You’ve probably seen pictures and videos of luaus in popular culture, but nothing beats experiencing them in person. Luaus are an important and historic tradition on the Hawaiian Islands. They give us a chance to gather our family and friends together in celebrations. Make a luau part of your Maui vacation. Every luau features men and women in beautiful costumes performing traditional Hawaiian dances and songs. Oh, and you’ll get a plate filled with delicious Hawaiian cuisine. For many, a night at the luau is the highlight of their Maui trip. Here are a few of our favorite Maui luaus:
The Grand Luau (Wailea)
The Grand Luau takes place on the waterfront lawn of the luxurious Grand Wailea Resort. Your hosts will welcome you with a traditional lei greeting. Grab a drink at the bar and nibble on surf & turf appetizers. When the torches are lit, you’ll know it’s time for the show to begin. While you chow down on exquisite food, performers will tell you the history of Hawaii through song and dance. Afterward (if you aren’t too stuffed) you and your family can try your hand at hula dancing with expert guidance from the performers. This family-friendly celebration is sure to fill your belly, give you plenty of entertainment, and offer a great glimpse into Hawaiian culture.
Royal Lahaina Luau (Lahaina)
The Royal Lahaina Luau, also known as Myths of Maui, is an experience that captures the spirit and culture of old Hawaii. This popular luau features a delicious food selection including poi, lomi-lomi salmon, kalua pork and other various island favorites. Guests are welcomed with leis and tropical drinks. The evening culminates with a spectacular performance showcasing Hawaiian music, dance, and mythology along with fire knife dancing. A unique part of this show is the story of Maui who was a powerful Polynesian demigod responsible for creating the islands of Hawaii. At the end of the night guests can sample traditional deserts such as haupia while enjoying breathtaking views of sunset.
Old Lahaina Luau (Lahaina)
The Old Lahaina Luau stands out for its authenticity. This particular presentation only performs Hawaiian music and dance and only serves traditional Hawaiian food. If you really want to understand Maui and its culture better, this is the right luau for you. Sit at big tables and watch the history of Hawaii come alive. When the time comes, you can gather at the Imu (earth oven), where the long-simmering roast pig will be unearthed. Dinner includes Hawaii’s best traditional dishes, and you can also grab a drink from the bar at any time. Though you won’t watch fire dancing at the Old Lahaina Luau, it’s one of the most authentically Hawaiian luaus.
The Andaz Luau (Wailea)
The Mokapu Luau at the Andaz Wailea, located on Maui’s sunny south shore, is a traditional luau experience that showcases Hawaiian hospitality and culture. A multi-course dinner featuring local ingredients is served including kalua pork, taro rolls, poi, and poke. After dinner, guests are treated to a unique performance by renowned master hula dancers which includes authentic stories handed down through generations of Hawaiian oral traditions. The show ends with a fire dance finale. Prior to the show, guests may take part in interactive activities such as weaving fronds or lei-making to further connect them with Hawaiian culture. The Mokapu Luau at the Andaz Wailea is truly one of Hawaii’s most remarkable luau experiences, offering an unforgettable night of authentic cuisine, dance, and storytelling.
Feast at Lele (Lahaina)
The Feast at Lele expands its purview to celebrate Polynesian culture beyond just the boundaries of the Hawaiian Isles. After a traditional lei flower greeting, you’ll sit down to a massive five-course dinner that spans the islands of the world. The first course features traditional Hawaiian food. The second course travels to New Zealand; Tahiti is featured in the third course; the fourth course honors Samoa; and the fifth and final course is a globally loved dish of pineapple upside down cake!
While you feast, beautifully costumed performers will dazzle you with dances and songs from these same countries. Do you know what a traditional Samoan dance looks like? Well, you will! The open bar will keep the delicious cocktails, beer, and wine coming as you sit back and enjoy the amazing and authentic performance as the sun sinks down over the water.