Feeling overwhelmed trying to decide which luau to attend? If a luau show is on your Maui bucket list, prepare to make a significant investment. With ticket prices easily reaching $250+ for adult seating, finding the best luau for your Hawaiian vacation is no small decision.
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In this guide, we compare the different luaus on Maui to help you choose the ideal Hawaiian experience. Buffet or tableside service? Fire dancers or only authentic Hawaiian dances? We highlight what to expect from each luau production.
At a luau show, you’ll experience an introduction to Polynesian and Hawaiian island culture, cultural cuisine, and captivating entertainment. Say aloha to a stress-free decision-making process and embrace an unforgettable luau experience on Maui.
Featured image credit: Andaz Maui. Used with permission.
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In this post:
- First Hawaii lū’au? Here’s what to expect
- Map of lū’au shows on Maui
- Comparing Maui lū’aus
- Old Lahaina Luau (temporarily closed due to Lahaina fire)
- Feast at Lele (closed due to Lahaina fire)
- Myths of Maui (temporarily closed due to Lahaina fire)
- Drums of the Pacific Luau (temporarily closed through Oct 2023 due to Lahaina fire)
- Maui Nui Luau (bookings available beginning Nov 2023)
- Wailele Polynesian Luau (bookings available beginning Dec 2023)
- Ahaaina Wailea Luau at the Grand Wailea
- Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz
- Te Au Moana at the Wailea Beach Resort
- Gilligans Island Luau
First Hawaii lū’au? Here’s what to expect
Prepare for the excitement of your first luau — and prevent disappointment — by knowing what to expect before you book your tickets.
Expect a crowd
Luaus are the opposite of an intimate island experience. First and foremost, the luau is a cultural event, with crowds similar to what you’d experience at a small concert or other entertainment venue. Expect at least a few hundred other attendees at most luaus around the island.
Don’t count on gourmet food
If you’re used to top notch dining, don’t come to a luau with high expectations. With several hundred people to feed at one time, dishes must be prepared en masse. The logistics of feeding so many people at once simply doesn’t lend itself to gourmet dining.
The good news? You’ll have a chance to taste an array of dishes native to the region and people of Hawaii. Think roasted pork, poi, and haupia dessert.
Admission has skyrocketed since the pandemic
Whether you blame inflation or increased demand from post-pandemic “revenge travel,” one thing’s for certain — luau ticket prices are higher than ever. For a 3-hour luau dinner and a show, prepare to pay at least $150 per person. For some of the more popular luaus, such as the Old Lahaina Luau, prepare to fork over even more cash. An adult ticket to that beachside luau will set you back more than $200 per person.
Some luaus are returning to shared tables
Traditional luau seating usually meant shared tables, meaning you could be seated with strangers. During the pandemic, physical distancing requirements changed seating arrangements for most luaus. Instead of shared tables, each party was given a private table, similar to restaurant seating.
With restrictions easing in 2023 and beyond, we’ve found luau companies have started reverting back to shared tables.
Self-serve buffet has returned, too
Another social distancing change to many luaus during the pandemic included the elimination of self-serve dinner buffets. Luaus on Maui turned to served, plated meals.
Similar to the way seating arrangements have slowly rolled back for many luaus, buffet service is seeing a comeback.
Map of luau shows on Maui
Comparing Maui lū’aus
Most of the major luau shows on Maui offer sunset views, a Hawaiian meal, and a demonstration of cultural dance and activities.
But which one should you choose? These are the major luau shows you’ll find on Maui, along with what each one offers. We source details from a variety of sources: the luau companies themselves, recent traveler reviews, and our own experiences at Maui Trip Guide.
*Note: Luau event details are subject to change, and details listed below are not guaranteed by Maui Trip Guide. Confirm details directly with the luau provider prior to booking.*
Old Lāhainā Lū’au (temporarily closed due to Lahaina fire)
Where: Lahaina, West Maui
Cost (2023): $139.58 to $229.17 per person
Parking: Complimentary parking lot near the entrance
The venerable Old Lahaina Luau is frequently voted as the best luau on Maui by travelers, according to local publications such as Hawaii Magazine and Maui News. In an effort to maintain authenticity in its Hawaiian luau entertainment, the Old Lahaina Luau has opted not to feature the fire knife dance (from the Samoan culture) in its show.
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Yes
Imu presentation (roast pig): Yes
Fire knife dance: No
Seating: Up to 8 per table, per party
Dining: Plated 4-course dinner (previously buffet)
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for Old Lahaina Luau by clicking here.
