There’s a new luau in town. Kaula Luau premiered at Oahu’s Ko Olina Resort on Feb. 27, produced in partnership with the Hawaiian Council, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of Native Hawaiians. The show marks the first major cultural production to debut under the organizations’ cultural framework, which prioritizes Native Hawaiian leadership, community benefit and authentic storytelling in the development of projects in Ko Olina.
Kaula Luau follows the narrative of Mahina, a young Native Hawaiian woman who is guided by stories shared by her grandmother. Through hula, chanting, live music, movement and contemporary staging, the audience experiences a story of genealogy and ancestral connections that spans the broader Pacific region.
Storytelling and genealogy are themes of the show.
Credit: 2026 Kaula Luau
“Kaula Luau represents a different way of sharing culture with visitors,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council. “It is rooted in story, responsibility and Hawaiian voices. This production reflects why our partnership with Ko Olina matters. It creates meaningful opportunities for Hawaiians to lead, to create and to share stories that come from this place, while also supporting local jobs and businesses on the west side of Oahu."
The show is performed at Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina, a new oceanfront setting that hosts a maximum of 500 guests. Performances are held Friday through Monday, with the option for guests to take part in pre-show cultural activities such as lei-making and Hawaiian games. Optional dining is provided by local restaurant Moani Island Bistro and Bar, and roundtrip transportation from Waikiki is available for an additional fee.
