Every Saturday, Loews Royal Pacific is host to a Wantilan Luau celebrating Polynesian culture with a tropical buffet—complete with a pit-roasted pig, live music, and dancing.
We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the show. At check-in, you’ll receive your seating assignment and an artificial lei before joining the other guests on the lawn next to the dining hall for some Hawaiian entertainment.
Once the party starts, you’ll head off to your table, where seating is family-style. We were a party of two and really enjoyed joining other guests at a table for 10 for an evening of fun. Before heading off to the buffet we were handed Mai Tais and told that unlimited wine and beer were available at the bar. Nonalcoholic drinks were, of course, also available, including lemonade and virgin Mai Tais for the younger crowd.
Savory food choices included Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki and Fire Grilled Beef, but the star of the buffet was without doubt the pit-roasted pig served with spiced rum-infused pineapple puree.
There were plenty of salads and fruits to complement the meal, and kids could get their fill of chicken fingers, pizza, and mac & cheese.
The meal was rounded up with Hawaiian-inspired desserts such as Kona Coffee Ganache Pineapple Macadamia Tart, Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée, and Tropical Fresh Fruit With White Chocolate Mousse Shots.
Throughout the dinner a band entertained with traditional tunes until the island-style entertainment of the evening took over the stage. Traditional hula dancing and spectacular fire dancers mesmerized the audience.
Audience participation was encouraged throughout the Wantilan and yours truly could not resist joining the dancers on stage. Having been to Hawaii, I did appreciate the reminder of how much learning goes into the traditional dances. Hula dancing is actually a very complex art form where hand motions are used to express words during a song.
After the show, there was plenty of opportunity to meet the dancers; each and every one took time to talk about their heritage and love for the show.
Prices for the Wantilan Luau are $91 plus tax and fees for priority seating ($51 for kids ages 3-9), $81 plus tax and fees for premium seating ($41 for kids ages 2-9), and $71 plus tax and fees for regular seating ($36 for kids ages 3-9). Children under age 3 get in free. Prices includes gratuity, nonalcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and Mai Tais. Premium and priority tickets include a souvenir tiki mug.
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