Experience Unforgettable Hawaiian Hospitality at the Best Luau in Maui
What is the best luau in Maui to experience?
You definitely have a lot of choices for fantastic Luau experiences on the island to participate, eat and enjoy the various programs that are offer at each Maui luau program on the island. To make it easier here are you options below on the best luau to choose in Maui and enjoy some of the most popular Hawaiian foods to sample at these fantastic Luau.
What makes a Maui luau different?
Most of the Maui luau celebrate the early ancient Polynesian settlers to Maui, Polynesian lifestyle and culture and transition to more local celebrations, culture and tradition featuring the demigod Maui, an ancient god. Along with Polynesian dance, song and music, Hawaiian dance and music is also featured and predominant in most of the luau on the island.
We share all the best luau in Maui below for you to decide which one works best for your time and budget.
Check out these fantastic luau in Maui
Here are all the major luau offered on Maui for you to have a dining and show experience that ranges in a gamut of different types of activities, food and drink and the type of show that follows the dining service.
Aha’aina – The Grand Wailea luau
The luau celebrates the early voyagers to the island and shares the history and culture of the early Hawaiians on the island along with sharing the traditional Hawaiian foods like Kalua pork and poi, macadamia crusted mahi mahi, and other local favorite foods. Along with the elaborate show, you can also participate in doing some local games, crafts and even learn to hula dance.
This wonderful Luau held on the grounds of The Grand Wailea grounds which is a lux experience in Wailea. The four hour production is elaborate and beautiful to experience with fantastic local Hawaiian and local foods to try in this luau.
Details to participating in the show
This luau is popular and does book up early so do plan ahead
This is open seating dining at the luau and show
The luau is family friendly
The event is held at the Grand Wailea Grand Astoria Resort
on Mondays, Thursdays, Friday and Saturday
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Te Au Moana – Marriott Wailea Luau
Located at the Marriott Wailea, this fabulous luau translates into “the Ocean Tide” and early Hawaiians living aloha and love of the “Aina” or land they lived in. The luau located on the coastline on grassy lawn with spectacular views along with a dynamic show and dining experience. Prior to dinner you get to see and participate in various traditional Hawaiian rituals like tapa making, coconut husking, making leis, other crafts and showcasing weaponry and fishing demonstrations in this best of Maui Luau.
Dinner service includes local and traditional fare including Molokai sweet potatoes, Grilled teriyaki steak and kalua pork, pineapple coleslaw and seafood pasta along with other local favorites.
Details to participating at the Marriott Wailea Luau
Shows happen on Mondays, Thursdays, Friday and Saturday
Cultural interaction and participation is family friendly
Free for children under 5
Located at the Wailea Beach Resort and Spa
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Myths of Maui – Royal Lahaina Resort
A gorgeous oceanfront luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort at Ka’anapali beach starting with a lovely luau lei greeting. The luau offers an authentic luau experience with an presentation with a pig imu unearthing or pua’a, exotic tropical drinks like mai tais and delicious buffet cuisine of traditional and local favorites from the island.
The nights entertainment presents the best of Polynesian music, dance and storytelling combining both Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures and traditional dance.
More details to the Myths of Maui
This is a family friendly luau experience.
Seating is pre-assigned depending on early booking, for the best seats consider the VIP bookings that will allow up front seating.
Shows occur daily and starts at 6pm for general seating
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Hyatt Regency Luau – Drums of the Pacific
A conch shell and beating drums followed by Hawaiian chants start the beginning to this wonderful luau along with a torch lighting ceremony. You get all the nice touches of a luau including lei greeting, exotic mai tais, an authentic imu ceremony (steamed pig unearthing), and traditional arts and crafts demonstrations. Along with wonderful Hawaiian music, there’s a unique Polynesian fashion show with creative and unique tropical styles of dress.
This is followed by a buffet feast with traditional favorites including huli huli chicken, Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, grilled fish, ahi poke, poi and many other local favorite dishes to try.
Next is an all tribute Polynesian show experience of the Drums of the Pacific showcasing the traditional music and dance of the region. This includes Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand and Rarotonga’s best music and dance.
Details to attending the luau Drums of the Pacific
Open bar with beer, wine, mixed drinks and tropical punch
An elaborate dessert bar is also featured with the buffet portion of the meal.
The luau event happens every day and starts at 5:30pm
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau only showcases the best of Hawaiian culture, history, music and dance which sets it apart of the other Luau’s that features a pan Polnesian experience. Held on ocean front grounds with breath taking views of old town Lahaina and coastline. The luau offers fascinating imu pig unearthing, story telling and cultural demonstrations and island crafts.
The buffet also sets the food apart with an elaborate menu that features local favorites like Kalua pork, island chicken, Maui style Mahi Mahi, Ko’ala steak, lomi lomi salmon and poke, poi and assorted island desserts.
The entertainment portion Hawaiian production shares the best of Hawaii centric tradition, history and culture. Starting with migration from Polynesia to Hawaii, encompassing traditional chants, dance and ancient hula performed for respected family and guests. This follows with the entry of the missionaries and Merrie Monarch revival of the hula and into contemporary Auana style dance and music.
Details to attending the Old Lahaina Luau
Luau events happen daily and advanced reservations are required.
