Choosing the Best Maui Luau

Photo credit: Te Au Moana Luau

You can’t go on a Maui vacation without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian Luau. With so many luau options, how do you go about finding the right one? Your decision will be based on what matters to you most, whether it be price, food, performance or atmosphere. Regardless of which one you decide on, it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy great food and entertainment. 

A buffet style dinner is usually served at most luaus and includes Kalua pork,island fish, local style chicken, steak and an assortment of side dishes and salads. Imagine yourself on the shores of Maui having an amazing feast with live music, hula dancing and incredible sunset views. There’s nothing quite like it!

Each luau is unique in its own way; some are more suitable for families while others are more on the romantic side and ideal for couples. Below is a list of the most popular luaus found in Maui.

Drums of the Pacific Luau (Hyatt Regency Resort in West Maui)
http://drumsofthepacificmaui.com/ - Reservations: 808-667-4727

Photo credit: Drums of the Pacific Luau

Your exciting journey begins with a shell lei greeting and culminates with a spectacular fire-knife dance. Complete with a traditional Imu ceremony,the buffet dinner includes kalua pork, mahi mahi, huli huli chicken, ulapalakua beef, polynesian rice and other authentic dishes. Includes an open bar and great entertainment. Enjoy a memorable evening of Hawaiian culture. 

Te Au Moana: Ocean Tide (Wailea Marriott Beach Resort South Maui)

https://teaumoana.com/ - Reservations: 877-827-2740

Photo credit: Kathy McCartney

Te Au Moana, “The Ocean Tide” is an exceptional luau experience which takes place on the beachfront of the beautiful Wailea Marriott. Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast while experiencing ancient Polynesian stories brought to life through traditional dance, music and games. Includes a fresh flower lei greeting or carved wooden fish hook necklace, traditional Imu Ceremony (Hawaiian underground oven cooking), Polynesian crafters and many pre-show activities. An unforgettable family experience!

Feast at Lele (505 Front Street, Lahaina West Maui)
https://www.feastatlele.com/ - Reservations: 808-667-5353

Enjoy a traditional Polynesian menu with music and dance from the Pacific Island nations of Aotearoa, Tahiti, Samoa and Hawaii. Known as the most romantic luau in Maui, every table is intimate and offers a prime view of the West Maui sunset. The setting is perfect for an anniversary celebration or for a couple wanting to experience an unforgettable romantic evening.

Grand Luau at Honua’ula (Grand Wailea Resort, South Maui)
http://www.honuaula-luau.com/ - Reservations: 808-875-7710

Photo credit: Grand Luau at Honua'ula

Considered one of South Maui’s Best Luau, you’ll enjoy a wide range of menu options such as fried macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi, baked molokai sweet potatoes, kalua pork and so much more! You’ll also enjoy an assortment of Island Style desserts like traditional hawaiian haupia, guava mousse and pineapple upside down cake just to name a few. The activities include hula lessons and photos with cast members in full costume. Expect to have a fun-packed evening with lots of memorable moments.

Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock (Sheraton Resort, West Maui)
http://www.sheratonmauiluau.com/ - Reservations: 877-846-5554

Photo credit: Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock

Known for having one of the top rated shows in Maui, the Sheraton is a great spot for you to watch the torch lighting ceremony and cliff diving off of Black Rock at the beautiful Ka'anapali Beach. As you enjoy the luau buffet, performers from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, New Zealand and Samoa will be providing authentic cultural entertainment.

Old Lahaina Luau (1251 Front Street, West Maui)
https://www.oldlahainaluau.com/ - Reservations: 800-248-5828

If you want to enjoy a traditional hula and feast, the Old Lahaina Luau is considered as one of the most authentic. You’ll enjoy a premium open bar and an outstanding luau buffet with Polynesian mahi mahi, Pulehu steak, kalua pig and other delicious regional cuisine. The food and award-winning entertainment makes this luau an excellent choice. Be sure to book way in advance since this is one of the most popular luaus on Maui!


Royal Lahaina Luau (Royal Lahaina Resort, West Maui)

http://www.royallahainaluau.com/ - Reservations: 808-672-2520

The Royal Lahaina Luau, also known as the 'Myths of Maui Luau', is considered a great luau for children (keiki). They offer some great family deals such as free admission for a child under the age of 11 with each fully paid adult. You’ll enjoy an open bar, shell lei greeting, traditional Imu ceremony and both a keiki and adult buffet. Their fire dance finale is one you don’t want to miss!

Photo credit: Grand Luau at Honua'ula

Wailele Polynesian Luau (Westin Maui Resort, West Maui)
https://www.westinmaui.com/dining/wailele/ - Reservations: 808-661-2992

Serving a four-course meal family style, the Wailele Luau at Ka’anapali Beach is a Maui favorite. You’ll enjoy an open bar, traditional cuisine, Fiji and Maori performances and an exciting torch lighting ceremony. With a stunning oceanfront backdrop, this dinner show offers a perfect setting for an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience.

Maui video a sampling of some of our luaus

With luau options in Lahaina, Ka’anapali and Wailea, it is easy to find one that is close to you. Regardless of which one you attend, it’s a unique opportunity to soak in the rich history of the Hawaiian people, their hospitality and delicious cuisine.