show, dinner or VIP
Show only, the buffet, or VIP: choosing your Pāʻina tier
What each of the three GetYourGuide tiers actually adds, so you're not guessing at checkout.
Reserve the Pāʻina luau ↗The three tiers side by side
| Tier | Adds | Skips |
|---|---|---|
| Show only | Lei, mai tai, lei-making, tattoo, full show | The buffet, premium seating, extra cocktails |
| Show + buffet | Everything above, plus the Hawaiian buffet | Premium seating, extra cocktails |
| VIP | Everything above, plus premium seating and two cocktails | Nothing — the fullest tier |
What every tier shares
All three tiers include the lei greeting, a welcome mai tai, the lei-making demonstrations, a temporary Polynesian tattoo and the full show through to the fire knife finale.
Show only, in practice
This suits guests who've already had dinner elsewhere in Waikiki and want the hula, the queen's story and the fire without sitting through a full meal first.
Adding the buffet
The dinner tier adds a Hawaiian buffet built around a prime rib carving station — the option most first-time groups and families choose, since it turns the evening into dinner and a show in one booking.
What VIP changes
VIP keeps the same buffet and show but adds premium seating and two further cocktails on top of the welcome mai tai — worth it mainly for couples or small groups who want to sit closer without queuing at the bar.
What no tier includes
Hotel transfers, extra drinks beyond what's listed, and tips aren't included on any of the three tiers — budget for those separately.
Deciding
If you're unsure, the buffet tier is the middle ground: it covers dinner without the VIP's extra cost, and it's the tier most reviewers describe booking for a first visit.