We are a true activity company; we do not promote timeshare sales in any way.

All Maui Luaus

All Maui Luaus are listed here on this page, however this is a very LONG page indeed. We recommend that you attend a luau on the side of the island where you are staying. To sort the luau choices, select from the following:

     South Maui Luaus for clients who are staying in Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Maalaea, Kahului, Paia, and Haiku OR for cruise ship clients who are in port in Kahului.

     West Maui Luaus for clients who are staying in Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua OR for cruise ship clients who are in port in Lahaina

Show Dates:

The Wailele Polynesian Luau at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa has been designed to bring traditional and authentic dances, songs and colorful costumes to visitors to our island. Guests will embark on a vibrant and exciting journey to the Polynesian Islands where dance was considered not just as a form of entertainment, but as a means of telling stories.

Situated on the ocean side of the resort's Aloha Pavilion, the lush tropical greenery with the soothing sounds of waterfalls and a breathtaking sunset form the perfect backdrop for an evening of entertainment complemented by a delicious Hawaiian meal in an elegant setting. Executive Chef Bart Umidi and his team of highly experienced chefs have created a four course dinner that will be presented family style, just like in the olden days. There will be a free flow of drinks and cocktails such as Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian, the signature Westin Sunset, red and white wines, beers, including Tahitian beer, sodas, and fruit juices. Sit back and enjoy the evening ... with full table service and a relaxed pace as the show unfolds in between dinner courses.

The show itself boasts the only 5-member fire knife dance performance in Maui with one of the members, Tavita, as a third generational fire knife dancer. Catch spell-binding Fiji and Maori performances with the choreography and dance moves carefully supervised by Fiji and Maori chiefs. The show will also include dances and songs from: Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa – a truly authentically-presented Polynesian revue!

New for dates in 2008: A premium seating option in the first two rows of tables is available for a $15 per person upgrade fee. This guarantees you have excellent seats for the show!

First Course: Pupus (appetizers)

Ahi poke with limu, lomi lomi salmon, pipi kaula (smoked beef), dried mango, and taro chips

Second Course: Salad

Haiku salad greens, kamuela tomato, Kula onion, hearts of palm, Tahitian lime dressing, taro rolls, and butter

Third Course: Main Entree

Seared Island I'a (fish, taro leaf and ginger butter, kalua pua'a (pork), poi, fire roasted teriyaki beef, toasted sesame, Molokai sweet potato, and rice

Fourth Course: Dessert

Haupia, macademia nut tartlet, kona chocolate cake, and pineapple caramel cake

Premium open bar ... all drinks included

Beer, Mai Tais, Blue Hawaiians, Westing Sunsets, Seagram's Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Castillo White Rum, Johnny Walker Scotch, Crown Royal Whiskey, Indigo Hills Chardonnay, Indigo Hills Merlot, sodas, juices, iced tea, milk, and a keiki (child's) signature luau drink called the "Jackson Chameleon" made with Sierra Mist and Honeydew Melon Syrup.

Editor's Review: We are so excited to offer this new luau experience to our clients! My wife and I attended on 11/1/2007 and we were astounded with the overall quality of the experience. This is a great luau for people who want something that is a step up from your classic luau buffet line. The food was absolutely impeccable and bridges the gap perfectly between the traditional "luau motif" and fine dining. The show is colorful and energetic as evidenced by the photos in the slideshow above. They aren't offering a premium up front upgrade at this time, but that isn't important here ... at maximum capacity this luau is less than HALF THE SIZE of the other luaus on Maui in terms of the number of guests per evening. The bar mixes up a great Mai Tai ... the same quality you would find at a restaurant or bar elsewhere at the resort (only you don't have to pay $9.25 a piece for them ... they're included in the price of the show.)  This luau is a tiny bit more expensive than most others, but it is very much worth the little bit extra for the quality that they deliver. Kudos to the food and beverage staff at the Westin ... this luau has raised the bar FIVE NOTCHES higher than any other on Maui!

