Are you planning a Hawaii vacation? Attending a Maui luau may top your list of must-dos. These evening dinner shows give you the chance to try local foods, experience some of Hawaii’s rich traditions, and immerse yourself in a stunning show.
So you know you want to attend a luau, but you’re unsure which one is best. You may not even know what to expect at a Maui luau.
That’s where we come in. We’re here to give you the inside scoop on Maui’s best luaus, whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset evening, a small-scale experience, or an unforgettable fun time (or, all of the above!).
Ahead, we’re sharing our best insight into Maui luau so you can pick the best ones for your travel plans.
What to Expect from a Maui Luau
Luau on Maui are a lot of fun, but they’re also a pricey investment. To have the best time, it’s good to get familiar with our luau and know what to expect.
Each Maui luau is different, but most follow a similar pattern. Here’s what you can expect (then read on to discover which luau might be a little different from the rest!).
The Setting
Most of Maui luau are set right by the water. Many are on hotel or resort grounds, but some have their own location.
And they occur at sunset, allowing you to have splendid views while you wine, dine, and enjoy.
Arrival & Welcome
Some luau have long lines to get in, since they’ll need to check your reservation, take your photo, and greet you. Premium and VIP tickets often allow you to skip the lines, and more intimate luau usually don’t have a long wait.
Luau vary in what they welcome you with. You may receive a drink or a lei. Then, you’ll be shown to your seat.
Seating
Most luau will seat you with other groups unless they specify you have private tables. This is a good chance to meet other travelers, but it does keep the luau from feeling romantic if you’re traveling as a couple.
Drinks
One fun thing about Maui luau is that almost all of them have unlimited drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
Pre-Luau Activities
Once you know where you’ll be seated, you can roam the luau grounds and enjoy some pre-dinner activities. There may be local crafts for sale, traditional games to play, an imu ceremony, and live Hawaiian music.
The exact activities will vary depending on the luau, but arriving early will give you the most time to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and festivities.
Dinner
Luau are grand feasts, so come hungry! Most luau on Maui are served buffet style, but some opt to serve by the plate (especially after Covid).
The luau also are great at putting together crowd-pleasing food. You’ll have the chance to try some traditional Hawaiian foods, like kalua pig, lomi salmon, and poi. But there are also foods for almost every pallet and dietary restriction.
So if your kids (or you!) prefer more familiar foods, like chicken, green salad, rolls, and noodles – you’ll still have something to eat.
And save room for dessert! Some luau serve cakes and hearty desserts, while others offer samples of finer sweets.
The Luau Show
After everyone has had their turn at the buffet, it’s time to enjoy Polynesian entertainment. There will be live music, hula, and an MC guiding you through the performances. Most luau will feature Hawaiian hula along with entertainment from other Polynesian countries, complete with a Samoan Fire Knife dancer as the grand finale.
Are Maui Luau Worth It?
Most visitors do find that going to a luau is worth the time and money. But these are pricey activities, so there are some things to consider before deciding to go to a luau. Here are some things to consider before booking your Maui Luau tickets:
- Are you on a budget? Maui has many budget-friendly activities, but a luau isn’t one of them. If you don’t want to splurge, you might want to find some free entertainment during your vacation and choose a different place to eat.
- Do you like buffets? Most Maui luau feasts are served buffet style, so be prepared for that when you join a luau.
- What does your travel group look like? Small children may have a hard time sitting still through a multi-hour luau. However, adults who enjoy drinking and eating tend to have a great time at luau.
The Best Maui Luau
Ready to book your luau? Ahead are some of our top recommendations for luaus on Maui, including some crowd-pleasers, budget options, and romantic events.
Myths of Maui Luau: Our Top Choice
We love recommending Myths of Maui Luau to Hawaii travelers. This West Maui luau features a fantastic buffet, an open bar, and a dazzling production that includes live music, hula, and fire knife dancing. Kids typically get into the luau show here, and the oceanfront setting is gorgeous.
Tickets to the Myths of Maui luau cost a bit less than other popular luau, but it doesn’t feel like a “cheap” experience.
Who will love it: Anyone looking for a fun, engaging luau, especially if you’re staying in West Maui. This is also a lower-cost luau, so it’s good for anyone experiencing Maui on a budget.
