If you ask any couple which romantic destinations are on their travel bucket list, the majority will likely include Hawaii. In fact, of all the places in the world, two of Hawaii’s islands rank high on the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Honeymoon Destinations.” A great way to experience Hawaiian culture without traveling far from home is to check out some of Orlando's best luaus and other Hawaiian-inspired date night locales.
Hawaii itself consists of eight large islands surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, several coral rings and numerous islets. If you’re unable to jet set across the country to be greeted with authentic Hawaiian leis, know that Greater Orlando has tons of local Hawaiian-inspired date ideas and destination experiences.
Best Luaus in Orlando
Wantilan Luau
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819
- Price: regular section – $99 per adult or $119 per adult for premium seating
This impressive luau and dinner show features Polynesian fare and festivities. Held weekly on Saturdays at 6 pm under a spacious, outdoor-covered pavilion, this unique experience is date-night-worthy. Loews Royal Pacific already boasts an exotic vibe and engaging landscape to set the scene. The Wantilan Luau is as close to authentic as it gets, inclusive of hula dancers, a fire knife performer and traditional Hawaiian music.
Wantilan Luau Food and Drinks
Get your fill at the buffet comprised of Ahi poke, island-spiced veggies, fire-grilled meats, Macadamia-crusted goat cheese, Pacific-fresh catch-of-the-day, teriyaki chicken, toasted coconut jasmine rice and, of course, pit-roasted suckling pig with rum-infused pineapple purée. Do save room for Hawaiian desserts, like Kona coffee ganache pineapple macadamia tart and passion fruit crème brûlée. Naturally, if you’re envisioning yourself with an umbrella-clad beverage, know that Mai Tais are the go-to liberation with beer and wine available as well.
If you happen to overindulge on the Hawaiian yumminess, work off some of those decadent calories by hula dancing with your luau date!
Polynesian Fire
- Two locations: 4740 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 + 180 N Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
- Price: $69.99 per adult or $79.99 for premium seating
If you’re craving a side of culture with your Hawaiian cuisine, the Polynesian Fire Show serves up some tidbits about the origins of traditional hula, an artistic storytelling ritual dance once performed for Hawaiian goddesses and the likes. Plus, you’ll be mesmerized by the Samoan performer who handles fire knives flawlessly. The show typically spans 90 minutes.
This buffet spread is equally as mouthwatering with selections such as assorted tropical fruit, candied carrots, fried rice, Kalua pork, Polynesian BBQ chicken and much more.
FYI, if you're embarking on a romantic getaway to Daytona Beach, know that Polynesian Fire also hosts a show there.
Big Kahuna Luau — COMING SOON
- Two locations TBD: Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach
Another Polynesian luau is slated to make waves just beyond Orlando. Big Kahuna Luau announced plans host a “Floridian Tiki Style LuWOW” in Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach. Guests will be treated to the sounds of Tahitian drums, Hawaiian conch shells, exotic lei necklaces and more. We'll share more details when they're available.
RELATED: Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill Brings Tiki Cocktails and a Secret Menu to Cocoa Beach
Best Hawaiian Staycations in Orlando
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Your fellow island lover will be saying “Mahalo” (aka “thank you” in Hawaiian) when you treat him/her/they to this South Pacific-inspired staycation. Let’s face it–Disney resorts really are magical, and the Polynesian offers two inviting options!
At the Polynesian Village Resort, while it may not compare per se to the Pacific, you’ll soak up views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and, of course, the Walt Disney World theme park itself. And if you’re parkin’ it for epic thrills, the Resort Monorail makes a convenient stop at Polynesian Resort.
There are plenty of opportunities to nibble on Hawaiian, Asian and American-fusion flavors at this location. Find full menu offerings at Barefoot Pool Bar, Capt. Cook’s, Kona Café, Kona Island and O'hana, for example.
Toast with a cocktail at the Oasis Bar, Tambu Lounge, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. And while these are all delish spots, there is one more can’t-miss place: Pineapple Lanai. Instantly ignite chill mode here by ordering an iconic DOLE Whip, Disney’s legendary frozen concoction of soft serve and pineapple magic.
Or, to really take the plunge into island-inspired staycationing, opt for Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. These luxurious accommodations hover right atop the water! Bungalows have everything you need and more, like a full kitchen, living area, dining area and, most importantly, a private deck with a plunge pool overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy epic views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks right from your deck, which is equipped with speakers aligned with the show's music.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Universal Orlando, 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819
Home of the Wantilan Luau, as previously noted, you may decide to stay for the night or the weekend after enjoying the Polynesian luau (though it’s not required). You might as well make it a true getaway while experiencing the best luau in Orlando.
While on the property, you can float along in the lagoon-style swimming pool and, although far from our state's shoreline, you can dig your toes into the sand on the beach. Plus, guests staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort receive exclusive theme-park benefits to enhance their enjoyment of Universal Orlando's parks.
BONUS IDEA: Further immerse yourselves in a Hawaiian-inspired escape by heading to Universal's Volcano Bay. Whether you stay at one of the above hotels or not, a day at Volcano Bay will feel like you've escaped to a mystical, magical Hawaiian island. This ultimate water park is inspired by the Hawaiian and Polynesian islands and it is truly the best water park in Orlando for couples.
