Ahi LeLe Fire Show

Question

Aloha

I am going to book for 4 of us for this show on our last night on the island in early March, and considering the "show only" option as it's $40 more per person for dinner as well, and from the pictures and reviews the food looks/tastes like "just average" luau fare. I think we can do better elsewhere or on our own at home and then just head over to the show. BUT....

I wondered if any of you have done the "show only" option and found the seats to be too far away, or significantly less enjoyable? We'll be going on a Wed night if that makes any difference.

TIA for any input you may have

Answer

Aloha! It sounds like you're considering a great option for your last night on Kauai. The Ahi LeLe Fire Show is definitely a memorable experience, and it's understandable that you'd want to make the most of it. Here's a breakdown of what to consider when choosing the "show only" option versus the dinner and show package.

Show Only Option: The "show only" ticket is a good choice if you're not particularly interested in the typical luau-style dinner. Many guests feel that the food at luau events, including Ahi LeLe, tends to be fairly standard—grilled meats, rice, and some traditional sides like poi and mac salad. If you're looking for a more elevated dining experience, you might prefer to eat elsewhere before the show, as you mentioned. In that case, the "show only" ticket allows you to focus on the performance without worrying about the food.

Seating for Show Only Guests: As for the seating, the "show only" option typically offers seats that are further away from the stage compared to those with the dinner package. However, the seating is usually tiered, so even from the back, you should still have a good view of the performance. While the "show only" tickets might not have the same prime seats as the dinner option, they still allow for an enjoyable view of the show. The experience of watching the fire dancers, hula performances, and other cultural displays is what draws most people, and those seated a little further back generally still get a great experience.

Wednesday Night Difference: Going on a Wednesday night could work to your advantage in terms of crowd size. Generally, the Ahi LeLe Fire Show is less crowded on weekdays than on weekends, so there may be fewer people to contend with, giving you a more relaxed experience. Even with the "show only" seating, you'll likely find that the atmosphere is less rushed and more enjoyable with fewer attendees.

Overall Experience: If you're fine with sitting a bit farther away and are mainly interested in enjoying the show itself, then the "show only" option is a good choice. The performance is the highlight, and many guests feel that it's worth it regardless of where you sit. However, if you're someone who values having a closer, more intimate view of the performers, the dinner package might be worth considering, despite the extra cost.

Other Options: If you do decide to skip the dinner and go for the show only, here are some ideas to consider for a great meal beforehand:

Bar Acuda: Located in Hanalei, this restaurant is known for its farm-to-table dishes with fresh local ingredients, a great option for a pre-show dinner.
The Beach House: In Poipu, this is another fantastic spot with beautiful oceanfront views and a varied menu of seafood and Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
Kauai’s Food Truck Scene: If you're looking for something more casual, check out the food trucks around the island for some delicious local eats.

In summary, the "show only" option will still give you a great time, and the seating is generally good enough for enjoying the show. If you're okay with being a bit further from the stage and want to have a nice meal beforehand, this is a great option. If closer seating is a priority, the dinner package might be worth the extra cost. Either way, the Ahi LeLe Fire Show is a memorable experience!