If your going to choose a LUAU Germaine's is the one to Book. I called Germaine's directly to book our Hibiscus tickets and Sherry was very helpful. She booked it for me and emailed me my confirmation. My kids have peanut and tree-nut, seafood allergies and she was very good with putting it on our reservation. From the time we were picked up from the hotel to the time we arrived back at our hotel the whole thing was a great experience. Captain Chris was our bus driver and cousin Shane was our bus guide. The trip from Waikiki to Germaine's was maybe about a 30 min drive but it felt like way less because Shane kept us entertained and gave us informative information along the way (we went on a Sunday evening when there is less traffic) When we got off the bus and arrive at the luau we took a family picture which we had the option to purchase on our return trip for $20 bucks along with a informative booklet about Germaine's Luau. We booked the Hibiscus package which is the middle package that they offer. It came with closer seating and 3 alcoholic drink tickets along with unlimited non alcoholic beverages. If your unsure which package to book go with what ever price works best the seating is great from all tables and you will get the experience that you came for. They have lots of audience participation which is great. I enjoyed the food my kids not so much. (we went for the experience more than the food) The pork was delicious in my opinion. It all you can eat which is a PLUS. The entertainment was great and very authentic. The show was just the right amount of time not too long and not too short. There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures and they have a gift shop if you want to purchase souvenirs.
Rosie S.
Lousy with Mosquitoes come fully dressed and bring bug spray. The performances were absolutely beautiful but I couldn't enjoy any of it as I was attacked by mosqitos. The bar was also a joke. We were told the adults get one complimentary drink however they still charge and extra 5$ for certain drinks. I also felt that we were rushed through the whole thing, we got our food and didnt have any time to eat it as they started asking for people to come up on stage and wanted everyone to participate in their conversations, fun but we should've been given some time to eat. Overall the only thing I enjoyed was the dances but just because they lied about the drinks and didn't have any torches to keep the mosquitos away or did anything at all about that I have to give 2 stars. I really wish they cared more about the customers.
Giovonni H.
Loved this place. The workers treat you like family, and everyone was in a good mood. Only realistic problem is that when the sun sets, mosquitos bite like crazy, and theyll charge you for spray. Besides that it was perfect. Oh yeah food was excellent too! Definitely worth experiencing.
Susie G.
We had mix reviews about booking this after some bad reviews but so glad we did. We didn't know what to expect for being our first luau but it was great. The entire staff was friendly and there was entertainment since the minute we got seated, the food was delicious as the show was good too. The only down fall was that it was a far with lots and lots of traffic from our hotel in Waikiki. Other than that we enjoyed it
Florencio M.
Overall We had a great time with the family. Tons of comedy and The staff really made everyone feel like family. The buffet was great too. The only downside was the trip to get there. Roughly about $110 from Waikiki.
Chad D.
My wife and I were looking for a Luau in Hawaii to take the kids to and one of my friends who had been to Germaine's a couple times recommended it to me. It was fantastic, wife and kids absolutely loved it. Also, got some GREAT family pictures on the beach at sunset before it started. Get there as soon as you are allowed in to enjoy the views and get a good table. The pork was the best part of the meal, the rest of the food is good but its family style buffet. Dont expect white cloth, gourmet, thats not what its about. Its about the entertainment and a good night out. We drove in, since we had a rental car and that helped us get there just before the busses, which we would do again. It is kind of expensive but its worth it and having been to the Polynesian cultural center years ago, i'd go back to Germaine's first. Good job guys! PS. My 6 year old son couldn't contain himself with the fire act, super exciting!
Greg B.
So much fun! We struggled with which Luau to attend while visiting Oahu. So glad we landed on Germaine's. It was a great night with lots of fun music, food, drink and people (cousins). Buy the souvenir glasses if your planning on have adult beverages! Worth it!
Snuf L.
