Christine Hitt
It seems like there are more luaus now than ever, especially on Oahu. For as long as I can remember, the top luaus on the island were Paradise Cove Luau, the Polynesian Cultural Center Alii Luau and Germaine's Luau. But there are luau all over now — and not just at hotels.
There's the Queen's Waikiki Luau at the International Market Place; the Mele Luau at Coral Crater Adventure Park; Sea Life Park has a luau; Atlantis Cruises launched one at Aloha Tower Marketplace; and there's a Disney luau. And when I thought I had heard of them all, I found out about another while riding in a taxi to my Waikiki hotel: the Mauka Warriors Luau in central Oahu. It sounds intriguing.
Time for a change at Paradise Cove?
So the recent news that Paradise Cove is to be replaced with The Cove at Ko Olina may or may not be all that surprising. Operating for over 20 years, Paradise Cove's last major redevelopment was in the 1990s.
The Cove at Ko Olina's new space would still have a commercial luau, according to the proposal's environmental impact statement, but instead of 1,200 visitors per night, that number will be reduced to 650 visitors. The show will also be "renewed to perpetuate and honor the Hawaiian culture and history of the place through traditions of hula and mele."
However, The Cove at Ko Olina will not just be a place for a luau. It's supposed to be a space that locals can visit too. So if the project is approved, it will be turned into a new performing arts venue, along with restaurants, shops and Hawaiian cultural programming. It could open as soon as 2027.
I have many memories of going to Paradise Cove over the years, as I'm sure many others do. I went for a company retreat and three more times with visitors from the continental U.S. But with all luaus popping up all around, maybe now is the time for a change.