What to know: The Myths of Maui Luau welcomes many guests, so you’ll share the experience with a large group.
Old Lahaina Luau: An Authentic Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau has long been a favorite on Maui thanks to its delicious food and authentic Hawaiian entertainment. Plus, its peaceful oceanfront setting is unbeatable.
And now that the luau has reopened after the 2023 wildfires, it’s more popular and beloved than ever.
The Old Lahaina Luau is one of our top recommendations for Maui visitors, especially if it’s your first luau. Enjoy a buffet dinner, an open bar, evening entertainment, and excellent service.
Who will love it: Anyone wanting great food at their luau and an exceptional setting, especially couples and friend groups traveling together.
What to know: There’s no fire knife dancing at the Old Lahaina Luau, and younger children may get restless during the after-dinner show.
Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea: A Family Favorite Luau
Just like the Grand Wailea is the ultimate family resort, their onsite luau is perfect for all age groups. Enjoy hula lessons, yummy food, an open bar, and an engaging Polynesian production on the gorgeous hotel grounds.
Who will love it: Anyone wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of the Grand Wailea with a polished, beautiful production.
What to know: This is a pricier luau, so the cost can add up quickly if you’re booking for a family.
The Feast at Mokapu: Romantic Luau on Maui
The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a romantic place, perfect for honeymooners and anniversary travelers. Their luau—The Feast at Mokapu—matches the hotel’s ambiance. Settle in for delicious food, amazing views, great entertainment, and an overall wonderful evening.
Families and children are welcome here and may enjoy the spacious, upscale luau. With its more intimate setting, you can better enjoy the pre-luau activities and the show.
Who will love it: Couples and families wanting something more upscale.
What to know: This is a higher-priced luau, especially if you upgrade to the Premium level.
Pride of Maui: A Luau on the Water
Most of Maui’s luau are right by the water, but with Pride of Maui, you’ll be right on the water. This is a sunset dinner cruise and luau, so if you’re trying to have both experiences during your Maui vacation, you can have both at once with the Pride of Maui.
The catamaran operates at a smaller capacity, so it’s an intimate experience. The luau entertainment is simpler than the larger productions you’ll find at other locations, but that’s exactly why so many people like it—it feels more like a small get-together than a big event where you’re just a face in the crowd.
Pro Tip: In the winter you’ll likely see whales during the Pride of Maui Luau.
Who will love it: Anyone with limited time during their Hawaii vacation who wants to do both a sunset cruise and a luau.
What to know: You’ll be on a boat, where space is limited and conditions can be rough, so it may not be a comfortable or premium dinner.
South Maui Gardens: A Small Maui Luau on A Budget
If you don’t want to splurge on a full luau, the South Maui Gardens may be the perfect option for you. Here, you’re paying for only the performance, giving you options for how to enjoy dinner. You can add food onto your luau ticket, purchase it from the onsite food trucks, or not eat at the show at all.
Even though this is a simplified luau, reviewers rave over the production. Bring along a lawn chair or blanket to settle in and enjoy a beautiful show.
No alcohol is served at the South Maui Gardens luau, so you can also stick to a budget by bringing in your own beverage.
Who will enjoy it: Anyone who wants to fully enjoy a luau production in an intimate setting, without all the other luau elements (and save money doing it!)
What to know: Food isn’t included in your ticket, so you’ll still want to budget for that.
Our Top Tips for Attending a Maui Luau
We’ve attended a lot of luau here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, so we’ve got great tips to make sure your experience is the best one possible!
- Book Early – you don’t want to miss out on your top-choice luau just because you waited too long to book.
- Pick a Luau Close to Your Hotel – You’ll be tired after your luau, or if you partake in the open bar, a nearby luau will save you money on your ride back to the hotel.
- Go Later in Your Vacation – An evening luau feels like a late-night party if you’re still on mainland time. Make sure you’re awake and ready to enjoy the luau by going after you’ve adjusted to the time change.
- Be Ready to Socialize – A luau is a great place to meet other travelers and chat with the locals who work there.
- Bring Cash for Tips – You’ll want to tip your servers and offer a gratuity for any extra special experiences you have during your luau.
Want extra help making sure your Maui luau experience is the best one possible? Book your luau with Hawaii Aloha Travel. Our Hawaii-based travel agents are ready to match you with the best luau that fits perfectly into your vacation plans!