Guests may choose from our Traditional Hawaiian Mat seating, or our regular Conventional Tables and Chairs
Luau hosts greet you and guide you to reserved seating tables and acquaint them to the grounds features
There are premium open bar available during the entire event
Professional photographers are available with no purchase necessary
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
The Feast of Lele
The feast features a sit-down dinner showcasing five epicurean courses from the Pacific island nations of Aotearoa, Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaiʻi that you can choose from a set menu. There is also an open bar of exotic drinks, beers, wine and other local favorites for the entire show. An oceanfront ocean front luau in Lahaina, the Feast of Lele is the ancient name of Lahaina and celebrates Polynesian culture, music, dance through Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and Aotearoa.
Details to attending the Feast of Lele
Open daily from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Photographers are on sight to take sunset and luau photographs with no obligation
Fine dining style with reserved and private tables – no buffet service
Location: Along the beach in historic Lahaina Town
505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Maui Nui Loa – Sheraton Maui Resort Luau
Located ocean front at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa – the luau is a tribute to Maui and Kaanapali history, culture and folklore along with a Pan Pacific event. You’ll enjoy a traditional lei and cocktail greeting with casual craft demonstrations, hula basics and other Hawaiian games right when you enter the grounds. The highlight at the start is the unearthing of the Kalua pig from an imu (underground steaming pit) and is unearth from all the covered dirt and banana leaf. The torch lights are lit and the actual buffet gets started.
The grand buffet covers local favorite foods like Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, Molokai sweet potato, BBQ chicken, steamed opakaka and so many other delicious foods from the island.
Details to the Maui Nui Loa Luau
Happens on Mondays, Wednesday and some Fridays starting at 5pm
Family friendly venue with crafting classes, temporary tatoos and Hawaiian games
You can opt for just a drink option and show without food
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui
A luxury luau experience with only 150 guest seating for this limited luau event at the Andaz is stylish and refined dining. Greetings start with green and gold shell necklaces and escorted to private dining seats. A gourmet three course menu is served at the table along with craft signature drinks served.
In the entertainment segment, you get a beautiful show with live ukelele performances, singing, beautiful hula to Tahitian dancing and high energy Samoan fire dances at night.
Details to the Feast at Mokapu
Limited seating available on Sunday and Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 pm
Complimentary 8 x 10 souvenir photo is included with the event
Craft cocktails are prepared for each drink
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
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Other posts on visiting Maui below
Top 20 things to do in Lahaina, Maui
Things to do in Paia and Haiku
Best Luau Maui FAQ
What is the average price of a luau in Maui
Before taxes and service fees, most luau in Maui average $150 to $275 per person.
Is it worth going to a Luau in Maui?
If you have never been to a luau in Hawaii then this would be a great time to attend. If you have been to a luau, the events here are pretty pricey in Maui and you definitely can have a meal in exchange for an entry to a Maui Luau
Should I dress for a luau?
Typically Hawaiian dress is standard with aloha shirts for men and a nice tropical print dress or muu muu for this type of event.
Are drinks free at a luau in Maui
Typically drinks are included including non-alcoholic beverages, but some may put a limit to how many you can drink or may give you drink vouchers.
More inside tips to enjoying a local luau in Hawaii
When attending a luau, here are some inside tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive early: Arriving early allows you to secure good seating and gives you time to explore the venue before the festivities begin. It’s an opportunity to take photos, familiarize yourself with the surroundings, and get a head start on the activities.
- Sample the traditional cuisine: Luaus typically offer a lavish buffet of traditional Hawaiian dishes. Take the opportunity to try a variety of foods, including kalua pig (roasted pig), poi (taro root paste), lomi lomi salmon, and haupia (coconut pudding). Don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and embrace the local cuisine.
- Engage in cultural activities: Many luaus offer cultural activities and demonstrations. Participate in hula dancing lessons, try your hand at lei-making, or learn about traditional Hawaiian crafts. Engaging in these activities adds depth to your luau experience and allows you to connect with the local culture.
- Enjoy the live entertainment: Luaus feature captivating live performances that showcase the rich heritage of Hawaii. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the music, chants, hula dances, and fire knife performances. Show your appreciation for the performers by applauding and engaging with their artistry.
- Capture the memories: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the memorable moments of the luau. From the vibrant costumes to the energetic dances, there will be plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs and videos. Just be mindful of any photography restrictions or guidelines provided by the luau organizers.
- Respect cultural protocols: Remember to be respectful of the cultural protocols and customs observed during the luau. Follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the hosts, and be aware of any cultural sensitivities. For example, it is customary to remove your hat during certain performances and to refrain from talking during prayers or important cultural rituals.
By following these inside tips, you can fully immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the luau and create lasting memories of this authentic Hawaiian celebration. Embrace the culture, savor the cuisine, and revel in the lively entertainment as you embrace the spirit of aloha.
Conclusion to the best Maui luau
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Best luau to choose in Maui I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. Hope you decided on what luau in Maui you may be attending?
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I try to attend a luau whenever I visit Hawaii. I “collect” them. It’s been a while now, so I enjoyed your information on a few new ones, and your images are enticing.
Awesome, you’ll love these luau in Maui. Have you visited recently?
Which has been your favorite? We will only be able to attend one, as we are there on a cruise. Thanks!
They all look fun to me. Aloha!
You would love them Sue, have you been to Maui?
Wow! This is a great guide, Noel! A keeper!
Yes all these luau in Maui are fun and I would do all of them.
That looks such fun! I really need to visit Hawaii to see for myself.
Definitely go visit Maui and enjoy some of these Luau.