Take five minutes and read over our Guide to the Perfect Day at Volcano Bay – For Couples.
More Hawaiian-Themed Date Nights in Orlando
While we love having access to the best luaus in Orlando, that's not the only Hawaiian happenings to try. If you want to escape to Hawaii right here in Orlando without breaking the bank, keep reading. There are plenty of Hawaiian-themed bars and restaurants in Orlando. Each one is a great date idea.
Hawaiian-Inspired Cocktail Bars
Craving a fruity, island-inspired beverage? First, say “Ke aloha,” which basically equates to “Cheers” in Hawaiian.
- Aku Aku Tiki Bar (in downtown near Lake Eola): Start with the namesake drink by ordering the Aku Aku! It’s a mix of Plantation dark rum, pineapple, mango and fresh mint.
- Permanent Vacation (Maitland): this stylish Maitland hangout blends laid-back Florida vibes with creative cocktails, eclectic bites and a cool, artsy atmosphere that instantly feels like an escape from the everyday.
- Suffering Bastard Tiki (in Sanford — temporarily closed until 2027): Once the new location opens, couples will be able to drink up craft cocktails served in funky island glassware. You’ll go nuts over the Moonkist Coconut!
Polynesian-Themed Restaurants
Want to dine on Polynesian food without going to a luau in Orlando? These Hawaiian-themed restaurants in Orlando are the perfect recipe for a romantic date idea – no plane ticket required.
- Aloha Hawaiian Kitchen (on Semoran Blvd.): Here diners can dig into island-inspired comfort food, like tender kalua pork, fresh poke bowls and savory spam musubi, all served with the laid-back tropical vibes of a true Hawaiian plate lunch spot.
- Hawaii Grill & Sushi (in St. Cloud): The diverse menu primarily features poke bowls, Hawaiian grill items, Hawaiian-inspired sushi and bento boxes.
- Island Fin Poke (multiple locations): This fast-casual place is build-your-own style. Start with a base (rice/salad), add protein and veggies, dress with more toppings and finish with a palate-pleasing sauce.
- Jimmy Hulas (multiple locations): This fun menu is comprised of fish tacos, burgers and other main and small plates. Bite into the Juan Jovi, a heaping of smoked pork, Swiss cheese, a pickle and honey habanero sauce.
- Moa Kai Hawaiian Diner (on Colonial near Fashion Square Mall): In Hawaiian, moa means chicken and kai means ocean. And the menu has much more to offer! Moa Kai hails from the same foodies behind other eateries, like Poke Hana, Chi-Kin and Side Chik.
- Over Rice (Lee Rd.): Offering a combination of traditional Filipino and Hawaiian food to Orlandoans since 2011. Their concept centers on healthy, scratch-cooking.
- Poke Hana (Mills 50 + Windermere): This is the place to build vibrant poke bowls packed with fresh fish, colorful toppings and flavorful sauces, creating a fast-casual meal that feels both refreshing, customizable and authentic.
- Rion's Ocean Room (Baldwin Park): Rion's Ocean Room serves up an upscale coastal vibe with beautifully presented seafood, intimate lighting and a chic atmosphere that feels perfect for a stylish Hawaiian date night or celebratory dinner.
- Thrive (in Downtown Orlando): Book a table to feast on assorted island-style small plates, like Shroom, Shroom, a beautiful presentation of wild mushrooms, Sake cream reduction, soy sauce, parmesan and Rye toast.
Sweet Hawaiian Treats
Treat your sweetie to an authentic Hawaiian sweet! Chill out though… the coolest island dessert destinations are nearby.
- Freeze Your Brain (Icon Park): Consider yourselves fair warned because this Hawaiian ice is good and also good at igniting brain freeze status.
- Shaka Ice Co. (on Curry Ford Rd.): Far from the theme parks, you can snag a Dole Whip at Shaka, as well as assorted shaved ice. Plus, vegan frozen treats.
Hawaiian Food Truck Date Nights
Wouldn’t it be awesome to hop on a surfboard to ride the waves at North Shore? Well, here in town, there’s a different type of ride… and these Orlando food trucks really know how to drive home the Hawaiian experience.
- Hapo Halo: Self-describing itself as “Orlando's first mini food truck,” Hapo Halo packs big Hawaiian flavors. The dishes are a flavor fusion of the Philippines and Hawaii.
More Must-Do Hawaiian Fun
- Aloha Productions Luau: This catering and entertainment company would be a great fit for couples planning to host a Hawaiian-themed rehearsal dinner, wedding or anniversary celebration. These party planners bring the Polynesian to you!
- FusionFest: FusionFest is a nonprofit working to celebrate the many different cultures that make Central Florida beautifully diverse. Check out events aligned with this effort on their website.
- Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf: Mini-golf is one of those iconic date night experiences, right? Well, mix in some Hawaiian flair, and you’ll be par for the course. Two 18-hole courses are available at Hawaiian Rumble. On-site concessions include beer, ice cream and non-alcoholic drinks.
Aloha Hawaiian lovers! Now start enjoying island time right here in Central Florida.
Feature image: Wantilan Luau at Royal Pacific, from Loews Hotels
