If you are going to Hawaii, the one thing you need to do in Maui is to check out a luau. You’ll hear the word everywhere since practically everyone will try to convince you to go. And for good reason. Imagine arching palms with the backdrop of splashing waves, tiki torches flickering into the orange hues of the sun setting and the sound of a ceremonial conch shell blow.
The scene feels like something right out of a movie. Sip on a cocktail, and revel in the traditional Hawaiian luau – a blend of Polynesian dinner foods, dance and exhilarating culture and one of the best experiences you need to have in Maui.
The Best Luaus on the Hawaiian Island of Maui (with dinner or just the show!)
So great. You’ve decided you’ll try the quintessential Hawaiian luau experience. But then you realize there is a ton of options in Maui–from long-running ones, to popular ones or more traditional ones to ones that include Hawaiian dinner. One thing remains true however: all of them have immersive dance shows, some. So whichever one of these top six you choose, get ready to get hypnotized by a hula dance, enjoy roasted Kalua pig and delve deep into a spectacular unique culture.
What is a Luau?
Simply put, a luau is a traditional Hawaiian party with eating and dancing. This feast goes all the way back to the Ancient times of Polynesia. It is said that the second king of Hawaii lifted the ban on what was known as the kapu. The kapu was basically the notion of men and women eating together, or royalty dining with the rest of the non-crowned population.
So of course, to celebrate the removal of the law, the king hosted a spectacular dinner feast that included 271 pigs, plus countless kalo plants, coconuts and salted fish. And he invited everyone to attend!
Today, luaus in Maui are a modern twist on the traditional ritual, mostly designed for visitors of Hawaii. But, they are still fun social events and celebrations that feature Hawaiian and Polynesian dancing and cultural music. Plus, there’s always lots of food! You will find things like poi (made from the stem of a taro plant), Kalua pig and haupia (a coconut milk-based dessert).
Fun fact: In Hawaiian, the meaning of the word luau is ‘young taro tops’, a plant that is a traditional food served at the event.
1. Old Lahaina Luau
Old Lahaina Luau is by far one of the best known luaus on the island. The mixture of cultural accuracy and how well it executes the authenticity of a luau make it a top choice for many travelers (it doesn’t hurt that you are greeted at the door with a fresh flower lei and a Mai Tai!).
Before the meal and entertainment even begins guests will learn about the Hawaiian history, and may choose to gather around the imu as the kalua pig is excavated from this traditional Hawaiian underground oven. The buffet feast then begins and is filled with traditional foods like lau lau (pork wrapped in lu’au leaf), mea’ai ola pono (taro, sweet potato & tofu patty) and of course the pig itself.
At sunset the entertainment will begin, through dance and music you will be taken through the fascinating history of the Hawaiians. Though you will see plenty of hula, take note that there is no fire-knife dancing here. This makes it even more historically accurate as there were no fire dances back then.
Prices & Details: Adult Ticket (Age 13 and above): $175.00 + $7.29 (4.166% state tax) = $182.29. Children Ticket (Age 3 to 12): $89.00 + $3.71 (4.166% state tax) = $92.71 (Infants not occupying a seat; no charge).
Address: 1251 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States. Website.
2. Feast at Lele
If you’re looking for an upscale Maui luau, then the Feast at Lele is one of the best choices. For starters, you will get a mai tai in your hands and a lei of Kukui tree nuts around your neck as soon as you arrive. Plus, instead of a typical buffet, it features a five-course, sit-down dinner (this is the main reason that this luau is my favorite!).
The menu that was created by Executive Chef Adrian Aina celebrates Polynesian cuisine, taking you on a journey through the island nations of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Samoa.
Each course is accompanied by the traditional song and dance of the region. The hula is the traditional dance of Hawaii and is an elegant motion accompanied by chant and song. The men of New Zealand traditionally dance the Haka, an ancient Maori war dance. Meanwhile the the women perform using poi, tethered balls that are rhythmically swung.
Tahitian dance is a sensual swing of the hips and the traditional or’i chant. The Samoan sasa dance is a rhythmic clapping of the hands and slapping of parts of the body. It’s a bonus that there are fire-dancers!
This is the best place you would go for a more intimate dinner, ocean views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Prices & Details: Regular Rate (Ages 13 & above): $185.00 + $7.71 tax = $192.71. Child Rate (Ages 12 & under): $99.00 + $4.12 tax = $103.12 (Infants age 2 & under are no charge as long as they are able to sit in someone’s lap throughout the evening or in a highchair). Address: 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761. Website.
