This was our third time to Hawaii and we decided it was about time we attended a luau. The Island Breeze luau at the King Kamehameha Marriott was fantastic!
We booked it at the hotel and were given a 20% discount since we were guests of the hotel. We selected preferred seating for not too much extra and were glad we did.
We were told to meet at 5pm in the lobby near the old canoe, where we were given a fresh flower lei, and while waiting we enjoyed seeing the beautiful paintings of Hawaii’s past. For those who did not choose preferred, you can buy a lei there in the check-in area for $10.
Just past 5 we were told to walk to the site, just beyond the hotel’s pool complex. On the way our photos were taken, with the option to buy them, digital or printed. The luau grounds are very beautiful, and are at the actual historical site of the King K’s complex along the bay. Since we had preferred seating, we were taken to a private table up front, with plenty of space, and a waitress came by often bringing mai tais. There are musicians and singers playing beautiful Hawaiian style songs the entire time.
Those who are in regular seating are allowed in at 5:30 on a first come first served basis. The long tables are in the back half and you’re seated with many others. Even so, I do think you can see the show quite well.
After everyone is seated the MC appears on the stage to explain the schedule and different activities. In case you didn't want a mai tai there'ss an open bar where you can get custom drinks until 7:30. There's also a self-serve water, coffee, tea station. There were a few lawn games and activities reflecting Polynesian customs, and the opening of the in-ground oven removing the roasted pig which is carried to a table for carving!
You will be invited back to your tables where you’ll be released table by table to the buffet line, starting from the preferred seating. Like all buffets the salads and veggies are up front, so save room on your plate for the meats: beef ribs, fish, and the roasted pork. There’s also a food section for children with french fries, chicken fingers and I think mac & cheese. And a dessert table with several cakes. You can go back for seconds. It was all delicious!
The show is hosted by a fantastic MC, I wish I remembered his name, he was so good! The dancers, singers and musicians are all fantastic. It ended around 8pm.
Overall, the venue and vibe, food and activities are so Hawaiian and beautiful, you will not be disappointed with this luau, it was a great experience!