Frequently Asked Questions

Kālia Theatre is Waikīkī's first purpose-built, open-air entertainment venue, located at 2055 Kalākaua Avenue and home to Wai Tapu Lūʻau. Designed from the ground up to present the stories, traditions, and practices of Hawaiʻi in an authentic, premium setting, it is the first theatre of its kind on Oʻahu.

Kālia Theatre is the only venue on Oʻahu designed exclusively for lūʻau entertainment and dining. Unlike hotel ballrooms or resort lawns, every detail of Kālia Theatre was purpose-built around Wai Tapu Lūʻau. It features the largest LED stage experience in Hawaiʻi, industry-first full surround sound, immersive cultural experiences, a world renowned cast of performers, and an elevated Hawaiian culinary experience – all under one extraordinary roof.

Kālia Theatre seats up to 679 guests, with seating designed to offer exceptional sightlines and a fully immersive experience from every position in the house.

Kālia Theatre is an open-air, hybrid venue in Waikīkī. The lower-level seating is uncovered, while the upper mezzanine level is recessed and covered – combining the beauty of an open setting with the comfort of a sheltered experience. If weather ever keeps us from performing safely, we'll offer you a full refund or a new date.

Wai Tapu Lūʻau at Kālia Theatre offers a full food and beverage experience – from buffet to coursed table service to private bottle service. Experiences vary by ticket tier. Every dish and drink is handcrafted in-house, designed to celebrate the culture and flavors of Hawaiʻi. The centerpiece is a live imu ceremony using the traditional underground oven, with the main course transported through the theatre as part of the show itself.

Yes, Wai Tapu Lūʻau at Kālia Theatre is a family-friendly experience. A dedicated Keiki Buffet is available for younger guests, ensuring every member of the family is well taken care of from arrival to the final number.

Two (2) signature cocktails are offered across all seating levels, with the option to upgrade to unlimited signature cocktails with purchase of souvenir mug. Additionally, bottle service is available for VIP box suites. For tailored bar packages at private events, contact our events team at sales@kaliatheatre.com.

The menu is an elevated, authentic Hawaiian culinary experience, prepared entirely in-house to reflect the rich food culture of Hawaiʻi. The centerpiece is a live imu ceremony using the traditional underground oven, with the main course transported through the theatre as part of the show itself.

Plan for about three hours, from arrival and pre-show experiences through the final number. Timing varies slightly by ticket tier. Your confirmation shows the details for your evening.

Wai Tapu Lūʻau is the only lūʻau in Hawaiʻi performed in a purpose-built, open-air theatre designed exclusively for this experience. It features the largest LED stage in Hawaiʻi, industry-first full surround sound, a world renowned cast of champion performers from Tihati Productions, and a live imu ceremony visible from every seat. What truly sets Wai Tapu Lūʻau apart is that the space and experience are built from within – by the cultural practitioners, performers, and storytellers who have carried these traditions their entire lives.

Wai Tapu Lūʻau is produced in partnership with Tihati Productions, one of the most respected names in Polynesian performing arts. Every element of the show – the choreography, the language, the storytelling – reflects generations of cultural knowledge and the highest standard of craft.

The Wai Tapu Lūʻau experience begins well before the instruments sound. Pre-show cultural activities and hands-on demonstrations invite guests to participate face-to-face in the same practices that are woven into the show itself, for a truly immersive evening. Pre- and post-show photography is also available.

Your arrival time is on your confirmation. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for travel and check-in, so you don't miss the pre-show cultural experiences.

Yes, Wai Tapu Lūʻau at Kālia Theatre is currently scheduled nightly, though availability is subject to change. We recommend booking in advance – this is one of the most sought-after experiences in Waikīkī and seats fill quickly.

Same-day bookings and walk-ins are welcome at Wai Tapu Lūʻau, subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance at waitapuluau.com to guarantee your spot on your preferred date.

Guests may cancel or reschedule their reservation up to 48 hours prior to their scheduled show date and time for a full refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled experience are non-refundable.

Cancellations and modifications must be made through the original point of purchase. If you booked through a third-party vendor, travel agency, or affiliate partner, you must contact that provider directly to cancel or reschedule your reservation. Wai Tapu Lūʻau is not responsible for cancellation requests submitted to us that were originally booked through a third party, and we cannot process refunds or changes on behalf of another provider. Please refer to your booking confirmation to identify where your reservation was made.

