Premium Seating

Premium Seating lasts about 165.

Premium Seating ranges from $180.02 to $256.41 per person, depending on the option you choose.

The minimum age for Premium Seating is 5 years old.

Premium Seating meets at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Premium Seating includes Photos and Snacks.

The Premium Seating package includes preferred entry, premier front row seating, a complimentary Mai Tai or keiki drink, and chips with smoked ahi dip. These perks are in addition to the full buffet dinner and the luau show, giving guests priority access and the best views of the performance from the start of the evening. The cost breakdown shows the premium seat add-on is priced at $20 per person for both adults and children, on top of the food and show fees. Front row placement means guests are closest to the Royal Court procession, the hula performances, and the fire knife dance finale that closes the show.

The buffet at the Mauna Kea Luau features a wide spread of traditional Hawaiian and contemporary dishes, and many items are labeled gluten-free or vegetarian. Highlights include ahi poke, lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig stuffed suckling pig, teriyaki steak, grilled catch, and chef's inspired desserts, giving guests a broad range of flavors to explore throughout the evening. Gluten-free options appear throughout the menu, from the shrimp cocktail and Hawaiian sweet potato salad to the stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice. Vegetarian guests will also find clearly marked choices such as poi, fern shoot salad, mixed baby lettuces, and fresh tropical fruit. The menu balances island tradition with enough variety for different tastes and needs.

The Mauna Kea Luau runs from 4:45 PM to 8:00 PM, giving guests roughly two and a half hours of activities on Tuesday and Friday evenings, subject to seasonal adjustments. The evening follows a structured timeline that moves from a welcome photo session through the imu ceremony, buffet dinner, Royal Court procession, and the full lu'au show. Premium guests arriving at 4:45 PM take part in a welcome photo session before doors open at 5:30 PM. The imu ceremony begins at 5:50 PM, followed by buffet dinner at 6:10 PM and the Royal Court at 6:30 PM. The lu'au show starts at 7:15 PM and wraps up with a performer photo session at 8:00 PM.

Guests who cancel at least 24 hours before their scheduled seating receive a full refund, minus any FareHarbor processing fees. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are charged the full price, and no-shows are also charged in full, so it is important to plan ahead if your schedule might change. If the operator cancels the event due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, guests receive a full refund with no deductions. To cancel or ask questions about a cancellation, guests are directed to contact the operator by phone. This policy applies to all ticket types, including the Premium Seating option.

Premium Seating guests at the Mauna Kea Luau can book a complimentary 45-minute beach photo session with Pacific Dream Photography. Mentioning that you are a Premium Luau Guest at the next-day photo viewing earns a 10% discount on any photography package, making it a worthwhile add-on to consider when planning your evening. Beyond the beach session, the luau schedule itself includes two photo opportunities: a welcome photo session at 4:45 PM when guests first arrive, and a post-show photo session with the performers at 8:00 PM. These moments give guests a chance to capture memories both before and after the full evening of food and entertainment.