Ko Olina's New Luau and Epic Show Bring 340 Jobs to West Oahu

A wave of opportunity hits West Oahu as two major projects revive Hawaiian traditions—and transform the local economy. Meet the artists leading the change.

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2026 March 10 . 10:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a black and white photo of the Aloha Maikai Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. It features... — The image shows a black and white photo of the Aloha Maikai Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. It features a collage of pictures of the building, trees, water, and sky, as well as a person standing in the foreground.

Ko Olina's New Luau and Epic Show Bring 340 Jobs to West Oahu

A new luau, Kaula Lu'au, will open at Ko Olina on February 27. The event is part of a wider plan to create a culture-driven entertainment hub in West Oahu. Alongside it, a production called Hawaiian Goddess: The Epic Tale of Hi'iaka will also launch in the area.

Both projects aim to boost local employment, with Kaula Lu'au adding 166 jobs and Hawaiian Goddess creating another 176 positions.

Native Hawaiian artists, entertainers, and businesses lead the Kaula Lu'au. The project builds on years of cultural work in West Oahu, where groups like the Pacific Renaissance Foundation and Kumu Hula Nalani Kanaka'ole have supported traditional performances since 2004. The West Oahu Native Hawaiian Cultural Center has also organised lu'au events in Kapolei since 2018.

The new entertainment hub at Ko Olina follows earlier efforts by local creators. Artists like Patrick Makuakane and the group Na Hula 'Ilio'ula have developed similar cultural shows in the region. Now, the area will host both the luau and the Hawaiian Goddess production, expanding its cultural offerings.

The two projects together will bring over 340 new jobs to West Oahu. Kaula Lu'au alone accounts for 166 roles, while Hawaiian Goddess adds 176 more. Both are set to open before February 2025, strengthening the area's reputation as a centre for Hawaiian culture.

The luau and production will open doors for local talent while increasing job opportunities. Ko Olina's new entertainment hub is expected to draw more visitors to West Oahu. The projects also continue a long tradition of Hawaiian-led cultural events in the region.