Germaine's was a great way to first experience a Luau, bu it may not be a repeat experience for you. It's a vary commercial feeling experience. We booked the standard package and because the Luau was only about 300 people, our seats were very good. But in looking around, most the seats seemed like they were good, with the exception of a few far side tables that didn't give a good view of the stage. So you may not need to upgrade that package to ensure you have good seats, just be early and the self seating of the standard package will still place you in a great spot. The food was good and the pig was delicious. The entertainment was good as well, but a show that told a story might have been more attention keeping. They may have been telling a story, but during the performance, the MC was drowned out by the music. The drinks were cheap, $5 for the bottom shelf stuff, but frankly, they seemed really weak. My wife did the Germaine's Punch, but that didn't seem any stronger. We did get the souvenir cups from the gift shop to get the taller drinks, so that made the $5 seem like a good deal. The cups they provided were tiny, three sips and it's gone cups, so definitely get the souvenir cups. The picture package was $20 for two photos and a booklet about Germaine's. Not too bad considering how much other attractions charged for their photos. We did the bus transportation out there and it was way cheaper than a cab or Uber would have been from Waikiki. The Uber was in the $55 range in each direction and the bus for two of us was only $40 round trip. Overall it was a fun experience, but I'm hard pressed to say it was worth the $200 we paid. Do it once, but explore other Luaus on repeat trips.
Started as a great evening with super friendly hosts. It was NOT a busy night - only 2 tables of priority seating were being used. It was great they brought people on stage to learn a little, but when my husband moved forward one table to snap a couple pictures of me he was booted from the table and then walked in front of him to kick a gal off a table SHE PAID TO BE AT. So much for an "Ohana" environment. Also we were ill the next day from the food. Not impressive after having spent $170 to get in the door, $22 for novelty cups for larger drinks, almost $50 in top of what we paid already for drinks (2 each) and then the surprise $20 at the end for the photos. Won't be recommending this one to friends and family.
Amy R.
Let me start by saying Germaine's definitely live it to its name of "backyard style" luau. It's a great luau to hang out with friends or family and grab a seat at one of their picnic tables and a few drinks from the bar. Compare to other luaus in Oahu there is not much else to do here, but the food, staff, and performance make up for it . They have a small gift shop and soft drinks, tea, coffee , and water is all complimentary. You can take a picture when you first enter. I wasn't loving the location , it's in the industrial part of Kapolei. Beachfront property but you can't put your feet in the water there were cones and rope near the edge . However with all that said I enjoyed myself and had fun. The food for one is amazing ! Once everyone goes through once you can go up for more if you desire ( I sure did). The staff is amazing and exhibit that aloha welcome . I felt like apart of their family. They were all so kind and welcoming. More than one person offer to help me at the buffet seeing that I was serving myself and my 4 yr old daughter . The performances were awesome as well. And interactive, twice inviting people on stage (first time males, second females ). It's smaller than other places like paradise cove, but I think that's part of their charm. If you're vegetarian I know they have a vegetarian option, just have to notify them in advance. Parking is free and if it rains I know they offer ponchos. If you're celebrating anniversary, birthday , honeymoon , etc . Let them know they will do a shout out . They also do a raffle and pick three winners ! ( I didn't win so I don't know what they get but I did see them get gift bags !) Gates open at 515 things don't really start until around 630( buffet starts at this time , performance started a little before ) .
Abe I.
Avoid. I have never felt so compelled to write a review. The most entertaining thing about this place is reading all of the yelp reviews that agree with my assessment. They charge you $88 for 3 hours of back pain, mediocre cafeteria food, a less than entertaining show, and one quickly made tiny cocktail. Probably the most egregious tourist trap I've ever had the misfortune of participating in. Your kids will be bored, your family/friends will hate you, and you won't even be offered enough liquor to numb the dullness that is this absolutely egregious waste of time and money.
Tina M.
Had a wonderful time at this Luau! It is filled with family entertainment and Aloha! It is on a beautiful beach with the ocean as a backdrop. Perfect spot to watch the sunset before you enjoy the meal and performances. Perks-Parking is free onsite, great food, vegetarian meal available when requested (tofu and veggies), great location, they offer bus ride to/from your hotel), free drink with your entry ticket. They prepare the Imu like most Luau's in the ground, and then take it out and show everyone. You are then welcomed to dine, it is a buffet style. The staff will call your table. The show is amazing and features all the Polynesian countries and dancing! The fire dance is awesome as well! I had such a great time!!
Arnel D.
Buy the most expensive package! You can thank me later. A beautiful venue and super friendly staff. The attention to detail on costmes and decor is noticeable. My wife and I enjoyed our time here during our Honeymoon. The food and drink were excellent! The performers were very talented and amazingly good looking! We plan on making a return visit again when we visit the Island. Aloha and Mahalo!
