13 Best Luaus in Maui by Location (2023)

A luau is one of the most well-liked things to do in Hawaii.

For all visitors to Maui, experiencing an evening of authentic Hawaiian food, live music, Hawaiian hula, and Polynesian culture comes first. There are many different luaus available on Maui. Each is distinctive in its own way; some take up to 500 guests per night, while others only accept up to 50.

Bringing your children to Maui? Taking part in a traditional Hawaiian luau is one of the best things to do in Maui. Find out which luau in Maui is the best for children.

What is a Luau?

A luau is, to put it simply, a traditional Hawaiian party that includes eating and dancing. This celebration dates all the way back to Polynesia’s prehistoric era. The prohibition on what was known as the kapu is said to have been lifted by the second king of Hawaii. Men and women dining together, or royalty dining with the rest of the non-crowned population, was essentially the kapu.

Naturally, the king held a lavish dinner feast with 271 pigs, a large number of kalo plants, coconuts, and salted fish to celebrate the repeal of the law. And he extended an invitation to everyone!

Today’s luaus on the island of Maui are a contemporary take on the ancient tradition, primarily created for visitors to Hawaii. However, they are still enjoyable gatherings and festivals that feature music and dance from the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. Additionally, there is always plenty of food! Poi (made from the stem of a taro plant), Kalua pig, and haupia are among the foods you can find (a coconut milk-based dessert).

SEE MORE: What is a Hawaiian Luau? A Brief History of the Hawaiian Luau

Maui Luau FAQs

Is a luau in Maui worth it?

It really depends on your family and whether you value exposure to different cultures. Numerous luaus are available in Maui, including ones that are family-friendly, romantic, farm-to-table, and traditional.

Which hotels in Maui have luaus on-site?

You’re in luck if you don’t want to leave your Maui resort to go to a luau. Grand Wailea, Royal Lahaina Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui, Kaanapali Beach Club, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Sheraton Maui, and Andaz Maui are just a few of the hotels on Maui that host their own luaus.

Do you tip at a luau?

That is a matter of preference. It is customary to tip the wait staff if you are at a luau with them. The bartenders are the same. However, you are not required to tip if it’s a buffet with little to no service and you purchased a pre-paid ticket.

Finding Best Luaus in Maui – 13 Best Maui Luaus by Location (2023)

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a luau on Maui. In Lahaina, Kapalua, Ka’anapali, and Wailea, there are a TON of luaus.

1. Feast at Lele Maui – Best Luaus in Maui

The Feast at Lele is the ideal choice if you’re searching for an elegant Hawaiian luau in Lahaina. Even though it’s run by the same people who started the venerable Old Lahaina Luau, it’s completely different.

It’s more like a fine dining experience rather than going through a buffet line, eating dinner at a long table, and then watching a show.

You will be led to a private table that is just big enough for your group after grabbing a drink. It was so nice to sit at a small table for just my husband and I!

An appetizer and several courses of delectable cuisine from all over Polynesia will be delivered to you by your server.

Performers take the stage to highlight a few dances from that Polynesian island as each course is served. You can talk to people while watching performances, which is great.

Oh, and the beach is right next to this luau on Maui! Ideal for enjoying a romantic stroll on the beach before dinner and taking photos of the sunset (yes, they have a photographer).

The best luau in Maui, in my opinion, is without a doubt this one.

2. Old Lahaina Luau Maui – Best Luaus in Maui

Ads for the Old Lahaina Luau can be found in any Maui travel publication. Since it is the most well-liked luau in Maui and is frequently sold out, I advise making reservations before traveling.

Numerous publications have given The Old Lahaina Luau numerous accolades, including “best luau in Maui” and “favorite luau on Maui.”

I need to talk briefly about the food. Incredibly delicious food options are available at Old Lahaina Luau, including crab salad, grilled beef, fried rice, two varieties of poke, and a ton more.

Additionally, traditional luau fare like kalua pig, poi, chicken long rice, laulau, etc. are available.

Guests at Old Lahaina Luau have the option of sitting on traditional Hawaiian mats to fully experience the luau, which is cool. Tahitian dancing opens the evening’s entertainment at sunset.

As the night goes on, the dancers alternate between traditional and contemporary hula.

3. Myths of Maui Luau Dinner and Show – Best Luaus in Maui

The Royal Lahaina Resort is home to the longest-running oceanfront luau on Maui, The Myths of Maui Luau.

You have a good chance of getting tickets while on vacation because this Lahaina luau is offered every night.

Try making reservations for Monday or Saturday evenings, as these are typically the least crowded, if you are determined to get good seats.

If you have dietary restrictions, Lahaina’s luau at this location is a good choice. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at The Myths of Maui, and it can accommodate diners with dietary restrictions or intolerances (especially if you call ahead.)

Even a kids buffet is available, offering dishes like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, hot dogs, and chips that are suitable for young diners.

You can bring your stroller and park it in a designated area if you’re a family with young children. Young children under 5 are free.

4. Drums of The Pacific Luau Maui – Best Luaus in Maui

In Lahaina, Maui, there is a Hyatt Regency Maui Luau. Another luau that is advertised in Maui tourism brochures is Drums of the Pacific.

I’m aware of no other luau that includes dances from the Tuamotus, a group of French Polynesian islands.

In addition, there will be dances from Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Tahiti. Definitely, the thrilling/exciting Polynesian dances are the main focus of Drums of the Pacific.

Additionally, there is a Polynesian fashion show where visitors can view the various artistic sarong wears.

Sarongs, also known as pareos, are readily available for purchase throughout Hawaii, making them an affordable and compact souvenir to bring back home.

Maui Kaanapali Luau

There are plenty of luaus nearby if you are staying in Kaanapali. In fact, if you aren’t renting a car, you can just take an Uber from your hotel or resort.

