provided. However, heavy rain can lead to the show being suspended or canceled if the stage becomes too wet for performers.
Seating consists of fold-out tables with sturdy chairs, often placed close together on uneven ground. While generally enjoyable, comfort can vary.
The event usually starts with entry around 5:00 PM, followed by dinner and then the show, which can last for a couple of hours, weather permitting.
While the focus is on the buffet and evening performance, the resort setting itself offers a tropical ambiance. Specific pre-show cultural demonstrations may vary.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are generally allowed to take photos and videos of the performances. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests and avoid flash photography that might disrupt the show.
A professional photographer is usually present to capture moments of the luau, and their photos are available for purchase.
The resort grounds offer beautiful ocean views, especially during sunset, making them ideal for photography. The stage area during performances also provides dynamic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the potential for weather disruptions, which could cut the show short. The cost per person is also a consideration for families, so weighing the entertainment value against the expense is important. Consider arriving early to get settled and manage any pre-show excitement.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're looking for a more economical way to experience Hawaiian culture, consider exploring local markets, free hula shows at shopping centers, or less formal dining options. However, if a comprehensive luau experience with a sunset view is a priority, booking in advance and being prepared for the cost is necessary.
couples
Consider opting for VIP seating if available to enhance the intimacy of the evening. Be mindful of the weather, as a rainy evening might detract from the romantic ambiance, but the resort's efforts with ponchos aim to mitigate this.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Luau Experience
The evening typically kicks off with guests arriving to enjoy the scenic views, followed by a buffet dinner. The food, while described as decent, is often compared to a conference-style spread, with a variety of local flavors. Drinks are usually included from an open bar, served in disposable cups.
The main event is the Polynesian show, featuring traditional hula, music, and a dramatic fire knife dance. While the performances are generally praised for their energy and skill, the overall value proposition is sometimes debated due to the price point and potential weather disruptions.
Navigating Weather and Value
This unpredictability, coupled with the ticket price (around $180 per person), leads some guests to question the overall value. Reviews suggest that for the cost, attendees might expect more robust weather contingency plans, such as a covered stage, or more flexible refund policies. The food and drinks, while adequate, are not always seen as justifying the premium price on their own.
Despite these concerns, many still find the luau enjoyable, particularly appreciating the live band and the visual spectacle of the performances. The smaller audience size at times can mean there isn't a bad seat, enhancing the viewing experience for some. Ultimately, managing expectations regarding weather and the cost-benefit analysis is key to a satisfying visit.
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