South Maui Luaus
To help you sort through the luau choices, we recommend that you attend a luau on the side of the island where you are staying. This page lists South Maui luaus which work best for clients in Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Maalaea, Kahului, Paia, and Haiku. If you are staying in Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, or Kapalua visit our West Maui Luau page.
Wailea Marriott "Te Au Moana" Luau
Two seating types are now offered: Ohana (Regular) Seating and Premium Seating (first three rows of center tables closest to the stage). Guests are seated at tables that hold up to 10, and smaller parties will share tables with other guests."
$253.08 per Adult, $78.79 per Child (6-12), Infants (under 6) FREE (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)
Rates for dates after 6/30/2024 are $265.49 per Adult, $83.09 per Child (6-12)
$281.73 per Adult, $181.45 per Child (6-12), Infants (under 6) FREE (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)
Rates for dates after 6/30/2024 are $295.10 per Adult, $190.05 per Child (6-12)
This luau is currently operating on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
The ocean's tide links the generations of Hawaiians and Polynesians together, and Te Au Moana (the ocean's tide) is an extraordinary luau experience presenting those cultures in food, song, and dance. The Polynesians have great knowledge of the earth and ocean and its life giving elements. Their expert skill in fishing, gathering, gift giving, romance, and tapa making are brilliantly demonstrated and shared at Maui's newest luau experience.
Te Au Moana Luau has returned to normal in every way, and dinner is once again being served as an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet! All the pre-show activities have resumed as well!
After dinner you'll discover the fascinating stories of the Pacific through song and dance presented by Tihati Productions, Hawaii's premier entertainment company. The show will take you on a journey throughout Polynesia, and culminate with a spectacular Samoan Fire Knife dance.
- Intimate setting with panormic ocean view
- See the imu (pig cooked in Hawaiian underground oven) after it is dug out of the ground
- Traditional luau cuisine served as an all-you-can-eat buffet
- Open bar for beer, wine, Mai Tais, and other mixed drinks
- Polynesian Show called "Te Au Moana" (the ocean's tide)
- Self parking is complimentary and valet is $50.
TAM / V
Grand Wailea Luau - Aha'Aina
$275.00 per Adult, $170.00 per Child (12 and under) (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)
$335.00 per Adult, $195.00 per Child (12 and under) (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)
Aha'Aina Luau is currently offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings but the schedule does vary somewhat from month to month.
The Grand Wailea proudly presents Maui's most elegant and uncrowded luau experience. Aha'Aina Luau features a fabulous multi-course Hawaiian fine-dining feast served at your table ... with the show interspersed throughout the evening between courses. A full open bar is included for adult beverages, and full table service is provided for food and beverages all evening. The Grand Wailea luau grounds has been arranged with ALL PRIVATE TABLES spaciously spread apart for social distancing and privacy. 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 the Grand Wailea Luau's GRAND FINALE is a four-man firedancing spectacular!
The Appetizer and Salad Course includes Ahi Poke with Ogo, Maui Onion, and Hawaii Sea Salt, a Poi Bowl, Ulu Macaroni Salad, a Traditional Dried Beef Salad, and Pipikaula Green Salad with Kula Vegetables and a Pineapple Vinaigrette.
The Entree Course includes ALL of the following ... Teriyaki Steak with Sesame Rice and Green Onion, Shoyu Chicken & Molokai Sweet Potato with Mac Nuts and Local Honey, Mahi Mahi with Coconut, Kaffir Lime, and Green Curry, and Kalua Pig and Cabbage with Pa'akai (sea salt).
The Dessert Course includes a selection of Maui Gold Pineapple, Haupia, Kulolo (sweetened taro), and Seasonal Sweets.
The Full Open Bar features Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, Blue Hawaiians, Mixed Drinks, Local Maui Beer, Red / White / Sparkling Wines, Soft Drinks, Assorted Juices, Regular and Decaf Coffee, and Assorted Teas.
There are two tiers of seating ... Regular, and Ali'i Premium (which is the first two rows closest to the stage). Of course the ALI'I PREMIUM seating gives you the best view (and places you close enough to FEEL the HEAT during the firedancing portion of the show), but all the tables have an enhanced view of the stage because there is so much space between tables.
Complimentary Valet Parking with luau validation is included at the Grand Wailea Resort. While parking is free, we do recommend a $5 gratuity for your valet.
Payment for the Grand Wailea Luau is required at the time your reservation is confirmed.
GWL / VP
Cruise Ship Clients
NCL Pride of America cruise ship passengers are not in port on the right night of the week to attend this luau.
Lahaina cruise ship passengers should do a luau in Kaanapali because it is much closer to the ship.
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.
Which luau to attend? Well, both are excellent choices. Both luau grounds are located right along the ocean and feature expansive ocean views. The slight advantage here would be the Te Au Moana luau at the Marriott because you face the ocean when you are looking at the stage. The Grand Wailea luau grounds faces the other way; when you face the stage you are looking at the mountains, and you are sitting with your back to the ocean. This takes the focus off the ocean view a little.
We used to say that if you blindfolded us and had us taste the food, we couldn't tell which one is which. That's changed. It's not that the Marriott is slipping ... it's just that the Grand Wailea really upped their game. They have crossed the line into the "fine dining" category.
As for the shows, both are well done, with a slight edge going to the show at the Grand Wailea. Their Tahitian dance segment is particularly energetic (ie lots of hip movement) and the fire dance is truly a spectacle!