5. Huaka I Luau Maui – Best Luaus in Maui

Every Wednesday night, Huaka’i: Journey Through Polynesia is presented at the Kaanapali Beach Club. It’s the newest luau on Maui. The entire event lasts three hours (the show itself is 2 hours long.)

This luau is accessible for people with disabilities and is held on grass, so bring your stroller or wheelchair. The performance might be moved inside to their ballroom if it rains.

Given that the majority of their menu items are gluten-free, this is the best Kaanapali luau for people with gluten sensitivity. Even a kids buffet featuring chicken strips, mac and cheese, and sliders made from kalua pork is available.

6. Maui Nui Luau – Best Luaus in Maui

The recently renamed Maui Nui Luau is another beachfront luau in Kaanapali. The well-known Polynesian entertainment company Tihati, which operates a number of luaus throughout Hawaii, is in charge of the Sheraton Maui luau.

Black Rock, Maui’s infamous cliff diving location, is where you can find Maui Nui Luau.

The possibility to forego dinner and save a ton of money is what distinguishes this Maui luau from others. Cocktail seating is an option if you don’t want the full luau experience ($39 for adults, $22 for children ages 13 to 20, and $17 for children under 12).

7. Legends of Kaanapali Luau – Best Luaus in Maui

The Kaanapali Beach Hotel is home to the Legends of Kaanapali luau. A special discounted rate is available to hotel guests. The largest tiki in Hawaii is located in the hotel courtyard, where the luau is held.

There isn’t much else that makes this luau stand out from others. Only on Mondays is the Legends of Kaanapali luau offered.

8. Wailele Polynesian Luau (Westin Maui Luau) – Best Luaus in Maui

This on-site Wailele Polynesian Luau will be enjoyed by visitors to the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Even though it’s not a beachfront luau, Kaanapali Beach is very close by.

The Aloha Pavilion and stage underwent recent redesigns. Dances from Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa are performed at this Westin Maui luau.

Kids can enjoy their favorite foods like pizza, spaghetti, hot dogs, chocolate chip cookies, and more at the kids buffet. It is also ADA compliant and ideal for strollers.

Wailea Luau in Maui

There are a few luaus in Wailea if you are staying on Maui’s South Shore.

9. Grand Luau at Honuaula (Grand Wailea Luau) – Best Luaus in Maui

If you’re fortunate enough to book a room at the stunning Grand Wailea Hotel, getting to the Grand Luau at Honua’ula is a breeze.

I like that you can check in early at the Grand Wailea luau to get your wristbands, and then you can wait until doors actually open at the beach or the pool bar.

By doing this, you can spend more time enjoying your Hawaiian vacation and less time standing in line.

This luau stands out from the others because it emphasizes Hawaiian mythology and incorporates it into the performance. These tales feature mermaids, legendary gods and goddesses, travelers, and more.

The result is that the show combines traditional dancing with unique and amazing feats!

Additionally, they have a sizable menu that offers vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as allergy-friendly options.

10. The Feast At Mokapu Luau – Best Luaus in Maui

The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is worth looking into if you want a luxurious luau experience (read: PRICEY).

Children’s tickets cost $100, while adult tickets start at $200. The menu, which Executive Chef Isaac Bancaco created, is the main attraction at this luau.

11. Te Au Moana Luau (Marriott Luau Maui) – Best Luaus in Maui

If you’re staying at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort in Wailea, Maui, the Polynesian entertainment troupe Tihati runs an incredible luau right there on the property.

Kids will enjoy getting a wooden fish hook necklace or a fresh flower lei when they arrive.

Since it is very similar to the other luaus on Maui, I would mostly suggest it to guests who are staying in the Wailea region and don’t want to travel to Lahaina.

Is There a Kihei Luau in Maui?

To see a luau, you’ll probably need to travel to Lahaina or Wailea if you’re staying in Kihei. On Maui, one Kihei luau does, however, occur on the final Wednesday of each month.

12. Migrations Luau Maui. Best Luaus in Maui

You can try to get tickets to the exclusive Migrations experience through Sugar Beach Events if you’re on Maui during the last week of the month.

“Maui’s most intimate interactive luau experience,” is how they describe themselves.

The fact that Migrations only offers 50 tickets really sets them apart from other luau options. As a result, it qualifies as one of Hawaii’s most intimate luau experiences. You will also take pleasure in a plated dinner featuring Pacific Rim cuisine rather than standing in a buffet line.

I have only ever witnessed a ‘Awa Ceremony at an Oahu Toa Luau. As they greet one another, guests in this old Hawaiian custom share a special beverage.

However, they end their luau with a “talk story” moment around a fire pit, which is something I’ve never witnessed before. Guests and dancers converse while seated next to one another.

What a fantastic way to wrap up a special occasion.

Luau at Kapalua, Maui

You don’t have to travel very far to attend a Maui luau if you are staying up in Kapalua. There is one at the Montage Kapalua Bay, in fact!

13. Beach Club Luau at Kapalua Bay – Best Luaus in Maui

The Beach Club Luau at Kapalua Bay is the newest luau in Maui. The maximum number of guests at this luau on Maui is 40.

Instead of the typical luau buffet, this luau offers a plated meal prepared by a celebrated chef. It does, however, have one of the highest price tags ($225 for anyone 3 years of age and older).

However, if you’re looking for a spectacular luau in Kapalua, go to this one!

Conclusion: Best Luaus on Maui

There are some of the best luaus in Hawaii on Maui, so check them out! You’ll undoubtedly find the best Maui luau for your family, with everything from family-friendly buffets to elegant plated meals with a view.

Topic: 13 Best Luaus in Maui by Location (2023)

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By: Travel Pixy