Catamaran Resort Thursday Sunset Luau on the Bay
DETAILS:
Location: Catamaran Resort - 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego CA 92109
Hours: Select Thursdays thru the summer beginning in June: 6P - Doors Open / 6:45P Welcome Presentation / 6:50P all-you-can-eat buffet opens / 7:50P Show starts
Parking: valet hotel parking ($26 during 2025 season)
Cost: during the 2025 season: $110 (plus service fees) /adult for general admission seating (VIP seating also available). $68 for children 12 and under.
Availability and booking can be made on their website (provided below under “resources”)
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa hosts its beloved Sunset Luaus on the Bay each summer on the shores of Mission Bay, creating one of San Diego’s most festive outdoor evening experiences. Held on select Thursday nights, the event begins as the sun starts to set over the bay, welcoming guests with a traditional lei greeting and a tropical Mai Tai before the festivities begin. As guests settle into the waterfront setting, the evening unfolds with live island music, warm ocean breezes, and sweeping views of Mission Bay that help transport visitors straight to the South Pacific without ever leaving Southern California.
A major highlight of the luau is the expansive all you can eat Polynesian style buffet that captures the flavors of the islands. Guests can enjoy dishes such as slow roasted Kalua pig cooked in banana leaves, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi with mango salsa, and savory huli huli chicken marinated with ginger, garlic, and tamari. The buffet also includes fresh salads, Hawaiian sweet rolls, noodle dishes, and tropical desserts like passionfruit cheesecake, giving diners a full taste of classic luau cuisine while dining outdoors by the water. To be completely transparent, while the food was solid, nothing was particularly spectacular. The entertainment coupled with the novelty of the evening is was makes for this Luau experience.
As night falls, the luau truly comes alive with vibrant entertainment from the Polynesian performance group. Their show features traditional island music, graceful hula dancing, and thrilling fire and torch performances that light up the evening sky. The combination of authentic dance, energetic storytelling, and the glowing torches reflecting across Mission Bay creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Between the food, the lively cultural performances, and the stunning sunset setting, the Catamaran’s Thursday Sunset Luau delivers a unique and memorable San Diego experience that feels both festive and transportive.
RESOURCES:
Catamaran Resort Thursday Sunset Luau on the Bay web page.
