Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa's Ka Wa`a Luau

Last night Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa debuted its new luau, Ka Wa`a.  I was honored to have been invited to the premiere, where my son and I enjoyed a fantastic evening of activities, food, and entertainment.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with lei, took photos with luau cast members, and were escorted to their tables with Ka Wa`a Sunset Cocktails in hand (non-alcoholic versions offered to the kiddos).

Ka Wa`a Sunset

Pre-show activities and entertainment kept guests busy for the first hour.

Beautiful music performed during the pre-show activities

Activities included Na Pua U`i (floral craft), Kapa Printing (bark cloth design), Kakau (Hawaiian Temporary Tattoos), and Ku`i Ke Kalo (Taro Pounding).

Making a wristlet

Stamping fun

My son got a fish hook tattoo

You can sample poi!

The second hour is when guests can indulge in a traditional island buffet, which includes local faves, such as taro macaroni salad, lomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, and prime rib.  There was also a fab spread of sweets - fruit, bread pudding, brownies, and more!

Taro and Guava Croutons

Lomi Lomi Salmon Salad

Ahi Poke

Poi

Hawaiian Waters Local Catch with Crushed Macadamia Nut Sauce

Braised Pork Imu Style with Maui Onion

Teriyaki Chicken

Whole Roasted Hawaiian Raised Suckling Pig

Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Alae Sea Salt Crusted

Banana Bread Pudding

Guava Cake

Macadamia Nut Brownie

Haupia and Coconut Pudding

A keiki buffet is also offered with kid-friendly fare, such as veggie sticks, mac and cheese, and chicken strips.  I admit - I couldn't help but give that chicken a try - it was so good!  I even heard other adults rave about the mac and cheese!

Tiki Chicken Tenderloin

Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Meatballs

Big Wave Fruit Cup with Marshmallows

Moana Surprise Dessert

Guests sure were treated to a feast!  The food was delicious.  I especially loved the Macadamia Nut Brownie - it was rich and fudgy!

The pre-show entertainment continued with an Aulani hula lesson, in which keiki were encouraged to participate.

Even Mickey & Minnie joined in on the fun!

Soon after the official luau show started. 

Ka Wa`a, or canoe, represents the journey of Hawaii's people.  

During the show, Noa, a local storyteller, takes guests on a journey from ancient times to the present. Performers from Tihati Productions told tales through song and dance of significant people, places, and things in Hawaii's history.

The vibrant costumes, engaging chants, and graceful dances captivated the audience.  The performers weaved tales of family traditions, sacred places, and ancient legends.

My favorite segment of the show focused on the demigod Maui, in which fireknife dancers put on a thrilling performance (you can see a short clip on my Instagram here).

The magic of Disney's team, paired with the talent of the Tihati Productions' team, resulted in a fantastic show, enchanting guests of all ages.

Ka Wa`a Details:

• Luau is offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays (subject to change, based on season).  Pre-show begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by the buffet service and luau show.
• Admission starts at $119 for adults and $79 for keiki (children 3-9 years old). Keiki under 3 will be free.
• For reservations, call (808) 674-6850.

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Rock-A-Hula's Terrace Luau Buffet & Show - A Night of Great Food and Entertainment

Rock-A-Hula is a collaboration between Legends in Concert and Star of Honolulu Cruises & Events. Featuring Hawaiian and Polynesian performances along with tributes to some of the world's most legendary artists, the Rock-A-Hula show takes place on the 4th floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center in the 750-seat Royal Hawaiian Theater.

There are several show packages to choose from, ranging from the Rockin' Show (just the show itself) to the Green Room (an ultimate VIP experience including a backstage tour and a 4-course meal), as well as a variety of enhancements that you can add on (e.g. transportation, photo services).

Green Room

Our family had tickets to the Terrace Luau Buffet & Show, which allows guests to enjoy an upscale luau buffet beneath a terrace cabana, while enjoying the cool evening breeze.