Good service??? now they have Dry Ice for sale!!!
Not sure there is anything to share
If your going to choose a LUAU Germaine's is the one to Book. I called Germaine's directly to book our Hibiscus tickets and Sherry was very helpful. She booked it for me and emailed me my confirmation. My kids have peanut and tree-nut, seafood allergies and she was very good with putting it on our reservation. From the time we were picked up from the hotel to the time we arrived back at our hotel the whole thing was a great experience. Captain Chris was our bus driver and cousin Shane was our bus guide. The trip from Waikiki to Germaine's was maybe about a 30 min drive but it felt like way less because Shane kept us entertained and gave us informative information along the way (we went on a Sunday evening when there is less traffic) When we got off the bus and arrive at the luau we took a family picture which we had the option to purchase on our return trip for $20 bucks along with a informative booklet about Germaine's Luau. We booked the Hibiscus package which is the middle package that they offer. It came with closer seating and 3 alcoholic drink tickets along with unlimited non alcoholic beverages. If your unsure which package to book go with what ever price works best the seating is great from all tables and you will get the experience that you came for. They have lots of audience participation which is great. I enjoyed the food my kids not so much. (we went for the experience more than the food) The pork was delicious in my opinion. It all you can eat which is a PLUS. The entertainment was great and very authentic. The show was just the right amount of time not too long and not too short. There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures and they have a gift shop if you want to purchase souvenirs.
Lousy with Mosquitoes come fully dressed and bring bug spray. The performances were absolutely beautiful but I couldn't enjoy any of it as I was attacked by mosqitos. The bar was also a joke. We were told the adults get one complimentary drink however they still charge and extra 5$ for certain drinks. I also felt that we were rushed through the whole thing, we got our food and didnt have any time to eat it as they started asking for people to come up on stage and wanted everyone to participate in their conversations, fun but we should've been given some time to eat. Overall the only thing I enjoyed was the dances but just because they lied about the drinks and didn't have any torches to keep the mosquitos away or did anything at all about that I have to give 2 stars. I really wish they cared more about the customers.
Loved this place. The workers treat you like family, and everyone was in a good mood. Only realistic problem is that when the sun sets, mosquitos bite like crazy, and theyll charge you for spray. Besides that it was perfect. Oh yeah food was excellent too! Definitely worth experiencing.
We had mix reviews about booking this after some bad reviews but so glad we did. We didn't know what to expect for being our first luau but it was great. The entire staff was friendly and there was entertainment since the minute we got seated, the food was delicious as the show was good too. The only down fall was that it was a far with lots and lots of traffic from our hotel in Waikiki. Other than that we enjoyed it
Overall We had a great time with the family. Tons of comedy and The staff really made everyone feel like family. The buffet was great too. The only downside was the trip to get there. Roughly about $110 from Waikiki.
My wife and I were looking for a Luau in Hawaii to take the kids to and one of my friends who had been to Germaine's a couple times recommended it to me. It was fantastic, wife and kids absolutely loved it. Also, got some GREAT family pictures on the beach at sunset before it started. Get there as soon as you are allowed in to enjoy the views and get a good table. The pork was the best part of the meal, the rest of the food is good but its family style buffet. Dont expect white cloth, gourmet, thats not what its about. Its about the entertainment and a good night out. We drove in, since we had a rental car and that helped us get there just before the busses, which we would do again. It is kind of expensive but its worth it and having been to the Polynesian cultural center years ago, i'd go back to Germaine's first. Good job guys! PS. My 6 year old son couldn't contain himself with the fire act, super exciting!
So much fun! We struggled with which Luau to attend while visiting Oahu. So glad we landed on Germaine's. It was a great night with lots of fun music, food, drink and people (cousins). Buy the souvenir glasses if your planning on have adult beverages! Worth it!
