While the overall cultural significance of the modern-day lūʻau may be taken with a grain of salt these days, most are well-intentioned, culturally sensitive, fun, and engaging, with traditional singing, dancing, and Polynesian performances like fire-knife dancing that will entertain people of all ages, a great night out for families, couples, and friends!
In other words, we highly recommend visiting a lūʻau on Maui if you are looking for a colorful, interactive experience of local culture.
Table of contents
- 6 things to expect from a lūʻau
- Tips for picking a luau
- List of luaus on Maui
- What is the best luau for …
Table of Contents
- 6 things to expect from a lūʻau
- Tips for picking a luau
- List of luaus on Maui
- What is the best luau for …
In this guide, we talk you through the how and what of visiting a Luau, and give recommendations and short breakdowns of al Luau shows held on Maui.
6 things you can expect from a lūʻau on Maui
The Hawaiian lūʻau is an entertaining, fun, family-friendly evening activity to experience in the islands. Here are a few key things to know about them:
1: The typical lūʻau lasts between two and three hours
Doors typically open about an hour before the dinner buffet begins, allowing folks to arrive early for drinks and “pre-game” activities spread throughout the lūʻau grounds – a number of casual, family-friendly cultural demonstrations, crafts, and games for all ages (but mostly kids and families). About 45 minutes to an hour are allowed for guests to visit the buffet before the show begins, which usually lasts anywhere from an hour to and hour and a half.
2: Lūʻaus vary in size, but are usually more than 100 people
Unless you purchase a private table through a VIP package, you will most likely sit at a shared table with other guests. Take note of the fine print in premium ticket packages. Many get you closer to the stage, but not your own table.
3: GENERALLY, LŪʻAUS COST MORE THAN $100 A PERSON
It’s not a cheap night out, but hey, it’s an experience to remember. Child tickets are usually about three quarters the price of an adult ticket.
4: PARKING IS NOT ALWAYS INCLUDED
Some venues (such as hotel lūʻaus) will charge extra for parking. Others offer shuttle transportation to and from the show, and some include valet parking in the ticket price. Be sure to check the details of the ticket when booking.
5: MOST LŪʻAUS OFFER GENERAL AND VIP SEATING/PACKAGES
VIP tickets usually include extras perks, such as priority seating, a lei greeting, included photography, etc. They vary by lūʻau, so be sure to read the fine print when purchasing tickets to understand what the upgrade to VIP gets you.
6: THE FOOD IS ROOTED IN TRADITION
In addition to the performances, the food is also rooted in culture. The meal draws attention to some Hawaiian staples, like kalua pork and poi. Most lūʻaus demonstrate the past with a ceremonial imu, or underground oven, which was once the preferred method of cooking for Native Hawaiians and other Polynesian cultures.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LŪʻAU
Before choosing which lūʻau to attend, consider what you want to get out of the experience. Are you looking for the one with the best dancing and cultural integrity? Are you more interested in setting, aka, being on the beach during the sunset? Do you want to sit at your own table and have an open bar? Are you on a budget, or willing to splurge?
While most lūʻaus are similar at their core and offer a dinner, open bar, and a show, they all land somewhere unique along this spectrum, mixing the above qualities in what they provide. If you’re honest with yourself about what you want to get out of a lūʻau, it will help you narrow down the (large) field of lūʻaus and pick the one that’s best for you.
Below, we provide overviews of the lūʻaus on Maui to help you get started.
List of Lūʻau shows on Maui
There are many lūʻaus on Maui, nearly a dozen in fact! That’s a lot for a small island, which gives you an idea about their nightly demand. In this section, we run through what each lūʻau has to offer.
- Drums of the Pacific
- Lūʻau at Grand Wailea
- Feast at Lele
- Feast at Mokapu
- Huaka’i Lūʻau
- Maui Nui Lūʻau at Black Rock
- Myths of Maui
- Old Lahaina Lūʻau
- Te Au Moana
- Wailele Lūʻau
Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau
The largest lūʻau in Kaʻanapali, the Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau represents all the cultures of Polynesia through their various dances and cultural traditions. The production value of this lūʻau is impressive, and it’s known for having one of the better fire-knife dancing performances. Families will enjoy this seaside lūʻau for its high energy, theatrical nature, and kid-friendly environment.