The blowing of a conch shell signified that guests could get seated for the luau.

We were offered E Komo Mai Tais (non-alcoholic available for kids) and fresh pineapple slices as we awaited the start of dinner.

E Komo Mai Tai and fresh pineapple slices

After a Hawaiian greeting, guests were directed to the buffet line, which boasted a variety of popular luau faves, such as:

Whole Roasted Luau Pig

Long Rice Salad

Tofu Poke

Island-Style Macaroni Salad

Pacific White Fish with Coconut Curry Sauce

Hulihuli Chicken

Rainbow Sorbet

Coconut Cake

Throughout the luau, dancers performed several numbers, and kids went on a treasure hunt in the theater to get fun prizes!

After the luau, guests made their way into the theater to buy drinks at the bar (you can take the drinks into the theater), browse the memorabilia, or shop the souvenir store.

Lots of memorabilia on display

VIP Lounge Area

One of two bars

After being ushered into our premier seats in the center section of the Mezzanine, the Rock-A-Hula show started just after 8pm, with Elvis Presley (Johnny Fortuno) drifting in on a canoe.

He sang several of his popular hits, many of which reflected his affinity for Hawaii.

A couple of times throughout the show, Elvis walked through the crowd to give lei and kisses. Some audience members were shrieking and excitedly extended their hands to shake Elvis' hand!

Next up was Celine Dion  (Elisa Furr).  Powerful performances had the crowd in awe.  My favorite performance of hers was My Heart Will Go On.

Next up was a fireknife dance performance, which really thrilled the crowd.

Michael Jackson (Corey Melton) wowed the crowd as well.

During his Thriller performance, there were some scary surprises that really got some people screaming!

My favorite moment of the show (which gave me "chicken skin") was when Michael Jackson performed Somewhere Over the Rainbow as a tribute to three special people, one of whom was Bruddah Iz.

Elvis returned to close out the show, and for the finale, all of the performers gathered on stage to sing, and even the ushers joined in from afar!  It was an awesome ending to a great night!

At the end of the show, guests could take photos with the performers.

The tribute artists were fantastic. Not only do they have to look like Elvis, Michael, or Celine, but they have to sing, talk, dance and play instruments as the real performer would.

Throughout each act, video is shown simultaneously that often corresponds with what the artists are doing on stage.  They really have each performer's nuances down!

The tribute artists, dancers, and band delivered remarkable performances that intertwined with elements of Hawaii to create a show that was nostalgic and captivating.

Although my littlest one did fall asleep towards the end of the show (it ended about 9:20pm, and my kids are usually in bed by 8pm!), all of my kids enjoyed the show as much as my husband and I did. My oldest loved Elvis, and there were several times when he got up to dance (and I immediately had him sit down so he wouldn't block the view of the people behind us). Rock-A-Hula is definitely a great show for the entire family.

Through September 30, Rock-A-Hula is offering a "child free" special! The Rockin’ Show package is $55.00 for adults and free for children ages 3-11 with each paid adult. Kama’aina rates are available with a valid Hawaii I.D, and special upgrade prices are available for dinner packages.

I do have to acknowledge just how amazing the entire staff was. The aloha spirit was so obvious, especially throughout the luau, where the staff members were so friendly. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I could really see how all of the guests were enjoying themselves.

If you're staycationing in Waikiki or visiting Oahu, celebrating a birthday or honeymoon (cake, wine, and champagne enhancements available), or even team-building, take your family, friends, co-workers, or out-of-town guests to Rock-A-Hula for a night of great food and entertainment!

For more information, visit http://www.rockahulahawaii.com/.

Rock-A-Hula
Royal Hawaiian Center

2201 Kalakaua Avenue, Bldg B

4th Floor, Honolu, HI 96815
(808) 629-7469

Mahalo to Rock-A-Hula for sponsoring a portion of our visit.

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