We were staying in Waikiki and the Polynesian Cultural Center luau was sold out. After doing a search on TripAdvisor, we came across Toa Luau and booked. A day or two before our luau, I started reconsidering if I wanted to drive over an hour to get here- so glad we stuck with the plan!! Plus you really can’t argue with the five star rating- it speaks for itself!
First, don’t do what we did. Get there early (at least two hours, as they recommended)! Your luau ticket gains you access to the botanical garden and waterfall, which closes at four. Of course, we got there at four and those that got there early said these experiences were incredible.
Second, this luau is much more intimate and interactive than the one at PCC- maybe 250 people max. Before the dining and show started, we got to experience various types of food preparation, weave our own coconut leaf crowns, and more! Because it was a smaller group, if you wanted to get your hands dirty (figuratively, they provide gloves 😂), there was ample opportunity to do so.
Finally, the performers! Everyone working at the luau had multiple rolls: they showed us to our table, walked us through the cultural activities, served our food- AND danced! And Cousin Eddie is THE MAN. I really can’t say enough about the service we received and the excellent show. They even hung around afterwards for anyone who wanted photos.
And somehow I forgot to mention the food?? I really was so wrapped up in the fabulous experience, but the food was incredible too. I saw a few people with dietary requirements get served special plates (yay!) and the standard plate everyone got was MORE than enough food. I couldn’t finish it all, and every bit was delish.
I’d recommend this luau to anyone I can in a heartbeat.