The Luau Ka Hikina is a fantastic luau experience that takes place at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach resort on the Garden Isle. The resort has built a special covered stage and dining area in what feels like a large tiki house atop a small hill overlooking the ocean. This beautiful event pavilion is called the Halau Hookipa and its setting alone gives the Luau Ka Hikina an advantage over other luaus on the island, but it’s just the start of what makes this one such a popular and fantastic experience.
Upon arriving, friendly staff members will welcome you with mai tais for those who drink and tropical juices for those wanting a fruity non-alcoholic drink. You’ll also be given painted kukri nut leis to further get you in the festive mood and then shown your seats — but you don’t have to stay seated! There’s a lot going on at the Luau Ka Hikina in those early hours and so we do recommend going early.
Pre-show activities at the Luau Ka Hikina include both active and passive ones. In other words, things you can experience yourself as well as watch and enjoy. For example, there are typically a dozen pairs of poi balls lying out on the soft grasses next to the Halau Hookipa pavilion. Poi balls originated from the Maori people of New Zealand and they provide a delightful rhythmic activity when swung just so. Guests are encouraged to follow a guide and learn how to experiment with them. Other pre-show activities include drumming with traditionally-built Tahitian drums and browsing vendor booths where you can purchase souvenirs like silk flower necklaces and hair ties.
Event staff will open up the dinner buffet just before the show, and this is a luau you want to come hungry to. Food is served as a massive buffet with a ton of traditional Hawaiian foods, as well as some more American fare for those pickier eaters of your group. Examples of food you can expect to see at the Luau Ka Hikina buffet include kalua pork, steamed and grilled fish, Hawaiian macaroni salad, island sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, chicken, rolls, and much more. There’s also a special dessert table when you’re ready to finish your meal with a sweet touch.
Finally, it’s time for the show. One of the unique things about the Luau Ka Hikina is that it is directed by an award-winning kumu hula, also known as a hula master. Under her direction, this luau show has garnered quite the attention for its fantastic choreography. The show itself will start with an attention-grabbing torch lighting and then dancers quickly transition into the hula hakino dance performances. The show overall highlights Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, showcasing beautiful dances, stunning acrobatics, and wonderful music.
When it comes to Kauai luaus, there are a lot of fantastic choices out there. Each luau boasts something special, What might draw you to Luau Ka Hikina over other options on the island is the greater focus on traditional hula dancing as well as their offering a more intimate experience within their event pavilion.
Insider Tips:
-Note that while the buffet is big and will certainly fill you up, do not go expecting to be fed as soon as you arrive. This show takes place twice a week with doors opening at 5, but the buffet not opening until closer to 6:30. So, while we do recommend being hungry for the meal, don’t fast all day!
-This resort is located at the end of Lae Nani Beach, which is one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re not staying at the Sheraton or are otherwise on the other side of the island, we recommend planning for a whole-day adventure on this shoreline if you have the Luau Ka Hikina as your evening entertainment. You’ll have this beach to explore, the Wailua River State Park just on the other side of the bridge, and so much more.