Waikiki: Rock-A-Hula Show Ticket and Buffet Option

Experience the Best of Hawaiian Entertainment at the Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show

If you’re looking for an evening of authentic Hawaiian entertainment combined with lively music, captivating dance, and delicious food, the Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show offers a memorable experience. This show, held in the Royal Hawaiian Theater, costs around $86 per person, lasts from 1.5 to 4 hours, and features some of the island’s most talented performers. The event includes live music, traditional hula, Tahitian dance, and fire-knife performances, all woven into a storyline that celebrates Hawaii’s past and present.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances spectacle with cultural storytelling — the performers do a fantastic job of blending entertainment with education, making it ideal for those wanting a deeper connection to Hawaiian traditions. The option to include a Hawaiian buffet elevates the evening, offering a generous spread of local dishes. Another highlight is the friendly cast and the opportunity to meet them after the show for photos, which adds a personal touch that many other shows don’t offer.

A possible consideration is that the show duration can vary quite a bit — from shorter 1.5-hour shows to longer 4-hour evenings, depending on whether you opt for just the ticket or the buffet and show combo. Also, drinks are not included in the ticket price, so plan to purchase cocktails if you wish to toast the evening.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a fun, lively, and culturally rich night out. It’s perfect for couples, families, and anyone interested in Hawaiian music and dance, especially if you enjoy interactive experiences and meeting performers afterward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Hawaiian Culture: The show features traditional hula, Tahitian, and fire-knife dancing, showcasing the island’s vibrant performing arts.
• Great Value: For around $86, you get a full evening of entertainment, with the optional buffet making it a complete, affordable package.
• Family-Friendly: The show’s lively atmosphere and engaging performances appeal to both adults and children.
• Meet the Cast: After the show, you can interact with performers and take photos, adding a personal touch.
• Flexible Options: You can choose just the show or add the upscale buffet, making it adaptable to your interests and budget.
• Accessible and Well-Organized: The event is wheelchair accessible, and the booking process is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

A Detailed Look at the Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show Experience

Location and Setting

Held in the state-of-the-art Royal Hawaiian Theater, this venue offers comfortable seating for approximately 750 guests, with a modern setup that enhances the visual and audio experience. The theater’s design ensures good sightlines and a lively atmosphere, making you feel part of the action rather than a distant spectator.

What’s Included in Your Ticket

• General seating at the show, allowing you to enjoy the performance without the worry of assigned seats.
• Up-close interaction with performers after the performance, for photos and to get insights directly from the artists.
• The biggest Hawaiian show in Waikiki, ensuring a comprehensive cultural experience.

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The Show Itself

The performance begins with a warm welcome and soothing Hawaiian music, gently setting the mood. If you opt for the buffet, you’ll be ushered into an elegant dining area where a varied, all-you-can-eat Hawaiian feast awaits. Dishes include traditional favorites like roasted luau pig, prime roast beef, lomilomi salmon, hulihuli chicken, tofu poke, and more. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available, showing the organizers’ attention to dietary needs. The buffet also features desserts, taro rolls, Kona coffee, and tea, providing a taste of local flavors.

Once seated in the theater, the performance kicks off with live music and traditional Hawaiian dance, highlighting the evolution of Hawaiian music from the 1920s to today. You’ll see hula, Tahitian dance, and fire-knife acts that dazzle with their skill and daring. The show also features tribute performances of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, offering a fun twist that appeals to a broad audience.

Why the Show Stands Out

From reviews, it’s clear that the talented cast consistently impresses visitors. “Super show,” one reviewer from Poland exclaimed, while another from Germany appreciated the excellent voices and dances of Elvis and Jackson. The show’s ability to blend traditional and pop culture in a seamless, energetic way is a major draw.

Dining Experience

The buffet’s upscale Hawaiian fare is more than just sustenance; it’s a showcase of local flavors. The roasted luau pig is tender and flavorful, while the lomilomi salmon and hulihuli chicken offer authentic tastes. The availability of vegan and vegetarian options ensures everyone can indulge. Desserts and drinks round out the experience, making the dinner a highlight rather than an afterthought.

Meeting the Performers

Post-show, many attendees enjoy meeting the cast. This personal interaction is a rare feature that adds value, allowing you to learn more about the performances and take memorable photos. It’s one of the reasons reviews consistently highlight how friendly and approachable the performers are.

The Duration and Flexibility

The entire experience lasts between 1.5 and 4 hours, depending on your choice of show-only or buffet options. We appreciate the flexibility here — you can plan your evening accordingly. Shows are available in the late afternoon and evening, fitting well into most itineraries.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance, especially if you want the buffet, as seats can fill up.
• Arrive early to settle in and enjoy the pre-show Hawaiian music.
• If you want drinks, remember they are available for purchase; bring a little extra cash or a card.
• Wheelchair accessible seating is available, making the experience inclusive.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $86, this experience offers good value considering the entertainment, cultural insight, and food included. Compared to other cultural shows or luaus, it strikes a nice balance of quality and affordability. The reviews praise the organization and the lively atmosphere, making it a worthwhile splurge for an authentic night out.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This show is ideal for travelers seeking a fun, energetic evening with a genuine taste of Hawaiian culture. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups wanting a lively night with plenty of interaction. Those interested in live performances, cultural storytelling, and a delicious buffet will find this experience especially rewarding. If you appreciate dances, music, and meeting performers, this is a top choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this show suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and engaging for all ages, with lively performances that keep kids entertained.

Can I just buy tickets without the buffet?
Absolutely. You can choose the show-only ticket, which provides general seating and access to the performance.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, cocktails and other beverages are available for purchase during the event.

How long does the show typically last?
The duration varies from about 1.5 hours to 4 hours, depending on whether you select just the show or the buffet option.

Can I meet the performers after the show?
Yes, many attendees report the cast is friendly and willing to take photos and chat post-performance.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the Royal Hawaiian Theater offers wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is fine; many guests enjoy Hawaiian shirts or tropical attire, but it’s not required.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially if you want the buffet, as seats can sell out.

Final Thoughts

The Waikiki Rock-A-Hula Show offers a lively, authentic slice of Hawaiian culture wrapped in a well-organized, entertaining package. It combines captivating performances with an impressive buffet, making it a great value for those who want more than just a show. Whether you’re a culture buff, a family looking for fun, or a couple seeking a memorable night out, this experience delivers a genuine taste of Hawaii’s musical and dance traditions.

We found the friendly cast, top-notch performances, and delicious food to be the highlights, while the flexible options and comfortable venue add to the appeal. It’s a perfect way to spend an evening in Waikiki — full of aloha spirit, energetic dance, and warm hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here: