Honolulu is a fantastic place for food lovers who want more than just a plate of poke. Here, buffet experiences often come with live entertainment, stunning ocean views, and authentic Hawaiian flavors. We particularly enjoy the Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show for its spectacular performances, and the Oahu snorkeling cruise for combining marine adventures with all-you-can-eat Hawaiian dishes. Whether you’re after an energetic show, a relaxing sunset cruise, or a family-friendly luau, Honolulu offers options that satisfy both your appetite and your desire for entertainment.
What makes these experiences stand out? Many combine delicious local cuisine with cultural performances, making them ideal for travelers wanting to soak up Hawaiian traditions while enjoying a hearty meal. Some tours even include interactive elements or snorkeling adventures, turning a simple dinner into a memorable outing. If you’re planning your trip, reading through these choices can help you pick the perfect buffet experience for your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
Below, we’ve listed four of the best buffet experiences in Honolulu, each with its own charm. From the lively Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show with buffet to the sunset dinner cruise and luau with traditional food and dance, these options cover a range of tastes and interests. All of them highlight authentic Hawaiian cuisine and lively entertainment—perfect for making your visit memorable.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each experience.
1. Waikiki: Rock-A-Hula Show Ticket and Buffet Option
At number 1 on our list, the Waikiki: Rock-A-Hula Show Ticket and Buffet offers a true taste of Hawaii’s entertainment scene combined with a satisfying buffet. Priced at $86 per person, this experience lasts between 1.5 and 4 hours, making it flexible for different schedules. The show takes place in the Royal Hawaiian Theater, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular live performance featuring hula, fire-knife dancing, and live music that traces Hawaii’s evolution from the 1920s to today.
The buffet is an excellent addition, giving you a chance to sample local Hawaiian dishes while you enjoy the show. The performance itself is a major highlight, with dynamic dancers and musicians that showcase Hawaiian culture in an energetic, engaging way. The reviews, with a 4.7/5 rating from 27 travelers, praise the high-quality entertainment and authentic food. The show’s blend of history, music, and dance makes it perfect for those wanting a lively, culturally rich night out.
Bottom line: This experience offers great value for a full evening of entertainment and food in Waikiki, especially if you love vibrant performances and Hawaiian cuisine.
2. Oahu: Snorkeling & Dolphin Watch Cruise w/ Luau Style Buffet
Second on our list is the Oahu: Snorkeling & Dolphin Watch Cruise with Luau Style Buffet. Priced at $171 per person, it provides a full afternoon adventure combining marine exploration with a flavorful buffet. The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3.5 hours and departs from the Wai’anae coast, a pristine area known for its clear waters. The highlight is snorkeling alongside turtles and vibrant fish in O’ahu’s calm waters, with the chance to see dolphins and whales — the tour guarantees sightings, which is a big plus.
This cruise isn’t just about the marine life; it’s also about enjoying a gourmet Hawaiian buffet with tropical drinks, all while soaking in breathtaking ocean views. The fully narrated tour offers insights into Hawaii’s natural environment and culture, with commentary available in both English and Japanese. With a 4.8/5 rating from 10 reviews, visitors appreciate the professional crew, the quality of the food, and the chance to combine outdoor adventure with a delicious meal.
Bottom line: This trip is perfect if you want a full-day marine adventure paired with a relaxing, all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet, especially for families or couples interested in wildlife.
3. Honolulu: Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show
Third on our list is the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show, a two-hour cruise that combines dinner, drinks, and entertainment. Priced at $128 per person, it’s a great choice for those wanting a romantic or scenic evening. Departing from Honolulu, the cruise offers stunning sunset views over Oahu’s coast, while you indulge in a Pacific Rim buffet featuring items like roasted beef and traditional island dishes.
The live Polynesian show, with hula dancers and music, adds a lively cultural element. You can sip a Mai Tai and enjoy the dusk skies as the crew sets a relaxed, festive atmosphere. With a 4.2/5 rating from 34 reviews, most travelers find this tour to be a relaxing way to see the coast and enjoy good food at the same time. Some mention that the views and ambiance make it worth the price, even if the food is a standard cruise buffet.
Bottom line: This experience is best suited for couples or anyone wanting a memorable sunset dinner with entertainment and scenic views in a manageable time frame.
4. Waikiki: Luau and Buffet w/ optional Rock-A-Hula Show
Finally, the Waikiki: Luau and Buffet with optional Rock-A-Hula Show offers a family-friendly Hawaiian celebration. Priced at $101 per person, this experience lasts from 1.5 to 4 hours and includes a traditional luau feast featuring roasted pig and local specialties. The live hula show presents authentic Hawaiian music and dance, providing a lively, festive atmosphere suitable for all ages.
Guests can choose to add the Rock-a-Hula show afterward, which is known for its energetic performances and storytelling. With a 4.7/5 rating from only 7 reviews, it’s relatively new but highly regarded for its authenticity and family appeal. The buffet is comprehensive, and the entertainment is lively, making it a great option for travelers wanting a traditional Hawaiian experience without the complexity of a full cruise or evening show.
Bottom line: This luau is ideal for families, casual visitors, and anyone wanting a fun, approachable introduction to Hawaiian culture paired with a hearty buffet.
How to Choose
When selecting the best buffet experience in Honolulu, consider your budget, timing, and interests. If you’re after a full evening of entertainment and authentic food, the Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show is hard to beat. For those who love marine life and outdoor adventure, the snorkeling cruise with buffet delivers both.
If a scenic sunset dinner appeals, the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show offers a relaxed, romantic option. Meanwhile, families or visitors seeking a traditional Hawaiian luau with lively dance and food might prefer the Waikiki luau with optional Rock-a-Hula.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak holidays or summer months. Think about what fits your schedule and style — whether it’s a lively show, outdoor marine adventure, or cultural celebration — and you’ll find a buffet experience that makes your Honolulu trip unforgettable.
Honolulu’s buffet options are as diverse as the island itself, offering everything from high-energy shows to tranquil sunset cruises. For a night full of Hawaiian flavor and entertainment, these four choices provide excellent starting points. Whether you prefer a quick, lively show or a leisurely dinner with scenic views, you’ll find an experience that suits your taste and budget — just remember to book early!