3. The Grand Luau at Honua’ula
The Grand Luau at Honua’ula is located at the award-winning Grand Wailea Resort and Spa in Wailea, just steps from the sea. You’ll find everything in this four-hour event: a torch lighting, unearthing of the kalua pig, traditional buffet with regional cuisine and a show that tells the story of La’amaikahiki and Moikeha voyages, taking you back to a time when the Polynesians discovered Hawaii.
There’s even a chance to check learn the hula off your bucket list!
Prices & Details: Standard Seating: Adults (13+) – $265, Children (12 and under) – $200. Aliʻi Premium Seating: Adults (13+) – $325, Children (12 and under) – $245. Address: 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI 96753. Website
4. Drums of the Pacific
Drums of the Pacific is just steps from Ka’anapali Beach at the Hyatt Regency and is the longest running Maui luau. The experience will take you on a journey throughout the islands of Polynesia, but what makes this show specifically special is the unforgettable display of Samoan fire-dancing and flame-eating.
The feast of this luau is served buffet style and features the same traditional cuisine as other luaus—things like kalua pork, huli huli chicken and lomi lomi salmon.
Prices & Details: Standard Seating: Adult (Ages 13yrs & over) – $200, Child (Ages 4-12 yrs) – $100, Infants (Ages 0-3 yrs) – Free. VIP Seating: Adult (Ages 13yrs & over) – $250, Child (Ages 4-12 yrs) – $125, Infants (Ages 0-3 yrs) – Free. Address: 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, Maui. Website.
5. Royal Lahaina Luau
If you’re looking for something a little bit (not a lot) more inexpensive and not quite as fancy as the others, then the Royal Lahaina Luau is a great choice. Even with a moderate price tag, there will still be a backdrop of the shoreline, cultural dancing and warm atmosphere that all epitomize the Hawaiian vibes. You will begin your evening in paradise after getting a friendly aloha, a shell lei and then all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet and cocktails.
That’s not it though. Think fire-knife dances, beautiful hula dancing and of course – the view of the sunset and the beach interchanging together.
Prices & Details: General Luau: Adult (13 yrs+) – $155.00, Child (6-12 yrs) – $85.00 (Paying Adult, One Free Child), Additional Child (0-5 yrs) – $85.00. VIP Luau: Adult (13 yrs+) – $205.00, Child (6-12 yrs) – $135.00, Child (0-5 yrs) – $50.00. Address: 2780 Kekaa Drive, Lahaina, Maui. Website.
6. Te Au Moana
Te Au Moana translates directly to the “ocean tide”, which is fitting since the ceremony takes place right on the ocean of the Marriott Wailea. When you enter you will receive a fresh flower lei or a carved wooden fish hook necklace. Then it’s straight to the pre-show activities where you will be introduced to some of the top Polynesian rituals, like tapa making, where you will learn how to make fabric from the bark of trees.
There is also storytelling, coconut husking and Polynesian crafters—enough activities to keep every member of the family entertained.
Prior to the feast itself, witness the traditional imu ceremony (the unearthing of the Kalua pig) and then indulge in the buffet extravaganza fit for a king or queen. You will be munching on Hawaiian specialties like Molokai sweet potatoes, kula greens and coconut haupia while the dancers share the stories of the people of Maui and the Pacific islands.
Prices & Details: Standard Price: Adults (ages 13+) – $240, Children (ages 6 to 12) – $165, Toddlers (ages 5 and under) – Free. Premium Price: Adults (ages 13+) – $275, Children (ages 6 to 12) – $190, Toddlers (ages 5 and under) – Free. Address: Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, Wailea, Maui, HI, 96753. Website.
7. Maui Nui Luau
Hosted at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Maui, Maui Nui Luau offers an authentic Hawaiian luau experience. The event takes place on the world famous Ka‘anapali Beach just at the base of Black Rock, a well known cliff diving spot. It features a traditional, all-you-can-eat Hawaiian meal and fresh flower leis if available.
Performers tell the story of Maui, the demigod the island is named after, and immerse participants in the culture of the island through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. The incredible fire knife dance is even featured throughout the performance as a torch lighting ceremony leads up to a dive off of Puʻu Kekaʻa.