If you booked directly with Wai Tapu Lūʻau, you may manage your reservation through the confirmation email received at the time of purchase, or by contacting us directly.

Wai Tapu Lūʻau reserves the right to cancel or reschedule an experience due to weather, venue conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control. In these cases, guests will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost. Guests who booked through a third party will be directed back to their original provider for refund processing in these circumstances.

No-shows and same-day cancellations are treated as non-refundable, regardless of reason, except in cases of event cancellation by Wai Tapu Lūʻau.

Seating at Wai Tapu Lūʻau is pre-assigned to ensure the best possible experience for every guest. For the best seats in the house, consider our VIP experience – those seats are reserved in our front section, closest to the stage.

Yes, Kālia Theatre offers ADA-accessible seating for guests with mobility needs. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can ensure your experience is seamless from arrival through the final number.

There is no formal dress code at Wai Tapu Lūʻau – comfortable, casual clothing is perfect for the evening. Light layers are recommended during cooler months, as the lower level is open-air and temperatures can shift after sunset. Closed-toe shoes are always a practical choice but not required. Come as you are and enjoy every moment.

Book your whole party on one reservation and we'll seat you together. If you've already booked separately, contact reservations@kaliatheatre.com and we'll do our best to seat you together.

Yes. Groups of 15 or more receive special pricing. Email sales@kaliatheatre.com to plan your visit.

Yes, the venue can accommodate full buyouts of up to 679 guests – one of the most impressive and distinctive private event spaces in Waikīkī. Contact sales@kaliatheatre.com to get started.

Private event and buyout packages at Kālia Theatre can be tailored to your needs across a range of options. Every buyout includes Wai Tapu Lūʻau as the centerpiece of the evening; additional elements – from catering to AV to décor – can be customized based on your event requirements. Contact sales@kaliatheatre.com to explore what is possible.

While the main seating configuration remains consistent for Wai Tapu Lūʻau, Kālia Theatre offers a range of experience formats to suit different event styles – from relaxed soft seating to stadium-style arrangements. Our events team will help you identify the setup that best serves your occasion. Contact sales@kaliatheatre.com for more information.

Yes, Kālia Theatre is home to the largest LED stage experience in Hawaiʻi and industry-first full surround sound, built from the ground up for world-class live performance. For detailed technical specifications or to discuss the production requirements of your private event, contact sales@kaliatheatre.com.

Yes, the Wai Tapu Lūʻau is included in all private events at Kālia Theatre – it is the heart of the experience. Our events team can walk you through the full range of buyout options available. Contact sales@kaliatheatre.com to get started.

Kālia Theatre is located at 2055 Kalākaua Avenue in the heart of Waikīkī, Honolulu, Oʻahu. It is situated on the western end of Kalākaua, easily accessible from most hotels and resorts in the area.

Kālia Theatre is a fully standalone venue, purpose-built and designed entirely around the Wai Tapu Lūʻau experience. It is not attached to a hotel or resort, making it Oʻahu's only independent, dedicated lūʻau and cultural performance venue.

At this time, Kālia Theatre does not have a dedicated shuttle service. Please contact us or ask your hotel concierge for current shuttle and pickup options from your location.

There is no on-site parking at Kālia Theatre. We recommend arriving by rideshare, taxi, or shuttle for the most convenient experience. Neighboring paid parking garages are also available near 2055 Kalākaua Avenue for guests who prefer to drive; your hotel concierge can also assist with transportation arrangements.

Yes, Kālia Theatre is within walking distance of many Waikīkī hotels, including our partner hotels.

Yes, strollers are welcome at Kālia Theatre. To ensure a smooth experience for all guests, please keep the following in mind: do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller; designated stroller parking areas will be provided; our team may gently move strollers to keep aisles clear; and strollers larger than 36″ x 52″, as well as wagons, are not permitted.

For private events, corporate bookings, and full venue buyouts at Kālia Theatre, contact our dedicated events team at sales@kaliatheatre.com. We would love to help you create an extraordinary evening.

Wai Tapu Lūʻau partners with third party resellers. Please direct inquiries about reservations to the company you purchased from. If you booked directly on WaiTapuLuau.com please contact reservations@waitapuluau.com.