11 Best Luau in Maui for the Most Authentic Experience
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If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you’ll definitely want to attend a luau. After all, what’s a visit to the island without experiencing its rich history and culture?
To help you out, we’ve put together a complete guide to the best luaus in Maui. From big-name resorts to small family-run businesses, we’ve got you covered.
Best Luaus in Maui for Adults & Couples
1. Pride of Maui Sunset Luau Cruise
Seeking a unique Maui luau? You simply have to take it out to sea. While there’s nothing more romantic than a private yacht for two, the Pride of Maui luau cruise is kept at limited capacity to offer a more intimate experience.
Couples can cuddle and bask in the ocean breeze. Molokini crater and Mt. Haleakala add a touch of surreal as backdrop.
If sipping cocktails on a catamaran doesn’t scream ‘exceptional value’, we know what does. The open bar pairs craft beers and blended drinks with a generous buffet.
While you gnaw away at barbecue ribs and honey-glazed chicken, the live hula show will evoke the groove in your body. For a three-in-one; keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales!
2. Feast at Lele Luau
Rekindle romance at the Feast at Lele – where better to write your love story than in front of West Maui sunsets and historical lands? Taking place on the beach where the royal family of Maui would feast and entertain, it’s a luau deeply rooted in local history.
What makes it one of the best luau in Maui is none other than the carefully coordinated feast and show. Your 5-course meal is served at the table, taking you on a tour through the Pacific: Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Samoa.
The performers rotate through their dances to match, so it’s a feast for all your senses. A common highlight in reviews: the three-piece guitar band was awesome.
3. Te Au Moana Luau
Whether you’ve opted for standard or premium seating, this luau in Maui will wash away any preconceptions you have of Hawaii.
Te Au Moana, meaning ocean tide, sets you on a cruise through time – just like how Hawaii’s Polynesian ancestors once traversed the seas.
Snap some photos of the landscaped space and the ocean just beyond it. After traditional greetings, stories of fishing and voyaging are expressed through dance as local eats are served tableside.
To keep you riveted, the night comes to a fiery end as professional knife performers take over the stage. This luau is on the shorter side as they don’t provide pre-dinner activities, but it’s a great compromise if you’re on a time crunch.
4. Maui Nui Luau
When it comes to luaus with surprising twists, Sheraton’s Maui Nui Luau will have your jaw drop – if you’re lucky, that is. The Ka’anapali coast is no slouch in the sunset department, but your eyes will likely be drawn to the cliffs of Black Rock.
Conditions depending, you may witness a famous cliff dive. Talk about a cliffhanger! Expect the typical traditions for the rest of your experience. Fresh flower lei, kukui nut lei, or carved wooden necklaces welcome you onto the hotel’s gorgeous grounds.
The following 3-course meal and Polynesian dance show literally shakes things up with Tahitian hip-shimmies. And of course, enjoy the grand finale of all Tihati Productions: a Samoan fire and knife show.
5. Feast at Mokapu Luau at Andaz
With grassy lawns and the sandy shore of Mokapu Beach as your stage, Andaz Maui sets up one of the best luau in Maui. Cozier than nearby luaus, the Feast at Mokapu Luau welcomes couples, families and friend groups to its twilight-backed show.
Service is impeccable from the moment you step through the resort lobby and into the designated outdoor space. A menu card outlines your food for the night; they also accommodate with a premium vegetarian option and last-minute dietary requests.
Throughout the ohana-style meal, performers recall Hawaiian history and Polynesian culture via a series of songs, dances and fire twirling.
Handcrafted cocktails are on hand to balance the heat from their passionate story-telling – in unlimited supply. Oh, and don’t walk away without your complimentary photos!
6. The Grand Luau at Honua’ula
The people have spoken! Maui News readers’ poll voted in the #1 Best Luau in South Maui: The Grand Luau at Honua’ula. Located just steps from the sea, it aptly depicts the “sacred lands” in its name.
With a lei settled over your chest, wander through the island handicraft market for unique souvenirs. Adults can wander over to the open bar for a tropical pick-me-up; or watch the kalua as it’s unearthed from the underground oven.
You also want to top up your plates at the buffet before settling in for traditional Hawaiian dances and fire acrobatics. While this luau favors entertainment over history, the on-stage hula lessons and Pacific backdrop are prime attraction factors.
Do note that it can get crowded during peak tourist season – all 700+ guests to share space with.
7. Old Lahaina Luau
No list of Maui luaus dare leave out the Old Lahaina Luau, one of the most traditional luau you’ll experience.