Maui Prince Luau
General Admission Premium Seating Adults $82.56 $92.16 Children (6-12) $41.28 $50.88 Infants (5 and under) Free $9.60

NOTE: The Maui Sunset Luau at the Maui Prince Hotel is raising their adult rates to $84.48 for general admission and $94.08 for premium seating. This new rate will apply to all reservations made for luau dates on or after 4/1/2008

Premier seats  will sell out up to three weeks in advance during holidays, so reserve now!

CURRENT SCHEDULE: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings

Held at the beautiful beachfront Maui Prince resort in Makena, this luau is the best in the Wailea /South Maui area. If you are staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena and don't want to drive an hour to  Lahaina or Kaanapali, you won't be disappointed. Enjoy  Mai Tais and a full open bar, along with an outstanding buffet featuring Kalua pig cooked in a genuine underground imu, huli huli chicken, grilled fish, charbroiled teriyaki steak, and a variety of salads and island delicacies. The Tihati cast members will lead you through an exciting and colorful presentation of the cultures of Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, New Zealand, and Samoa, including the spectacular fire knife dance. 

Premier Seating in the front row of tables is available for a $9.60 surcharge per person on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  There are only 48 premier seats available and they often sell out 7-10 days in advance ... in the summertime this will sell out even further in advance. Reservations for anytime in 2007 should be made now! If you request premium seating and it is not available, we will check other dates during your vacation and contact you to see if the date change is OK with you. If no other dates have premium seating available, we'll book you at regular seating for the date that you requested.

 

Sheraton Kaanapali Sunset Luau
General Admission Reserved Seating Adults $82.56 $92.16 Children (6-12) $41.28 50.88 Infants (under 5) Free $9.60

Rates for dates in 2008 will be an additional $3 per adult; child rates remain the same

This luau is held Monday and Wednesday evenings year-round. During summer months of June, July, and August this luau is held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.

Experience a true paradise setting at the Sheraton's beachside luau grounds, and witness the nightly Black Rock cliff diver after he lights the torches at sunset. Enjoy a luau feast including fresh grilled steaks, Macadamia nut sautéed Mahi Mahi, and of course the Kalua pork cooked in a genuine underground oven. The Tihati cast members will lead you through an exciting and colorful presentation of the cultures of Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, New Zealand, and Samoa, including the spectacular fire knife dance.

Premier Seating in the first two rows of tables is available for a $9.60 surcharge. We highly recommend this option. It is really nice to be able to walk into the luau grounds a few minutes before the show starts knowing that your seats are reserved for you up front! Overall this is our favorite Maui luau! If you order premium seating and it is not available, we will confirm you for general admission instead.

 

Royal Lahaina Luau
General Admission Reserved Seating Adults (12 & up) $71.95 $86.95 Children (6-11) Free $15.00 Infants (under 5) Free FREE

This luau is typically done 7 days a week during summer; Rest of year they are closed on Saturday nights.

Children FREE (1 per paying adult; additional children are $41)

No Hawaiian vacation would be complete without attending a luau, a beachside feast and hula show, and the Royal Lahaina Luau is an excellent choice. The main course is the kalua pig, cooked all day in the underground imu oven. The all you can eat buffet also includes smoked turkey, a delicious island-style mahi mahi, grilled steak, shoyu chicken,  and a huge vegetable and salad bar. This luau is the most kid-friendly ... they even have a "keiki food bar" with hot dogs and chicken nuggets. The open bar keeps the Mai Tais flowing from the moment the gates open until the conclusion of the show, which traces the development of hula through the ages. The show concludes with a spectacular Samoan fire knife dance. This luau is also a great family value, as children under 11 are free ... one per paying adult. 

The Royal Lahaina offers a "premier seating option" up front and center. This package includes early admission to the Beachcomber VIP Lounge which opens at 4pm for an open bar and snacks. Just before the luau starts you will be escorted to your front and center stage seats. The cost of this upgrade is $15 per seat for adults and children age 6 and older. If you order premium seating and it is not available on the date you've requested, we will check other nights during your vacation and contact you with availability. If there is no premium seating available during your vacation, we will confirm you for regular seating on the night that you requested.

