Auli’i Luau

Question

I will be traveling to Kauai with my sister who has never been to Hawaii and thought we’d enjoy a luau on our last night. We are staying in Poipu and will be limited to that area for the evening. I see that the Grand Hyatt has less than stellar reviews and think we’d prefer the Auli’i at the Sheraton. I’ve been to the Old Lāhainā Luau on Maui a few years ago and am not expecting it to be as good, but wondering if the Auli’i is decent? For those of you who went and enjoyed it is the premier seating worth paying extra? TIA!

Answer

The Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton in Poipu is generally considered one of the better options on Kauai, especially for visitors staying in the south shore area. It offers a scenic beachfront setting with views of the ocean, which adds a nice ambiance compared to some of the other resort luaus.

In terms of entertainment, the show focuses on traditional Hawaiian music, hula, and storytelling. While it may not be as extensive as the Old Lāhainā Luau on Maui, many guests find it enjoyable and a good introduction to Hawaiian culture, particularly if you’ve never been to Kauai before.

Regarding seating, the luau offers standard seating and premier seating options. Premier seating typically places you closer to the performance area and often includes slightly better views and sometimes more space or table service enhancements. Whether it’s worth the upgrade depends on how much you value being close to the performers and having an unobstructed view:

If you enjoy seeing the dancers and musicians up close and want a more immersive experience, premier seating can be worth it.
If you’re more focused on the food and the overall atmosphere and don’t mind being a little farther from the stage, standard seating is usually sufficient.
Both seating options generally have the same menu and quality of food, so the main difference is proximity and view.

Other tips for attending:

Book in advance, especially if your visit falls on a weekend or holiday, as luaus can fill up quickly.
Arrive early to enjoy the pre-show activities and photo opportunities with Hawaiian crafts or lei-making demonstrations.
Consider bringing a light jacket or shawl as evenings on the beach can get breezy.

Overall, the Auli’i Luau is considered a solid choice for visitors staying in Poipu, offering a pleasant combination of scenery, food, and cultural entertainment, and premier seating enhances the experience if being close to the action is important to you.

Auli’i Luau

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