Maui offers great luaus, which is a wonderful Hawaiian experience. Each luau presents a different dining and performance experience to fit everyone’s taste. Here’s what we think is top-notch!
Aha’aina Luau at the Grand Wailea
The Grand Wailea’s Aha’aina Luau is a favorite south Maui choice. This is an upscale evening with music, dancing, a celebration of the Imu (kalua pig) which they unearth from a pit, and fantastic fire knife dancers.
With ocean views of Molokai and Kaho’olawe, this is sure to be a breathtaking treat under the stars. Dinner offers a chance to sample many different kinds of traditional dishes. From Polynesian chicken to grilled fish, salads, and yummy desserts you’re sure to be more than satisfied.
The performance focuses on beautiful Tahitian dances, authentic and traditional hula including the amazing show of the amazing fire knife dancers. This is one of the best luaus on Maui located on the gorgeous grounds of the Grand Wailea Resort.
Located at the Grand Wailea Resort, 850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753. Valet parking is available.
As of this publish date, seating starts at 5:15pm from $275/adult and $170/children 12 and under.
Tip: This luau setting is in the sun; please make sure you wear appropriate sunwear.
Te Au Moana
The Te Au Moana “The Ocean Tide” luau show is like no other. This extraordinary luau shares the ancestral story of the people of Maui and the Pacific through song and dance. Watch as they celebrate the fascinating skills of island people through song and dance.
The event is scheduled with an open bar, live music, pre-show activities at interactive stations, the celebration of the imu (kalua pork) and the buffet. The show starts after dinner and the evening wraps up around 8 pm.
Located at the Marriot Resort, 3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Tip: We let our smallest keiki dance off to the side in the grass. A good spot for the little ones.
Feast at Mokapu Luau
The Feast at Mokapu, hosted by the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, is a luxurious and immersive luau experience that offers a unique and refined take on the traditional Hawaiian feast. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mokapu Beach, this event is an elegant blend of cultural storytelling, gourmet cuisine, and top-tier entertainment.
The culinary experience at the Feast at Mokapu is a standout feature. The menu is carefully curated to include upscale interpretations of traditional Hawaiian dishes, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The attention to detail in the presentation and the quality of the food sets this luau apart.
Entertainment at the Feast at Mokapu is both elegant and engaging, with performances that weave together the stories and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. The storytelling aspect of the luau is emphasized, providing guests with a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii.
Located at the Andaz Maui at 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive.
Tip: You’ll spend more here, but the overall experience is spectacular.
Myths of Maui Luau
The Myths of Maui Luau, also known as the Royal Lahaina Luau, is one of Maui’s most celebrated Polynesian luaus. Hosted at the Royal Lahaina Resort, this event is a vibrant showcase of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This is widely considered the most family-friendly luau on Maui.
The luau features a buffet dinner that includes a variety of Hawaiian delicacies. Traditional dishes such as Kalua Pig, cooked in an underground oven known as an imu, Lomi Lomi Salmon, and Poi, along with more familiar offerings, provide an authentic taste of Hawaiian cuisine.
The evening includes a series of performances that bring Hawaiian myths and legends to life through music and dance. The hula dance, a central part of Hawaiian storytelling, is performed with grace and beauty, often accompanied by live Hawaiian music.
Additionally, the Royal Lahaina Luau often includes performances that represent other Polynesian cultures, such as Tahitian drum dances and Fijian war dances, providing guests with a broader understanding of the Pacific Island cultures.
Tip: This usually has the best-priced tickets and daily availability. It’s a great show and meal.
Old Lahaina Luau
Due to the fires, the Old Lahaina Luau employees and Lahaina community are not entirely ready for shows yet, so they’ve decided to push back their date again to after January 31st, 2024. In the meantime, if you’d like to support their employees, go to their GoFundMe Campaign.
The fires damage included fallen trees, ash and smoke damage, dried landscape, and battered furniture.
The Old Lahaina Luau is a traditional and authentic Hawaiian luau with an award-winning presentation of traditional cuisine, crafts, and an entertaining performance of Hawaiian music and hula. The atmosphere is personal and gives you a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and history of Hawaiians.
Why no fire dancing? Their focus is on delivering an authentic Hawaiian luau, highlighting traditional food and entertainment. As the fire knife dance originates from Samoa, it’s not featured at Old Lāhainā Lūʻau.
The food is fantastic. The buffet-style dining will definitely exceed your expectations. Everything is all-inclusive. The server’s attention is outstanding and you will feel well taken care of. This luau gives you the choice of a table or authentic mat seating with pillows on the grass.
The gorgeous sunset gives a background drop view for the fun and entertainment to begin. The outstanding performance includes storytelling rhythmic drumming, dancing, and singing. This luau is highly recommended and considered one of the best on Maui!
Located at 1251 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96767
Tip: Leave early from south Maui. This is a 45-minute drive from Kihei and allows extra time for parking.
The Feast at Lele
The Feast at Lele was a fan favorite, and we’re so sad to see it gone. We don’t know if they’ll be reopening at a new location someday, but as of now, their location at 505 Front Street in Lahaina is no more. If you’d like to donate to employees of Feast at Lele, here is their GoFundMe Campaign.
Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina. The Feast at Lele is a true fine dining beach front experience with excellent service. The evening starts with a traditional flower lei greeting, photos and intimate seating for each couple or group.
The Polynesian menu was a five-course meal featuring cuisine from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and Tonga followed by dessert. Drinks were served to the table so no waiting in line. It was not your typical luau experience and you didn’t find the typical imu roasted kalua pig ceremony, many craft demonstrations, or the familiar buffet line here.
The show is what set the stage with Hawaiian hula, Tongan and Tahiti dancers, and the well-known all-famous fire knife dancers from Samoa. The incredible range of talent in all of their amazing performers was an experience you likely won’t see elsewhere.