Buyer Caution: Our discounted rate for the Royal Lahaina Luau is 15% off the list price. There are other companies who sell this luau for less money, but every one without exception is a company that markets timeshare presentations. They use cheap luau tickets to get you in their door and then try to talk you into attending a sales presentation while you are on Maui. Our only goal is to help you have a good time while you are here. Timeshare sales is BIG business here on Maui, but one in which we've chosen not to participate.

 

Wailea Marriott Luau
General Admission Reserved Seating Adults $84.48 $104.00 Children (6-12) $41.28 $78.00 Infants (5 and under) Free $49.00

This luau is held on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings

Premium seats are selling out three weeks in advance!

There is no premium seating upcharge for infants who are so young that they will not occupy a seat at the table. In this case, please call us after making your reservation and we will adjust your reservation accordingly.

Experience a true paradise setting at the Wailea Marriott's Luau, which offers the best ocean view of any of the Wailea Luaus. The stage is steps away from the shoreline, and the tables look beyond the stage directly out to a full-on ocean view.  Enjoy a luau feast including fresh grilled Teriyaki steaks, sauteed island fish with macademia nut butter, shoyu chicken, and of course the Kalua pork.

The Marriott is now offering a brand new luau show called Honua'ula "Return to the Sacred Lands." The new show portrays Maui's discovery by ancient Polynesians and the stories and legends told by the peoples of Honua'ula, the area now known as Wailea and Makena. The newly-produced show blends traditional Hawaiian chanting, ancient hula, and some modern artistic interpretations of Polynesian culture into an enchanting evening of beauty. And yes, the Marriott Luau still features the finest fire knife dancer in the state of Hawaii! Check out this larger photo of him in action doing the fire knife dance.

Premier Seating in the first row of tables is available for an upcharge. We highly recommend this option. It is really nice to be able to walk into the luau grounds a few minutes before the show starts knowing that your seats are reserved for you up front! You'll get a great view of the action, especially for the fire knife dance! Premium seating ALWAYS sells out in advance, so don't wait! Reserve your seats now!

If you request premium seating and it is not available, we will check other dates during your vacation and contact you to see if the date change is OK with you. If no other dates have premium seating available, we'll book you at regular seating for the date that you requested.

 

Hyatt Luau - Drums of the Pacific
Our Price Adults $82.00 Teens (13-20) $51.00 Children (6-12) $39.00 Infants (5 & under) free

These rates are $10 per person off the list price. The Hyatt is raising the adult rate by $4 effective May 10th. Reservations made now for dates after May 10th will be at the new rate.

All seats are general admission 

The sound of the conch, the beating of the drums and the echoes of the Hawaiian chant signal the start of Hawaii's most exciting luau … complete with an authentic imu ceremony and the exotic flavors of native Hawaiian cuisine. While you enjoy the tastes of Hawaii, the Drums of the Pacific Polynesian Spectacular (a Tihati Production) takes you on a journey through the islands of Polynesia. Featured are authentic dances and music of the old Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rarotonga in the hottest luau show in the Islands!

Guests are greeted with a flower lei for the ladies and a shell lei for the gentlemen. Your evening begins with Hawaiian music and audience participation featuring hula lessons, poi ball lessons, coconut tree climbing, coconut husking and finally the unearthing of the pig that’s been cooked in an underground oven.

An all-you-can-eat generous buffet features the Kalua Pork, Huli Huli Chicken, Mahi Mahi, Ulupalakua Beef, Polynesian Rice, Baked Kula Potatoes, Baked Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes, Vegetables Makamaka, Tropical Fruits Anuenue, Soba Noodles, Roasted Wedges of Maui Onions, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Pacific Ahi Poke, Tossed Green Salad, Kim Chee and Poi (taro). The lavish dessert bar features Macadamia Nut Lu'au Cream Pie, Haupia with Toasted Coconut, Pineapple Cake and Bread Pudding. An open bar for beer, wine, Mai Tais, and other mixed drinks is included. It's a great Hawaiian Lu'au Feast.