Prices & Details: Adult (Ages 13 & Older) – $180, Child (Ages 6-12) – $105, Toddler (Ages 5 & Under) – Free. Address: 2605 Ka’anapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI, 96761 Website
8. The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz
If you’re looking for the best luau in Maui, the Feast at Mokapu is definitely worth checking out. Taking place at Wailea Resort, the setting for this luau is a large grass lawn along the shores of Mokapu beach. As an added bonus, the location is quite close to the Lahaina and Kihei areas. The event combines luxury cultural and culinary experiences to allow participants to learn more about Hawaiian life.
You’ll hear stories about the journey of the Polynesian people who first arrived on the island and learn about the most important Hawaiian values, including the deep love of the land. Participants will enjoy interactive story-telling and a world class meal full of Hawaiian dishes. Cocktails, which are handcrafted and can be customized, are also available to add to the experience.
Prices & Details: Classic Seating: Adults – $280, Children – $140, Premium Seating: Adults – $340, Children – $180. Address: 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI, 96753. Website
9. Wailele Polynesian Luau
Often referred to as the most authentic luau in Maui, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa’s Wailele Luau is held at the resort’s Aloha Pavilion. It sits along Kaanapali Beach to give participants a breathtaking view of the sunset before the event. During the show, you’ll experience breathtaking performances that tell the story of Maui through Hawaiian costumes and kahiko dances.
This luau features some of the most incredible fire knife dances on the island. Participants will also enjoy a huge family-style Hawaiian meal with traditional side choices for a truly authentic cultural experience.
Prices & Details: Premium Seating: Adult (Ages 13+) – $195, Keikis (Ages 4 -12) – $100, Infants (Ages 3 under) – Free. Ohana Seating: Starts at $175. Address: 2365 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761, USA. Website
As an avid traveler, I love indulging myself in other cultures and their rituals—it gives you a whole other perspective into a destination. Though many luaus in Maui are entertaining the tourists and not the locals, you will still get a glimpse into this tradition. If nothing else, you can revel on sipping on fruity cocktails while eating delectable pork and being entertained by talented Polynesian dancers.
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You're not the only one that had to go to a luau in Hawaii. I went to the Disneyland of Luau's in Oahu. I enjoyed it, despite the touristy-ness. I liked how they had food from different cultures at your luau. Love the fire dance, I can barely light a match.
I did like how they paired the food and dance with is land. It was easier to get the vibe of the culture. But, next time I need to travel to Polynesia to see it all first hand :)
This is on my bucket list now, too. And since you've done the leg work, I don't have to figure out which one to go to. :)
I've been enchanted by hula girls since I was a little girl. My parents went to Hawaii and sent me a postcard with a hula dancer on the front and then brought me back a fake grass skirt. I was a hula dancer every Halloween that it fit, though I always had to wear a coat over it because October in Ohio is cold.
I can't believe I haven't seen the real thing yet, but can't wait to go. Great post!
Love the hula dancer postcard story! I hope you get the chance to see a real luau, maybe they will pull you on stage so you can do a little dance :)
How awesome! I haven't been to a real luau (yet), but friends of ours throw a big luau party here in Texas that's pretty close – even including a whole pig that is roasted under the ground wrapped in banana leaves :)
This luau didn’t do the whole roasting of a pig thing, so I might have to go to one more :)
Cool photos of the luau! I haven't been to one of these in years, but they usually don't disappoint.
Thank you. The luau was definitely a great Hawaii experience that I am happy to not have missed!
Hi Annette, so colorful photos. I have chosen Hawaii in one of my blogs as one of the best place for a bachelorette get away. Attending a Luau party is just perfect.
Hawaii is a fantastic place for a bachelorette getaway and everyone will have a blast at a luau!
What’s really fascinating about a Lahaina luau is that it offers guests authentic Hawaiian culture, greeted with lei of fresh flowers and glass of Mai Tai. Mom and Dad would sure love the idea of having the family experience gathering around the kalua pig while it is dug from a traditional underground oven. More than this, the night would be rich with a feast of delicacies as guests learn more about Hawaiian history through night-long hula dancing and music playing.
As if I didn’t want to go to Hawaii bad enough already! These sound like so much fun. Been to Oahu and Kauai, but never made it to a Luau. Definitely hope to change this soon!
I wish I had found this before we took our trip to Maui. It would’ve been so helpful. We went to The Grand Luau at Honua’ula and loved it! The location itself is simply stunning, so there is so much beauty and entertainment to take in all at once.
On our next trip to Maui we will have to check out the Feast at Lele. I’ve been to luaus on other islands but never to a luau that wasn’t a buffet. The sitdown experience alongside corresponding entertainment from the various islands sounds incredible!
Glad I helped you planning your next visit on Maui.
NICE POST