Germaine's was a great way to first experience a Luau, bu it may not be a repeat experience for you. It's a vary commercial feeling experience. We booked the standard package and because the Luau was only about 300 people, our seats were very good. But in looking around, most the seats seemed like they were good, with the exception of a few far side tables that didn't give a good view of the stage. So you may not need to upgrade that package to ensure you have good seats, just be early and the self seating of the standard package will still place you in a great spot. The food was good and the pig was delicious. The entertainment was good as well, but a show that told a story might have been more attention keeping. They may have been telling a story, but during the performance, the MC was drowned out by the music. The drinks were cheap, $5 for the bottom shelf stuff, but frankly, they seemed really weak. My wife did the Germaine's Punch, but that didn't seem any stronger. We did get the souvenir cups from the gift shop to get the taller drinks, so that made the $5 seem like a good deal. The cups they provided were tiny, three sips and it's gone cups, so definitely get the souvenir cups. The picture package was $20 for two photos and a booklet about Germaine's. Not too bad considering how much other attractions charged for their photos. We did the bus transportation out there and it was way cheaper than a cab or Uber would have been from Waikiki. The Uber was in the $55 range in each direction and the bus for two of us was only $40 round trip. Overall it was a fun experience, but I'm hard pressed to say it was worth the $200 we paid. Do it once, but explore other Luaus on repeat trips.
Restaurantji Recommends
Started as a great evening with super friendly hosts. It was NOT a busy night - only 2 tables of priority seating were being used. It was great they brought people on stage to learn a little, but when my husband moved forward one table to snap a couple pictures of me he was booted from the table and then walked in front of him to kick a gal off a table SHE PAID TO BE AT. So much for an "Ohana" environment. Also we were ill the next day from the food. Not impressive after having spent $170 to get in the door, $22 for novelty cups for larger drinks, almost $50 in top of what we paid already for drinks (2 each) and then the surprise $20 at the end for the photos. Won't be recommending this one to friends and family.
Let me start by saying Germaine's definitely live it to its name of "backyard style" luau. It's a great luau to hang out with friends or family and grab a seat at one of their picnic tables and a few drinks from the bar. Compare to other luaus in Oahu there is not much else to do here, but the food, staff, and performance make up for it . They have a small gift shop and soft drinks, tea, coffee , and water is all complimentary. You can take a picture when you first enter. I wasn't loving the location , it's in the industrial part of Kapolei. Beachfront property but you can't put your feet in the water there were cones and rope near the edge . However with all that said I enjoyed myself and had fun. The food for one is amazing ! Once everyone goes through once you can go up for more if you desire ( I sure did). The staff is amazing and exhibit that aloha welcome . I felt like apart of their family. They were all so kind and welcoming. More than one person offer to help me at the buffet seeing that I was serving myself and my 4 yr old daughter . The performances were awesome as well. And interactive, twice inviting people on stage (first time males, second females ). It's smaller than other places like paradise cove, but I think that's part of their charm. If you're vegetarian I know they have a vegetarian option, just have to notify them in advance. Parking is free and if it rains I know they offer ponchos. If you're celebrating anniversary, birthday , honeymoon , etc . Let them know they will do a shout out . They also do a raffle and pick three winners ! ( I didn't win so I don't know what they get but I did see them get gift bags !) Gates open at 515 things don't really start until around 630( buffet starts at this time , performance started a little before ) .
Avoid. I have never felt so compelled to write a review. The most entertaining thing about this place is reading all of the yelp reviews that agree with my assessment. They charge you $88 for 3 hours of back pain, mediocre cafeteria food, a less than entertaining show, and one quickly made tiny cocktail. Probably the most egregious tourist trap I've ever had the misfortune of participating in. Your kids will be bored, your family/friends will hate you, and you won't even be offered enough liquor to numb the dullness that is this absolutely egregious waste of time and money.
Had a wonderful time at this Luau! It is filled with family entertainment and Aloha! It is on a beautiful beach with the ocean as a backdrop. Perfect spot to watch the sunset before you enjoy the meal and performances. Perks-Parking is free onsite, great food, vegetarian meal available when requested (tofu and veggies), great location, they offer bus ride to/from your hotel), free drink with your entry ticket. They prepare the Imu like most Luau's in the ground, and then take it out and show everyone. You are then welcomed to dine, it is a buffet style. The staff will call your table. The show is amazing and features all the Polynesian countries and dancing! The fire dance is awesome as well! I had such a great time!!
Buy the most expensive package! You can thank me later. A beautiful venue and super friendly staff. The attention to detail on costmes and decor is noticeable. My wife and I enjoyed our time here during our Honeymoon. The food and drink were excellent! The performers were very talented and amazingly good looking! We plan on making a return visit again when we visit the Island. Aloha and Mahalo!