Island Breeze Luau on the Big Island

We’ve all heard about the captivating luaus on Hawaii’s Big Island, but have you experienced the Island Breeze Luau? This immersive cultural event promises to transport you to the heart of Polynesian heritage. From traditional dances to a mouthwatering Hawaiian-style buffet, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive into the details and see if this luau is the perfect addition to your Big Island adventure.

Key Points

• The Island Breeze Luau on the Big Island of Hawaii offers a 2-3 hour immersive experience showcasing traditional Polynesian culture through dance, chants, and stories.
• The luau features exciting performances such as the Fijian War Dance, Hawaiian Hula, and Samoan Fire & Knife, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the South Pacific.
• The event accommodates up to 400 guests and includes a Hawaiian-style buffet with 22 different dishes and an open bar with standard drinks, beer, wine, and more.
• The venue at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals welcome and on-site parking available.
• While the food quality has received mixed reviews, the luau provides an immersive and engaging experience that allows guests to connect with the vibrant cultures of Hawaii.

Location and Overview

The Island Breeze Luau is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, just a stone’s throw away from King Kamehameha’s former estate.

This luau has earned a strong 4.1 rating based on over 570 reviews. The event runs for 2-3 hours, starting at 5:30 PM, and can accommodate up to 400 guests.

It offers a taste of Polynesian culture through traditional dances, chants, and stories from Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, and Samoa. Guests can enjoy a Hawaiian-style buffet and open bar while seeing the captivating performances.

Entertainment Highlights

Polynesian culture truly comes alive at the Island Breeze Luau. From the moment the performers emerge, we’re captivated by their electrifying displays.

Performance	Description
Fijian War Dance	Pulsing drums and chants accompany warriors’ impressive acrobatics and agile spear work.
Hawaiian Hula	Graceful dancers sway to the rhythm, weaving stories through elegant hand motions.
Samoan Fire & Knife	Mesmerizing twirls of blazing torches and sharp blades showcase incredible skill and precision.
Royal Procession	King Kamehameha arrives by outrigger canoe, ushering in a grand parade of traditional garb and chanting.

These vibrant, authentic performances immerse us in the rich cultural heritage of the South Pacific.

Cultural Performances

While the electrifying Fijian war dances and graceful Hawaiian hula captivate our senses, the cultural performances at the Island Breeze Luau go beyond mere entertainment.

We’re immersed in the rich heritage and traditions of Polynesia through chants, stories, and rituals from Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, and Samoa.

The royal procession featuring King Kamehameha arriving by outrigger canoe transports us back in time.

These experiences go beyond superficial entertainment, allowing us to genuinely connect with the vibrant cultures that make Hawaii so special.

The Island Breeze Luau is more than a show – it’s a window into the soul of the islands.

Dining Experience

Although the reviews on the dining experience at the Island Breeze Luau are a bit mixed, we’re eager to sample the Hawaiian-style buffet that promises 22 different dishes. The open bar includes standard drinks, beer, wine, mai tais, fruit punch, and soft drinks – perfect for pairing with our meal. Let’s see what the experience has to offer:

Pros	Cons
Wide variety of dishes	Some find the food bland or underwhelming
Options for dietary needs (GF available)	Pricing concerns (e.g., extra charges for lei)
Opportunity to try traditional Hawaiian cuisine	Inconsistent food quality based on reviews
Included beverages	–

Regardless of the mixed reviews, we’re looking forward to immersing ourselves in the local flavors and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Island Breeze Luau.

Open Bar and Beverages

The open bar at the Island Breeze Luau provides us with a variety of standard drinks, beer, wine, mai tais, fruit punch, and soft drinks.

Whether we prefer a classic cocktail, a tropical libation, or a non-alcoholic refreshment, the open bar has us covered.

The mai tais, in particular, seem to be a crowd favorite, blending Hawaiian rum with citrus and pineapple flavors.

With unlimited refills, we can indulge in as many drinks as we desire throughout the evening’s festivities.

The open bar complements the Hawaiian-style buffet nicely, enhancing the overall luau experience.

Accessibility and Logistics

As the venue for the Island Breeze Luau, the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona is both wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing us to fully participate in the event regardless of our mobility needs.

Service animals are also welcome. The luau is within walking distance of many accommodations, but the venue also offers hotel pickup and drop-off for those who need it.

Here are a few key logistics to keep in mind:

1. The luau starts at 5:30 PM and lasts 2-3 hours.
2. The maximum capacity is 400 travelers.
3. Parking is available on-site.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Overall, customer feedback on the Island Breeze Luau has been mixed.

While many praised the welcoming staff, engaging entertainment, and enjoyable atmosphere, others had concerns about the food quality. Some guests felt the cuisine was inconsistent, with some dishes lacking authenticity. There were also a few complaints about extra charges, like for the leis.

However, the majority of reviewers seemed to enjoy the cultural experience, with the Polynesian dances, chants, and stories being a highlight.

Booking and Reservation Details

Booking the Island Breeze Luau is a fairly simple process. You can reserve your spot online or by phone. The luau sells out quickly, so we recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Here’s what you need to know about booking:

1. Pricing varies based on age, with children’s tickets being more affordable.

2. You can add on extras like leis, photos, and transportation to and from your hotel.

3. Check the cancellation policy, as some fees may apply if you need to change or cancel your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Unfortunately, we can’t bring our own food and drinks to this luau. The event has an all-inclusive buffet and open bar, so outside items aren’t allowed. But the variety of Hawaiian cuisine and beverages is part of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Event?

We generally don’t need to dress up for the event – casual and comfortable attire is perfectly fine. Just be sure to wear something that allows you to move and enjoy the entertainment without any constraints.

How Late Does the Event Run Into the Night?

According to the overview, the Island Breeze Luau runs for 2 to 3 hours, starting at 5:30 PM. So we can expect the event to wrap up around 8:30 or 9:00 in the evening.

Are There Any Special Packages or Discounts Available?

We found that the Island Breeze Luau offers several special packages, including discounts for kids, combo deals with other activities, and VIP seating options. You’ll want to check their website or call ahead to see what deals are currently available.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Performances?

Yes, you can take photos and videos during the performances at the luau. Most guests find the shows to be great photo opportunities, so feel free to snap away and capture the entertainment throughout the evening.

The Sum Up

The Island Breeze Luau offers an immersive cultural experience on the Big Island of Hawaii. With traditional dances, a bountiful Hawaiian-style buffet, and an open bar, it’s a fantastic way to connect with the vibrant heritage of the islands. The convenient location, accessible logistics, and stellar customer feedback make this luau a must-do for any visitor to the Big Island.