Alaka'i Aloha Big Island logo
← Back to Feast & Fire Luau, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa profile

Feast & Fire Luau, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa - Deep Research Report

Deep Research Report

Last updated: April 23, 2026

What it is

The Feast & Fire Luau is a cultural dinner show hosted at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, set on 22 oceanfront acres overlooking Keauhou Bay on the Big Island. It offers an immersive experience celebrating Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions through food, music, dance, and storytelling. The luau specifically pays homage to the Polynesians who first landed in Hawaiʻi and the legends and history of the Ali'i (chiefs) who once inhabited the area. The performances feature an award-winning cast of dancers, musicians, and artists, including the famed Lim Family of Kohala, known for their deep Hawaiian lineage.

Visitor experience

Guests at the Feast & Fire Luau can expect an evening that blends cultural education with entertainment and dining. The experience typically begins with a check-in followed by access to an Artisan Village. Here, visitors can engage in pre-show activities like lei making, poi pounding demonstrations, and ʻohe kapala (bamboo stamping). There are also opportunities for hula lessons and Hawaiian storytelling. As the sun sets over Keauhou Bay, the evening transitions to a torch lighting ceremony and a welcome with the sound of a conch shell.

Dinner is a generous buffet featuring Hawaiian island cuisine, including slow-cooked Kalua pork, fresh local catch, lomi salmon, kalbi beef, a poke bar, crispy coconut sweet potatoes, and steamed rice. Desserts often include malasadas, pineapple upside-down cake, Kona coffee chocolate cake, and haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). An open bar offers cocktails, wine, beer, and signature Mai Tais throughout the event. The highlight is the main entertainment show, a dynamic performance featuring traditional dance (including hula), live theater, music, and Polynesian fire performances. Photo opportunities with the performers are usually available after the show.

Logistics

  • Area and Access: The luau is located at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa at 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, within the Kailua-Kona area.
  • Reservations: Pre-booking tickets is highly recommended due to the event's popularity.
  • Timing: The luau is held every Monday and Thursday. Check-in generally starts between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, with pre-show activities, dinner service, and the main show following sequentially. The entire experience typically lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Parking: Paid self-parking is available, with an optional fee of $10 per car specifically for luau attendees. The resort also has daily self-parking fees ($25) and valet fees ($35) for hotel guests, which may differ for luau-only visitors.
  • Permits/Restrictions: No outside food or beverages are allowed into the luau.
  • Duration & Itinerary Fit: This is an anchor evening activity, typically running from late afternoon into the night.
  • Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, including transportation options, and all areas and surfaces are designed to be accessible. Strollers and service animals are permitted, and specialized infant seats are available.
  • Dietary Needs: Vegetarian/vegan main dish options are available with 24-hour advance notice.

Safety and cautions

  • Cancellation Policy: A full refund is typically available if cancellation occurs at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity time.
  • Resort Renovations: As of a past advisory (through April 30, 2024), the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa was undergoing revitalization efforts, though all guest services and activities, including the luau, were stated to be operational. This information may be outdated and should be verified for the current status.

Editorial take

The Feast & Fire Luau at the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a culturally rich and engaging luau experience on the Big Island. Its emphasis on Hawaiian history, particularly the Ali'i, and the involvement of the Lim Family of Kohala, provide an authentic connection to the island's heritage. The pre-show cultural activities offer a more interactive and educational component compared to some other luaus. Visitors looking for a more relaxed and perhaps less crowded atmosphere to truly absorb the cultural heritage may appreciate this luau.

It's an ideal choice for families, couples, and groups interested in a comprehensive evening of Hawaiian culture, food, and entertainment. Those who prioritize a strong historical narrative and interactive elements over just a dinner and show might find this particularly appealing. Travelers primarily seeking a lively party atmosphere or a strict "traditional imu ceremony" (which is not always featured in modern luaus, but rather the slow-cooked pork is prepared in an oven) might consider researching other options. It should not be confused with other luaus on the Big Island, such as the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort or the Sunset Luau at Waikoloa Beach Marriott, as each offers a distinct experience.

Source notes

Alaka'i Aloha Logo

Ready to see the highlights?

View the main activity profile for Feast & Fire Luau, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa