Kaua'i Entertainment

  1. Aloha Beach Resort

    Presented by the famous Punua hula halau (troupe), this luau is both flashy and family-oriented, featuring keiki (child) to tutu (grandparent) dancers. Wallis and Shana Punua, who direct the show, follow in the footsteps of Kumu Hula Ku'ulei Punua, a senior hula teacher on Kaua'i. The dinner is your typical generous but standard open-bar, all-you-can-eat buffet.

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  2. Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa

    The Drums of Paradise Luau is a well-oiled production befitting the Grand Hyatt setting. For an all-you-can-eat buffet, the food is decent. The indoor show is more glossy than homey and of course includes the Samoan fire dance.

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  3. Happy Talk Lounge

    Enjoy the same (or better) views here as at the resort's more buttoned-up Bali Hai Restaurant. There's a tasty bar menu (around US$7 to around US$15 ) from to , live jazz from to Sunday and Hawaiian music most other nights.

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  4. Living Room

    A spectacular view of Hanalei Bay makes this a fine place for a sunset drink and sushi rolls. The lovely live music from to swaddles this lounge in ambience.

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  5. Point

    Primo spot for sunset viewing and people-watching. Bar fare is offered but tropical-umbrella drinks and beer on tap are the main draws - besides the setting.

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  6. ResortQuest Kaua'i Beach at Makaiwa

    Performed daily except on Monday, this Tahitian-themed Tihati 'Hiva Pasefika' luau is rather Vegasy, with a passable buffet dinner, open bar, imu unearthing and Polynesian revue - plus a 'pareo fashion show.' It lacks the down-home charm of family-run affairs, but performers are quite impressive.

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  7. Rob's Good Times Grill

    The atmosphere might be a little hokey, but a young, energetic crowd comes out to boogie to a live DJ Thursday through Saturday. Sunday through Tuesday is karaoke and Wednesday is…country line dancing (yeehaw!).

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  8. Seaview Terrace

    Catch the sunset from indoors here, as the aptly named bar boasts a perfect view. Entertainment includes a nightly torch-lighting ceremony at sunset and either Hawaiian music or keiki hula shows (times vary depending on season).

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  9. Sheraton Kaua'i Resort

    Advertised as Kaua'i's only 'oceanfront' luau, the Sheraton's 'Surf to Sunset Luau' is the standard all-you-can-eat buffet and bar, followed by a Polynesian revue.

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  10. Smith's Tropical Paradise

    Started in 1985, the Smith Family Garden Luau is today a Kaua'i institution, attracting droves of tourists. It's a lively affair, run with lots of aloha spirit by four generations at the lovely 30-acre garden. The multicultural show features Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese and New Zealand dances.

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  12. Stevenson's Library

    An exclusive gentleman's-club library…on the beach. Might seem incongruous but, hey, why not? From the gleaming 27ft koa-wood bar, enjoy an impressive selection of liquors, fine cigars, live jazz, pool and chess.

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  13. Sushi & Blues

    Only in Hanalei will you find the Abercrombie & Fitch set working as sushi chefs and bartenders at a blues club! Staff displays the nonchalance of youth, but the open-air room and tables set with cobalt goblets are quite pleasant. Diverse drink menu includes martinis, beers, wines, sake and tropical favorites. Live music Tuesday to Friday.

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  14. Tradewinds

    A tropical sports bar featuring a daily happy hour from to and a 24oz 'Big Ass Draft' (the ass-shaped glass is yours to keep). No food, but neighboring mall restaurants deliver for free. Lively fun with darts, karaoke, live bands on weekends and nine TVs. During NFL season, it opens at ( when the mainland switches to daylight saving time).

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  15. Waimea Theatre

    A variety of movies, including new releases, indies and classics, shown here. This is also a venue for the Hawaii International Film Festival (www.hiff.org).

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  16. Whaler's Brew Pub

    You can sample a handful of beers brewed on-site at this pub overlooking Nawiliwili Harbor and the lighthouse on Ninini Point. By day there's a simple bar menu; by night, dancing and DJs.

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