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Intimate Luau in the Koolau Mountains

Location: Waikiki, Oahu

Tour Highlights

Be welcomed into the warmth of local hospitality at a private estate lūʻau tucked into the lush Koʻolau Mountains where Hawaiian food, hula, fire dancing, and cultural traditions are shared like stories among friends.

  • Enjoy an intimate backyard-style luau with limited group sizes
  • Join hands-on cultural workshops like lauhala weaving and Hawaiian games
  • Witness traditional imu cooking and savor a farm-to-table Hawaiian feast
  • Take in panoramic views of Honolulu from the historic Nutridge Estate
  • Connect with hosts through authentic storytelling, music, and interactive hula
  • Be enthralled by a breathtaking fire knife performance, where blazing speed sends flames slicing through the air

Quick Local Tip: If you’re self-driving, arrive early to soak up the Tantalus Lookout views. Then, on your way back down, pull over at the Lower Tantalus Viewpoint roadside pullout on Round Top Drive for an unbeatable nighttime panorama of Honolulu. 

What to Expect

As you drive up through the winding rainforest roads of Pu‘u Ualaka‘a State Park, the city begins to disappear behind you. The elevation brings a refreshing breeze and sweeping views of Honolulu stretching all the way to the Waianae mountain range. Tucked into the hillside, the Nutridge Estate reveals itself quiet, lush, and rooted in history.

Once you arrive, you’ll join the other guests in lining the walkway leading to the gate. A warm Hawaiian welcome unfolds as the hosts chant and greet each person with a kukui nut lei and a handcrafted welcome drink. Inside the estate, you're introduced to the staff hosts, bartenders, and dancers who set the tone with a friendly, personal introduction that immediately feels like a gathering of old friends.

Guests are then invited to gather campfire-style around the imu pit, where the estate’s roots are shared. Once the island’s original macadamia nut farm, Nutridge’s story unfolds through narration and song, as the underground oven (imu) is revealed and explained. You’ll learn how kalua pig is traditionally prepared, accompanied by chants and hula that deepen the connection to Hawaiian culture.

From there, you’ll move across the estate’s front open lawn offering one of O‘ahu’s most stunning panoramic views and follow a shaded walkway into a tree-covered performance space. Here, you’ll experience an intimate showcase of Polynesian dance styles, from gentle hula to the fierce haka. 

The dancing builds to a thrilling fire knife dance, a jaw-dropping display of strength, rhythm, and precision. As flames cut through the sky, the dancer commands the space with intensity and grace, capturing the full attention of every guest. It's the kind of performance that leaves a lasting impression and often stands out as the most unforgettable moment of the night.

Before dinner, there’s time to explore and participate. The lawn becomes a cultural playground with stone rolling and spear throwing games, ti leaf bracelet making, temporary Polynesian tattoos, and the estate’s signature wooden swing under a towering mango tree which is perfect for photos with family or new friends. A cash bar is also available as twilight deepens and the estate glows in soft lighting.

Dinner is served under a white tent adjacent to the century-old Nutridge house, where long communal tables invite connection. The buffet features an abundant spread of local dishes, with unlimited refills and intermittent dance performances on a small nearby stage. As the evening slows, music continues and guests drift back to the lawn to capture sunset views or share stories beneath the illuminated mango tree.

  • Local Nalo greens - Tossed green salad grown in Waimanalo
  • Pulehu (grilled) chicken - Sweet, smoky, and juicy
  • Kalua Pua’a (shredded pork) - Authentic imu (underground steamcooked) prepared
  • Mini lau lau - Traditional Hawaiian preparation of butterfish & pork wrapped in taro leaf
  • Steamed rice and sweet bread
  • Taro Loco Moco - Taro burgers served with sautéed onions and brown gravy
  • Dessert: haupia, liliko‘i bars, and fresh pineapple

Throughout the experience, music and hula are not isolated shows but fluid, ongoing expressions of culture. Dancers move easily among guests, songs flow naturally between conversations, and storytelling is a two-way exchange. Nothing feels rushed or commercial only genuine hospitality, shared experience, and a heartfelt celebration of Hawaiian ‘ohana and aloha.


Included

  • Waikiki Transportation Available
  • Kukui nut lei greeting
  • Welcome drink upon arrival
  • Four hours of immersive, hands-on cultural experiences
  • Intimate seating with limited group size
  • Hawaiian protocols and traditional ceremonies
  • Cultural workshops (weaving, games, Polynesian tattoos)
  • Farm-to-table dinner with Hawaiian and local cuisine
  • Drinks from the bar available for purchase
  • Complimentary water
  • Panoramic views from the Nutridge Estate, overlooking Honolulu and the Waianae mountain range
  • Live music and authentic hula in a backyard-style setting

Requirements

  • All ages welcome
  • Some walking is required on slightly hilly terrain—comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Bring a light jacket, hat, or umbrella for sun protection
  • Guests 21+ must present a valid photo ID to consume alcoholic beverages

Duration

4 hours

Address

Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside: 3280 Round Top Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822


Cancellation Policy

Cancellations requests that are received within 48 hours or more prior to the reservation time can receive full refund or equivalent gift card amount of the tickets purchased. Any cancellation requests less than 48 hour of your reservation time will receive NO REFUND.

Customers can also rebook themselves online up to 48 hours or more prior to the reservation time. To cancel or rebook, please proceed to your confirmation email to do so and click “Change Booking” or “Cancel Booking."