Feast at Lele (closed due to Lahaina fire)
Where: Lahaina, West Maui
Cost (2023): $140 to $245 per person
Parking: Paid parking in the underground garage at 505 Front Street, or at the paid parking lot across the street
The sister show to Old Lahaina Luau, Feast at Lele is presented in conjunction with Maui’s renowned PacificʻO Restaurant. Each course at this luau accompanies a dance that represents one of five Pacific island nations: Aotearoa, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand, and Hawaiʻi.
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Yes
Imu presentation (roast pig): No
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Private tables
Dining: Five-course meal served tableside, with each course corresponding to the dance being performed on stage
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for Feast at Lele by clicking here.
Myths of Maui (temporarily closed through Oct 2023)
Where: Royal Lahaina Resort, Lahaina
Cost (2023): $115 to $235 per person
Parking: $10 per vehicle
Purported to be the longest running oeanfront luau on Maui, the Myths of Maui luau began in the early 1970s at what was formerly the Royal Lahaina Resort. For those with children, Myths of Maui touts its keiki (child) friendly buffet.
Oceanfront: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Shell lei standard, flower lei available for VIP or as an add on
Imu presentation (roast pig): Yes
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Shared tables, assigned
Dining: Buffet
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for Myths of Maui Luau by clicking here.
Drums of the Pacific Lu`au (temporarily closed through Oct 2023)
Where: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina
Cost: $105 to $260 per person
Parking: $17 at the Hyatt
Described as “Maui’s most exciting luau,” The Drums of the Pacific is said to have the longest-running show on the islands. Since 1980, the luau has entertained more than 2 million guests.
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Shell lei for standard seating, kukui nut lei for VIP
Imu presentation (roast pig): Yes
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Shared tables
Dining: Buffet as of May 2023, was previously served tableside
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for Drums of the Pacific Luau by clicking here.
Maui Nui Lūʻau (bookings available beginning Nov 2023)
Where: Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
Cost: $110 to $198 per person
Parking: Self parking free with validation; valet $5 with validation
Perched near Maui’s famous Black Rock, the Maui Nui Luau kicks off with a torch lighting and cliff diver ceremony.
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Yes, or kukui nut lei
Imu presentation (roast pig): Yes
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Shared
Dining: Buffet
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for Maui Nui Luau by clicking here.
Wailele Polynesian Luau (bookings available beginning Dec 2023)
Where: The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali
Cost: $110 to $250 per person
Parking: Free with validation at the West Maui Resort & Spa (up to one hour after show ends) or valet $45
Ocean view: Obstructed
Flower lei greeting: Yes
Imu presentation (roast pig): No
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Shared tables, assigned
Dining: Buffet
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for the Wailele Polynesian Luau by clicking here.
Aha’aina Wailea Lū’au at the Grand Wailea
Where: Grand Wailea, Wailea
Cost: $170 to $325 per person
Parking: Complimentary valet parking at the front entrance for luau guests
One of the pricier luaus on Maui, the Grand Wailea hosts an oceanside show complete with pre-show activities such as temporary tattoos and ukelele playing.
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: No, shell or wooden lei
Imu presentation (roast pig): Yes
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Private tables
Dining: Buffet
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for the Ahaaina Wailea Luau at the Grand Wailea by clicking here.
Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz
Where: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Wailea, South Maui
Cost: $140 to $340 per person
Parking: Complimentary valet
Guests of Feast at Mokapu receive a complimentary commemorative photo with the price of admission (usually an add-on for most luaus). The show also faces the water, making this resort setting one of the popular luau shows on Maui.
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Kukui nut or seashell lei
Imu presentation (roast pig): No
Fire knife dance: Yes
Seating: Private tables with premium tickets, or communal seating with classic (standard) tickets
Dining: Dinner served at the table
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for the Feast at Mokapu Luau by clicking here.
Te Au Moana at the Wailea Beach Resort
Where: Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott, Wailea, South Maui
Cost: $165 to $295 per person
Parking: Complimentary
Ocean view: Yes
Flower lei greeting: Based on availability, fresh flower, kukui nut or wooden necklace
Imu presentation (roast pig): Yes
Fire dancers: Yes
Seating: Shared tables
Dining: Family style dishes served tableside
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for the Te Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Beach Resort by clicking here.
Gilligans Island Luau
Where: Maui Nui Golf Club, Kihei
Cost: $99 to $189 per person
Parking: Complimentary
One of the lesser known luaus on Maui, the Gilligans Island Luau is also one of the least expensive. Keep in mind that this is a smaller luau venue with a golf course setting, not a resort or beach backdrop. While this show isn’t oceanside, the venue is set on a hill with stunning sunset views.
Ocean view: Distant ocean view
Flower lei greeting: Yes, with premium seating upgrade
Imu presentation (roast pig): No
Fire dance: Yes
Seating: Shared tables
Dining: Buffet
Drinks: Included
Reserve tickets for the Gilligans Island Luau by clicking here.
