The best luaus on the Big Island

The Big Island has fewer luaus than Maui or Oahu, but the two worth booking are very good. The Hawaiiloa Luau at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast is the special-occasion pick. Saturdays only, oceanfront plantation grounds, kiawe-smoked kalua pork, open bar. Island Breeze runs more nights a week at the Royal Kona Resort right in Kailua-Kona town, and is the most affordable Big Island luau. Both are oceanfront. If you're staying on the Kona side and want the high-end experience, drive up to Kohala for Hawaiiloa.