Closed Sun, Wed, Thanksgiving & Christmas
What kind of welcome or greeting do guests receive at a luau?
The classic lūʻau welcome is a lei greeting: a flower, shell, or kukui nut lei placed over your shoulders as you arrive, often with 'aloha' and a smile that means it. Many venues add a welcome drink — the Polynesian Cultural Center's Aliʻi Lūʻau currently includes a lei greeting and a tropical smoothie. The welcome isn't decoration; in Hawaiian hospitality (hoʻokipa), receiving guests well is the host's first obligation.
The lei is the physical form of the greeting. Giving one honors the receiver — lei mark arrivals, departures, achievements, and love — so accepting it graciously matters: let it be placed over your shoulders, wear it through the evening, and don't toss it on the table. Flower lei (orchid and plumeria are common at lūʻau) are fragrant and fragile; shell and kukui nut lei last as keepsakes. If you have a flower allergy, just say so — venues keep alternatives on hand.
Beyond the lei, expect the welcome to continue: photo opportunities as you enter, hosts directing you to activities, and often live music already playing. Culturally grounded venues treat the arrival window as part of the program because it sets the relationship for the night — you're a guest at a feast, not an audience member holding a ticket. That first impression is a fair test of the lūʻau itself: a venue that welcomes well usually hosts well.
How to receive a Hawaiian welcome well
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Accept the lei graciously: Bow your head slightly, let it be placed, and say mahalo — refusing a lei is considered impolite unless you explain (allergies are understood).
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Wear it all evening: The lei is part of the celebration; keep it on rather than pocketing it or leaving it at the table.
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Don't rush the entrance: Photos, greetings, and welcome drinks are the program's first act — arrive early enough to enjoy them.
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Return the warmth: Greet hosts back, use aloha and mahalo, and the evening's tone rises to meet you.
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Ask about the lei: Hosts can tell you what yours is made of and what lei mean — a thirty-second conversation that deepens the night.
Be welcomed the traditional way at the Aliʻi Lūʻau
The Polynesian Cultural Center's Aliʻi Lūʻau opens with a lei greeting and welcome refreshment before an evening of Hawaiian food and live performance.
What to expect at the entrance
Expect a short receiving line: check-in, lei greeting, often a welcome drink and photo station, then open time for activities. The whole arrival takes minutes but sets the evening — build in time so it isn't rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of lei will I receive?
It varies by venue and tier — fresh flower lei at some, shell or kukui nut lei at others. Premium packages sometimes upgrade the lei.
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What does the Aliʻi Lūʻau welcome include?
Currently a lei greeting and a tropical smoothie on arrival — check the official page for current inclusions.
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What if I'm allergic to flowers?
Tell the greeter — venues routinely offer shell, kukui, or ti-leaf alternatives.
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Can I keep the lei?
Yes. Shell and nut lei travel well as keepsakes; fresh flower lei are best enjoyed that evening, and many visitors return them to nature respectfully rather than binning them.
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Is there a welcome drink at every lūʻau?
Not universally — many venues include one (tropical juice, smoothie, or cocktail where licensed). Check inclusions when comparing tickets.