The Royal Hawaiian Luau - Aha Aina a Royal Celebration

Waikiki’s history includes tales of island royalty, decadent feasts, and beautiful settings.  The Royal Hawaiian  pays homage to Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty and where the Royal Hawaiian resort now stands, with a modern interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian feast called Aha Aina, a Royal Celebration.  This oceanfront dinner and show is a culinary and sensory celebration, commemorating Hawaii activities and Hawaiian culture and while experiencing the island in grand Royal Hawaiian style.

Before ‘luaus’ there were ‘aha ‘aina’—a feast of food, song and hula.  In ancient times the Hawaiian people gathered together to celebrate important occasions, these gatherings were called aha ‘aina.  The Royal Hawaiian, located on sacred grounds, has created a modern, yet timeless aha ‘aina to honor the land’s majestic history through song, food, stories, hula, and culture. 

The Royal Hawaiian - Aha Aina a Royal Celebration is held every Monday night at The Royal Hawaiian’s Ocean Lawn.  Enjoy the the breathtaking backdrop of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.  The ‘aha ‘aina is composed of 3 spectacular acts.  As guests enter the grounds, the evening captures the spirit of traditional Hawaii with time-honored Hawaii activities such as poi-pounding, kapa-making (cloth made of pounded bark),  and na lawai’a (tending of fishing tools).  The night continues with the sound of a conch calling guests to feast.  A storyteller shares the significance of lei giving, the ocean, and taro while guests dine on delicious hors de ouvres.  After dinner, the Helumoa story unfolds.  It is a dramatic performance, with hula and song that commemorates ancient islanders’ rich history and culture through a timeline of the historic Royal Hawaiian to the contemporary style of Hawaiian music and dance.