Dining

A Royal Luau - A Cultural Journey Through Time

Waikiki’s storied history includes tales of island royalty, decadent feasts, and inspiring settings. 

Every Monday evening, The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, pays homage to Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty where the resort now stands, with a modern interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian feast called Aha 'Aina, A Royal Celebration. 

Waikiki’s only oceanfront sit-down vignette dinner show is a culinary and sensory celebration, commemorating Hawaiian culture and transforming the traditional island experience in grand Royal Hawaiian style.

“Before ‘luaus’ there were ‘Aha ‘Aina’—a feast of food, mele (song) and hula,” says General Manager, Kelly Hoen. “In ancient times the Hawaiian people came together to celebrate momentous occasions, these gatherings were called Aha ‘Aina (which translates to gathering for a meal).  The Royal Hawaiian is located on sacred grounds and we have created a modern, yet timeless Aha ‘Aina to honor the land’s majestic history through food, song, stories, hula, and culture—a true celebration of The Royal and its heritage.”

Held every Monday evening on The Royal Hawaiian’s Ocean Lawn, with the breathtaking backdrop of Waikiki Beach and picturesque Diamond Head, the Aha ‘Aina is composed of three spectacular acts.  As guests enter the Aha ‘Aina grounds, the evening captures the spirit of traditional Hawaii with time-honored activities such as kapa-making (cloth made of pounded bark), poi-pounding, and na lawai’a (tending of fishing tools).  The night continues with the sound of a pu (conch) calling guests to feast, where a storyteller shares the significance of lei giving, the ocean, and taro while guests dine on exquisite pupu (hors d'oeuvres).  After dinner, the Helumoa story unfolds—a dramatic performance, including hula and song, commemorates ancient islanders’ rich history and culture through a timeline of the historic Royal Hawaiian to the contemporary style of Hawaiian music and dance.

The Royal Hawaiian’s Aha ‘Aina is a lavish epicurean journey through time.

Dates and Times: Every Monday evening from 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Inclusions: Sit-down dinner service, open bar and spectacular entertainment

Menu - English | Menu - Japanese

Price: $169* Adult, $97* Child (5-12 years), Nominal seat-only charge for Children under 5 years

Resort Guest Price: $159* Adult, $89* Child (5-12 years), Nominal seat-only charge for Children under 5 years

Premium Seating: Additional Charge

*Rates are exclusive of tax. Rates are inclusive of gratuity, of which a portion is allocated to pay for various costs/expenses other than the wages and tips of our employees.

Reserve Your Table

For more information or to make a reservation:
Please contact the Starwood dining desk at 808.921.4600 or by email.

If you will not be with us on a Monday evening, please consider our sister hotel, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani with their Polynesian Spectacular: Creation: A Polynesian Journey