5 Best Performing Arts in The Kohala Coast, Big Island

Paul "Kona Kozy" Kozak, a veteran Vegas and New York comedy club entertainer, brings a world-class magic show to the Kohala Coast. Every show is different but, guaranteed, each one is hilarious. Held within his fine-art tiki gallery, the shows will truly have you asking "How'd he do that?" for days afterward. Kozy knows his stuff: he once did a command performance for Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The show is for ages 18 and up.

On the oceanfront North Side Luau Grounds, you can indulge in the best of island cuisine—a traditional feast of kalua (earth oven–baked) pig roasted in an imu (oven), island fish, lomilomi salmon, and sashimi—while enjoying entertainment by renowned local performers. The luau, originally premiering in 1960 for Newsweek magazine and going strong ever since, includes an amazing fire-knife dance, spirited chanting, and traditional hula. Keiki (children) can learn the hukilau (a traditional song and dance), and you can relax right on the beach, under the stars. If you choose one luau during your visit to the Big Island, this should be the one, and it's surprisingly affordable. You can elect to see only the show for a reasonable fee.

Slickly produced and well choreographed, this gorgeous show incorporates both traditional and contemporary music and dance, along with an array of beautiful costumes. It tells the tale of Hawaiiloa, the great navigator from Tahiti, and of the celestial object—Hokulea, "Star of Gladness"—that guided him to the islands later named Hawaii. Presented under the stars at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii on Saturdays, the luau offers several stations with a variety of Hawaiian and Hawaii Regional Cuisine dishes, and there's an open full bar for mai tais and other tropical libations.

Presented outdoors at the Kamehameha Court, the aptly subtitled "Our Big Island Story" features song and a fire-knife dance as well as a delicious buffet with Big Island–grown luau choices and more familiar fare and tropical drinks. Pay a small fee and upgrade to Alii seating for a front-row vantage; unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine; and your own buffet station. A children's station has kid favorites. Delicious desserts such as haupia (with coconut milk) cream puffs and Kona-coffee cheesecake top it all off.

In a setting overlooking the white sands of Anaehoomalu Bay, this Polynesian luau includes a spectacular Samoan fire-dance performance as well as traditional music and dances from Pacific Island cultures. Making use of island ingredients such as Waipio Valley poi and Keahole shrimp, Pulehu steaks, the menu by executive chef Jayson Kanekoa treats guests to authentic island flavors. There's also an open bar.