When? Most days. Off days vary.
Where? Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $397 (standard table for two) to $495 (private VIP table for two)
Website: Drums of the Pacific
Fire eating performance at the Drums of the Pacific Luau. Image credit: Ernesto Andrade, source.
Lūʻau at Grand Wailea
The Grand Wailea provides a beautiful resort setting with top-notch attention to detail and high-quality food, service, and performance. That quality is reflected in the ticket price – it’s one of the most expensive lūʻaus on the island – making it a high-end option, great for celebrations like anniversaries and honeymoons. The stage is just steps from Wailea Beach, and the performance tells the story of the island’s creation. Whether you’re staying on Maui’s south shore and looking for convenience (walking distance from most Wailea resorts and just 10-15 minutes from Kīhei) or searching for top quality service in a high-end resort setting, the Lūʻau at Grand Wailea is a solid choice.
When? Most days. Off days vary.
Where? Grand Wailea Resort, Wailea
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $112/$225 (children/adults standard) to $137/$275 (children/adults VIP)
Best to book at: Lūʻau at Grand Wailea
Imu ceremony at the Grand Wailea Luau. Image credit: Daisy Images, source.
Feast at Lele
The Feast at Lele is unique because instead of sitting everyone at shared tables, it offers each party a private table for dinner and the show. While some community is lost as a result, a lot is gained for those looking for personalization. What’s more is that instead of a buffet, the Feast at Lele offers a five-course serving of Hawaiian and Polynesian dishes. These two aspects make the price point a little higher, but still significantly less than what it costs to get a private table at other lūʻaus. The ocean-side seating in downtown Lāhainā on the historical site of former royal grounds make it all the more special.
When? 7 days a week
Where? Lāhainā
Shuttle available? No
Price Range: $99 (child) to $169 (adult)
Website: Feast at Lele
A dancer performs one of the island dances at the Feast at Lele in Lahaina, Maui. Image credit: the Q speaks, source.
Feast at Mōkapu
Like the Grand Wailiea Lūʻau just down the road, the Feast at Mōkapu offers an upscale experience at a well-manicured, high-end luxury resort, the Andaz Maui in Wailea. Ticket prices are the highest of the high, but they do come with extra value: Standard seating includes valet parking, a commemorative photo, and a multi-course, chef-plated meal to go along with hand-crafted cocktails (open bar), ocean views (Mōkapu Beach), and show.
When? Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
Where? Andaz Maui Resort
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $120/$240 (children/adult standard) to $150/$300 (children/adult VIP)
Website: Feast at Mōkapu
Huaka’i Lūʻau
This is one of the only lūʻaus not to include an open bar – a ticket includes two free drinks and then it becomes a cash bar. This, along with its location adjacent to the Maui Ocean Center (which you can visit beforehand), make the Huakaʻi Lūʻau a family-first atmosphere.
When? Sundays and Wednesdays
Where? Seascape Restaurant at Maʻalaea Harbor
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $80/$140 (children/adults standard) to $100/$198 (children/adults VIP)
Website: Huaka’i Lūʻau
Sunset at the Huakaʻi Luau. Image from the Huaka’i Luau Instagram account.
Maui Nui Lūʻau at Black Rock
Attending this Kaʻanapali lūʻau offers all the same beach tranquility and ocean views as the others in that area, but with a little something extra. Each night at sunset, the Sheraton Maui Resort puts on a historical show on the beach, featuring a torch lighting ceremony and a courageous cliff diving performance off Black Rock. It’s not part of the lūʻau, but it’s an extra perk that adds another fun activity to the evening. For overall quality and family fun, the Maui Nui Lūʻau is a great choice. Storytelling focuses on the island of Maui and also Kaʻanapali.
When? Weekly.
