Luaus on Maui

Every time we visit Maui we try a different Luau – you can’t visit Maui and not take in a Luau if you call yourself a traveler.  Every Luau is different and specializes in different things – that’s why you must visit a number of them to get the complete Hawaiian experience.  However, only choose one per visit – its like eating too much ice cream.

A luau is a Hawaiian hula dancing show with Hawaiian dinner and drinks.

A luau is a party put on by hotels and companies that specialize in doing Luaus.  The Luau takes place as the Maui sun sets and the tiki lights are lit – something you will remember for years to come.   Most Luaus are a flat fee per person and include:

• All-you-can-eat buffet dinner
• Stage show of hula dancers and perhaps fire dancers
• Hawaiian music with Hawaiian singers
• Hawaiian drinks

Included in most Luaus menu:

• Kalua shredded pork cooked underground in a Hawaiian pit for many hours
• Mahi-mahi – grilled or baked fish
• Lomi salm – cured-smoke salmon chopped with tomatoes and onions
• Teriyaki chicken and/or beef
• Salads and fruit
• Taro rolls and breads
• Poi – a purple looking paste that some folks just love and many don’t
• Deserts which normally include Haupia – a Hawaiian coconut pudding

Old Lahaina Luau 800-248-5828
This is the #1 Luau in Maui – nothing else gets close.  However its really geared for adults and kids will find it a bore. Those who want a more serious show that teaches some culture and history, and has the most authentic Hawaiian show and food the Old Lahaina Luau is for you.

This is THE most expensive Luau on Maui and there are no fire dancers – which are not really Hawaiian anyway.  Forget discounts they are not available anywhere.  This luau is so popular that they are sold out months in advance during the holidays.  They have reserved seating and the closest seats are on mats on the ground, but most seats are in more comfortable chairs at tables.

If you want to Luau at this location please use the below link and check availability and sign up early.  It’s worth every penny.
Old Lahaina Luau website

Feast at Lele 866-244-5353

The owners of the Old Lahaina Luau own the Feast at Lele and they are completely different.  I like the Feast at Lele since its just like a restaurant on the beach that serves a Luau.  There are 4 folks per table and the table and chairs are actually on the Lahaina beach – its cool.

This is about the most expensive luau on Maui, and is almost never discounted.  We have been to this Luau and it is worth every penny – it’s fantastic.  Lahaina used to be known as Lele and hence the name of the Luau.

Many Luaus seat 400 guests but this Luau has a limit of 150.  The food is very authentic to many Polynesian islands not just Hawaii.  This has got to be my favorite Luau on any of the Hawaiian Islands.

Feast at Lele website

Hyatt Luau 808-661-1234
The luau at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort on Ka’anapali Beach is the best luau for kids and families bar none; it’s called “Drums of the Pacific.”  Compared to the Old Lahaina Luau it’s more fun and less serious.  The show includes fire dancers, touristy songs, and kids are often invited up on stage for one of the numbers.  Buying your tickets way ahead of time means nothing since seating is first-come first-served on the night of the Luau; this means showing up early and waiting in line will get you in ahead of the crowd so you can choose a closer seat to the show.  Prices here are always discounted, so shop around for the best deal.
Hyatt luau website

Kaanapali Beach Luau 808-661-3611
This is the luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort Hotel; it’s similar to the Hyatt luau and is fun for the whole family.  This is THE least expensive luau on Maui because it is discounted by multiple activities sellers.  But it may be discontinued in the next year or so because the grounds where it is held will be taken over by the remodeling of the entire Royal Lahaina property.
Royal Lahaina luau website