The unique set up alone – private raised tables and traditional mat-style seating cradle the performance stage like two palms and a bud – ushers a sense deep connection.
Your journey starts with a lei greeting, after which you’re free to fawn over the sunset. Authentic Hawaiian cuisine is delivered to you directly: crispy taro and hummus, coconut haupia, salads, kalua pig roasted underground, poke and island mains.
On stage, the three-part show details early migration to the islands through modern day Hawaii. Special meal requests for vegetarian or vegan options are available with 24-hour notice.
8. Myths of Maui Luau
For 7 nights a week, the Myths of Maui Luau (a.k.a Royal Lahaina Luau) invites you onto their expansive estate at Ka’anapli Beach. The oceanfront setting features beautiful sunset views and plenty of space to stretch your legs.
Arrive early for the best seats, and receive shell lei on your way in. Once traditional rites like the imu ceremony has been performed, the night comes alive with the rhythmic drums of Polynesia.
Dancers whirl through choreography from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand, often encased with swirling flame.
What makes it a Maui luau best pick however, is the buffet. Roasted pork and mai tai’s come hand in hand, with vegetarian options and a kids-friendly menu to complement.
Best Luaus in Maui for Families
9. Drums of the Pacific Luau
‘Dramatic’ sums up the Drums of the Pacific Luau in one word. Its conch call, drum beats, and Hawaiian chants echo into the night as the longest-running show on Ka’anapali Beach plays yet another time.
This Hyatt Resort staple also offers 3-course plated dinners served tableside and an open bar. The mai tai greeting, lei keepsake and imu ceremony give you a sneak peek of the night.
Families will gladly occupy the kids with hula lessons, or direct hungry munchkins to the mini kid’s buffet before official dinner opens.
The energy picks up as performers show off various Hawaiian and Polynesian dances – and peaks when audience members are invited on stage to learn the moves. If you want something interactive, this luau on Maui is great.
10. Huaka’i Luau Maui
Rather than a super traditional luau in Maui, Huaka’I Luau Maui offers a cozier family-affair without skipping the essentials. If you’re traveling with kids, this 2-hour show may be just the right length.
Overlooking Maalaea Bay, this harbor-side location is a comfortable blend of indoor-outdoor. With a roof and open wall, you don’t have to worry about rain while retaining that sense of being in nature.
But the unique spin of this luau lies with its conception; a local Polynesian family walks you through their ancestor’s journey through song and dance. Hawaii is all about ohana, and you witness it intimately.
11. Wailele Polynesian Luau
Set within the lush tropical gardens of Westin Maui Resort & Spa is the Wailele Polynesian Luau. We know what to expect at this point: food that ranges from lomi-lomi salmon to slow-roasted pork and ube butter mocha, and passionate story telling.
Many enjoy the story of the Goddess of Fire, the Hi’ilave Hula Awana and ancient Hawaiian kahiko hula with traditional costumes.
The true highlight however, is the Siva Afi. Maui’s most extreme fire knife dance finale is the selling point of this luau. Everything else is accessory.
Note: it’s definitely worth paying more for front seats! Some visitors sitting at the back mourn the lack of clear views.
What’s the Most Authentic Luau on Maui?
At Old Lahaina Luau, the currents of Hawaii sweep you away into past before gently depositing you back in the present. But what makes it the best authentic luau in Maui?
Affordable (by Maui standards), entertaining and with quality service, Old Lahaina Luau has been a consistent presence since its opening. They also do their best to accommodate all guests, whether on diet or other requirements.
- Keeps to its roots – Rather than bringing in flashy effects and modern elements, Old Lahaina Luau stays true to the authentic Hawaii experience. Everything, from dance to food, is strictly local.
- 5-course meal served restaurant-style – There’s no need to pivot away from the show just because you’re hungry.
- Inclusive – Not only can vegans and vegetarians order dishes catered to their needs, the property is wheelchair accessible.
- Two seating styles – Plant your feet firmly in the grass or go traditional and sit cross-legged at a low-set table. Best of all, you don’t have to share!
- Free parking – Pull up by the entrance or enjoy free parking across the street.
Engage in Maui’s most authentic luau with all five senses, and feel secure in the fact that it’s great value for money.
What to Wear to a Luau in Maui
When attending a luau in Maui, you’ll want to dress for the occasion. Luaus are typically more festive and outdoor-themed, so it might be worth dressing up a bit if that’s your preferred style.
For women, you can wear dresses or skirts that are flowy and easy to move around in, as well as sandals or flip-flops. For men that are looking for something a little more formal, try wearing some nice slacks and a dress shirt.