Where? The Sheraton Maui Resort at Black Rock
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $105/$180 (children/adult)
Website: Maui Nui Lūʻau at Black Rock
The setting of the Maui Nui Luau is amazing. Image from the Maui Nui Luau website.
Myths of Maui
The Myths of Maui Lūʻau offers a lovely seaside setting in calm, quiet Kaʻanapali. It has a strong reputation and history, dating back to the 70s, and its cultural dancing includes several Polynesian identities, including Hawaiʻi, Tonga, New Zealand, and Tahiti. The view and setting are strong calling cards, with views of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. The beach out front is usually spacious, so arrive early for sunset pictures.
When? Most nights.
Where? Royal Lāhainā Resort
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $55 (children) to $135 (adults) to $185 (VIP)
Website: Myths of Maui
Old Lāhainā Lūʻau
If you’re looking for one of the top cultural and authentic lūʻau’s on Maui, the Old Lāhainā Lūʻau is the choice. Known for its rich history that traces back to the 80s, its attention to detail, quality of performance, and focus on the five senses makes it one of the best all-around lūʻaus on Maui. Most of its seating is at tables and chairs (each group gets their own), but it also has the unique option of “traditional seating,” where you sit cross legged on a cushion and dine off a low table.
When? Most days.
Where? Front Street, Lāhainā
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $80/$140 (children/adults)
Website: Old Lāhainā Lūʻau
Te Au Moana
Te Au Moana translates to “the ocean tide,” reflective of its focus on the numerous Polynesians cultures that have roamed and explored the Pacific. Located on the grounds of the Wailea Beach Marriott, you can expect high-end service and attention to detail (like all Wailea-based lūʻaus) to go along with the ocean views. There is only one type of seating at Te Au Moana – ohana (family) style – which means everyone is a VIP at this event.
When? Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday
Where? Wailea Beach Marriott Resort
Shuttle available? No.
Price Range: $155/$225 (children/adults ohana seating)
Website: Te Au Moana
Performance at the Te Au Moana Luau. Image credit: Kent Bockingham, source.
Wailele Lūʻau
The Wailele Lūʻau is another Kaʻanapali production that offers a seaside, resort setting with lush gardens, beach access, and a calm, quiet atmosphere for exploring before or after. Seating is ohana-style, so be prepared to socialize. The performance focuses on many cultures of Polynesia, with lots of drums and chanting, and finishes with an exciting fire-knife dance.
When? 3-4 days per week. Schedule varies by season.
Where? Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaʻanapali
Shuttle available? Yes.
Price Range: $80/$175 (children/adult standard) to $100/$195 (children/adult premium)
Website: Wailele Lūʻau
Fire dancing at the Wailele Luau. Image from the Wailele Luau website.
Lūʻau Suggestions
To help you on your way we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about our Luaus below:
The Old Lāhainā Lūʻau has consistently been regarded as the most authentic on Maui for its attention to detail and quality of its music and dancing. Even better: Its price tag is significantly cheaper than many other lūʻaus, too.
The Feast at Lele in Lāhainā has the most comprehensive menu of all lūʻaus, offering five courses from four different Polynesian nations. Otherwise, the high-end lūʻaus in Wailea offer the highest-quality food.
Any lūʻau taking place in Wailea and Kaʻanapali is sure to provide a beautiful, beachside setting.
All lūʻaus on Maui are family friendly, and most lūʻaus have fire-knife dancing these days, so convenience and price could be the leading factors. That said, the Myths of Maui Lūʻau scores major points for its $55 children’s rate.
All lūʻaus in Lāhainā, Wailea, and Kaʻanapali offer great views of the sunset.
Luau shows on Kauaʻi, the Big Island, and Oʻahu
Lūʻaus are so typical to Hawaiʻi that you can find them on any island! If you are also visiting other islands and would rather visit a Luau there, you should have a look at our guides to Lūʻau shows on the Big Island, Kauaʻi Luau shows, and Lūʻau shows on Oʻahu to get our recommendations for those islands.