Old Lahaina Luau
Current Rate Adults $92 Children (2-12) $62 Infants  free in lap		images courtesy of old lahaina luau

PLEASE NOTE: Old Lahaina Luau no longer accepts American Express. Visa or Mastercard are required to make a reservation.

The Old Lahaina Luau will charge your credit card at the time your reservation is made.

Adventuremaui.com gift certificates are not valid for the Old Lahaina Luau. This is the only current exclusion for any tours or activities featured on our websites.

The Old Lahaina Luau is certainly the most recognized name in the Maui luau scene due in part to their appearance in the Travel Channel. They are a little different than the rest of the luaus ... instead of presenting dance from all the Polynesian island groups that have contributed to Hawaiian culture, they focus on Hawaiian Hula during their show. Each guest is greeted with a fresh flower lei upon entering the luau grounds, which is a semi-realistic recreation of a seaside village. This popular luau often sells out solid more than a week in advance (even up to six weeks in advance in the summertime), and reservations before you arrive on Maui are a must. The sooner you reserve, the better your seats will be ... so make your reservation on-line today! 

One thing do need to point out to our clients ... the Old Lahaina Luau doesn't do the Samoan Fireknife dance during the show. This is a major feature at most other luaus, and for most people it's the highlight of the show. While there are many Samoans in Hawaii and they've contributed significantly to our culture, the Old Lahaina Luau had decided not to include this in their show since their emphasis is on Hawaiian hula. The Old Lahaina Luau is a very nice evening ... but we don't want you to be disappointed if you think you are going to see a firedance. 

NOTE:  There are two types of seating available ... regular tables and chairs OR traditional seating (the first row of tables closest to the stage; you sit on a pillow and the table sits low to the ground).

 

NCL cruise ship passengers who are coming into port in Kahului: see our South Maui Luau Page for specific recommendations.  Lahaina cruise ship passengers: see our West Maui Luau Page for specific recommendations.

Activity Tips

A luau is a must-do event for the first-time Hawaii visitor. Personally, I never get tired of good food, open bar, sunset views, and Hawaiian music and dance. 

The most important thing about attending a luau is WHERE YOU SIT!!! You are much better off sitting up front at the second best luau than sitting in the back at the best luau. Read that again and let it sink in! If you are booking six months or so in advance you can get great seats at the Old Lahaina Luau. If you are ordering a few weeks before your vacation, go with PREMIER reserved seating at one of the luaus that offer that option (The Maui Prince, Wailea Marriott, and Sheraton Luau are a deal with only a $9.60pp surcharge ... the Royal Lahaina charges $15 per seat). It is really nice to be able to walk in the luau grounds a few minutes before the show starts knowing you've got great seats. It beats standing in line for an hour ahead of time, especially when you are on vacation!

The Sheraton's oceanside luau grounds have hosted a luau on Mondays and Wednesdays in 2007 and it has been very well received by our clients.  The tables are as close to the sandy beach of Kaanapali as you can get (luaus aren't actually held on the sand ... below the high water mark is public property). The Sheraton Luau includes the torch lighting and Black Rock cliff diver as part of the show. My wife and I attended this luau just after it opened and were really impressed. It's a nice setting, the show is engaging and energetic, and the food was good. This is the only luau I've attended that had a BBQ grill in the line and were cooking the steaks right on the spot. Of course they also do the traditional imu with the pig cooked in the ground. Best of all, they offer the smart people like you who are planning ahead the opportunity to get reserved seats for only $9.60 more! This luau is only offered on Monday and Wednesday. 

We are equally excited to announce the the introduction of the Wailele Polynesian Luau at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa! This is the perfect luau for people who want to experience luau cuisine but want something that is a step up from the typical luau buffet. This is the first luau we've attended where the steak literally melted in our mouths! I have often said that luaus aren't fine dining ... and most luaus are so similar that if you blindfolded me and set plates of food from 5 different luaus in front of me, I couldn't tell which plate was which. The Westin is different. Their food stands out from the rest and it IS SO GOOD it is approaching fine dining quality. This luau is also an exception to the "you gotta get up front seats" rule ... this luau is less than half the size of most other luaus and offers a more intimate setting. They are adding a premium seating option for dates in 2008, so if you really want to make sure you've got excellent seats it is worth the $15 per person upgrade. We hope they add more nights and keep up the amazing dinner and show they are now offering! WELL DONE!!!  

