I read the reviews and we prepared for the heat, but it was still OPPRESSIVE. First of all, when you show up, know that you'll be parking in a garage that's just steps from the hotel lobby, which is nice, but then you walk about half a mile along the property to get to the luau location. It's a pretty walk, but still far. Plan accordingly.
We were at the 4:45 seating, so we thought the line would be less. Not so. We stood in line until 5pm when they finally started checking people in. It took over 30 minutes to get to the front of the line. A long time to be standing in the heat.
Once at the front of the line, they could only locate one of our two reservations through TripAdvisor, and the confirmation numbers TripAdvisor provides mean absolutely NOTHING to them. Turns out they had it under a different name (not the credit card used), so if this happens to you, try to remember the name you listed first when you booked it. Kind of a big hassle.
The setting is very pretty - looking out over the ocean. Listen to the reviews - take an umbrella or three - you'll need them while you wait in line and until the sun moves to where your table is in the shade.
The bar wasn't ever too busy; we didn't have to wait more than a minute or two, but the drinks they offer are very limited. Pretty much a vodka punch or a whiskey punch. A couple of kinds of beer, and soft drinks. If they ever offered a Mai Tai, I didn't hear about it. The restrooms are fairly close - over by the one of the hotel's pools. There aren't many stalls, though, so don't wait until the last minute.
The food was excellent! The pork was tender and full of flavor. The other meats were good too, and the sides were varied and had good texture and flavor. They bring a plate of desserts to your table as well. We had plenty and one of the food lines was still open if we wanted more.
The show was nice. About what you'd expect from a luau. Singing, dancing, fire twirling. Nothing to get too excited about. They did give a shout out to my parents who were celebrating their 50th anniversary that day, which was nice, then playing a song for all of the couples (newlyweds, anniversaries, etc.) to dance to. It was a nice touch.
The trek back to the hotel lobby and parking was better than the walk in because the sun had set, thankfully.
Overall, a good experience, but I don't feel like it was anywhere NEAR what I'd be willing to pay $125 a person for in the future. Once and done.
Also, some luau reviews and "inclusions/exclusions" mentioned gratuities. There was no mention of gratuities at this luau. There was a cash tip jar on the bar, but otherwise, nothing was said about it and they weren't collecting tips on our way out or anything.