The Wailea Marriott offers a nice luau four nights a week. They too offer the reserved front table seating option. Their luau grounds has the best ocean view of the Wailea Luaus. Their show is brand new and features a great blend of chanting, ancient hula, and contemporary hula, and the fire dancer at this luau is ABSOLUTELY the best we've seen anywhere. He is the only person to ever win three consecutive world championships at the definitive fire knife dancing contest. This luau is so good it might be worth the drive for those of you who are staying in West Maui. I would recommend doing it in connection with an afternoon of sightseeing in the Wailea / Makena area.

The Hyatt Regency Luau at Kaanapali offers an energetic show and one thing families with teens really appreciate at this luau is that they offer a TEEN RATE (the only Maui luau that has this). It only makes sense ... a luau includes an open bar for adults over 21 ... beer, wine, Mai Tais, etc. Why should 13-20 year olds pay the same rate as adults? They do at every other luau ... but not at the Hyatt. Down side here to this luau is that you can't see the ocean at all from any table. The luau ground is almost completely surrounded by wings of the hotel, and the view of the ocean is blocked by a very tall row of shrubbery. It seems odd to be so close to the ocean that you can hear it, but to have your view intentionally blocked. We think it is to prevent people on the beach sidewalk from standing there and getting  a free view of the show.

The Maui Prince Luau in south Maui is very well done. It's produced by the same company that does the Hyatt Luau in Kaanapali. Good luau, good show, good location at the very LAST resort at the end of the road in South Maui. The ocean view isn't as good as the Wailea Marriott though, but if you have to attend a luau on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday it's a solid choice.

The Royal Lahaina Luau is a good choice (and affordable) for families. They are offering a "premier seating" option with early entrance to the VIP Lounge at the Beachcomber bar ... the cost of this upgrade is $15 per seat for adults and children age 6 and older. This luau has a little more of a "local flavor" and they've done quite a grand finale with their Samoan fire dance at the end of the show. In addition to the main double fire knife dancer they also have two other kane with single fire knifes and several wahine twirling fire poi balls. It's a great photo op at the end of your evening!

The Old Lahaina Luau is certainly the best known of the luaus ... it is their "Hawaiian only" show that sets them apart. They've also done an effective job of marketing over the years, and due to numerous TV appearances on the Travel Channel, the Mac's parade, and Emeril's cooking show, you'll need to order very early if you want to get good seats.. If you decide to go to the Old Lahaina Luau, you MUST MUST MUST have reservations before you come to Maui. Consider the traditional style seating which is the very first row of tables closest to the stage. You sit on a pillow and have a table that sits down low to the ground. It's a lot like dinner in a Japanese restaurant, and your seats are right in front of the stage. This seating type isn't good for people who have back or knee problems, but if you are limber, it's fun and the view of the stage can't be beat. Use the form at the right side of this page to get the best possible seats. Traditional seating is very limited. If you prefer traditional seating but none is available for the date that you request, we will check availability for that seating type for other dates that you are on Maui and contact you to see if one of those alternate nights will fit your itinerary. If there is no traditional seating available during your entire stay, we will book you for regular tables and chairs for the date of your choice. We will also put you on the WAIT LIST for traditional seating. If any traditional seating comes available, the Old Lahaina Luau will move your seats for you. If you are ordering a luau with less than a two months remaining before your day of arrival, you are really better off getting good seats at a different luau. The Old Lahaina is just too popular and you'll likely end up sitting quite a ways from the stage.

NOTE: The Old Lahaina Luau no longer allow activity companies to discount their tickets ... if you see ANY on-line ads for this luau and the price is lower, you are looking at a website that is not being maintained regularly, or even worse ... is intentionally misleading. 

On-line Luau Reservations