9 Best Hawaiian Luaus on the Maui Island
Posted by Maris on 21st May 2024
The one thing you must do on Maui if you are visiting Hawaii is to attend a luau. The word will spread quickly because almost everyone will try to persuade you to go. And with good cause. Imagine the sound of a ceremonial conch shell blow, arching palms against the backdrop of splashing waves, and flickering tiki torches as the sun sets into orange hues.
The moment has the feel of a scene straight out of a film. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the authentic Hawaiian luau, which is one of the must-do activities in Maui. It combines Polynesian dinner fare, dancing, and vibrant culture.
What Is A Luau?
A luau, to put it simply, is an authentic Hawaiian feast complete with food and dancing. This feast dates all the way back to Polynesia's prehistoric past. There are rumors that the second monarch of Hawaii reversed the kapu ban. The idea of men and women dining together, or royalty dining with the common people, was essentially what the kapu represented.
Thus, naturally, the monarch threw a lavish dinner party to commemorate the repeal of the prohibition, complete with 271 pigs as well as an endless supply of kalo plants, coconuts, and salted fish. And he extended an invitation to everyone!
Today's luaus on Maui are a contemporary take on the custom, mostly for Hawaiian tourists. But, they are still exciting social events and festivities that involve Hawaiian and Polynesian dancing and traditional music. There's also usually a plenty of food! There are items like haupia (a dessert made with coconut milk), Kalua pig, and poi (made from the stem of a taro plant).
OLD LAHAINA LUAU
Easily one of the most well-known luaus on the island is the Old Lahaina Luau. Many people consider it to be the best option because of its blend of cultural accuracy and true luau experience (also, it doesn't hurt that you get a Mai Tai and a fresh flower lei when you arrive!).
Guests will be educated about Hawaiian history prior to the dinner and entertainment, and they are welcome to assemble around the imu as the kalua pig is being dug out of this ancient Hawaiian underground oven. Then the buffet feast starts, with traditional dishes like mea’ai ola pono (taro, sweet potato, and tofu patty), lau lau (pork wrapped in lu’au leaf), and of course the pig itself.
The show starts at dusk and will take you through the interesting history of the Hawaiian people through dance and music. There isn't any fire-knife dance here, despite the fact that you will witness lots of hula. Since there were no fire dances back then, it is even more historically accurate.
FEAST AT LELE
The Feast at Lele is among your top options if you're searching for a classier Maui luau. To begin with, as soon as you arrive, you will be greeted with a mai tai in your palms and a lei of Kukui tree nuts around your neck. Plus, instead of a standard buffet, it contains a five-course, sit-down meal (this is the main reason that this luau is my fave!).
Executive Chef Adrian Aina's menu, which transports you to the island nations of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Samoa, honors Polynesian food.
Every meal is accompanied by the area's traditional song and dance. Hawaii's traditional dance, the hula, is a graceful motion that is accompanied by song and chant. The Haka is a traditional Maori war dance performed by men in New Zealand. In the meantime, the women perform with poi, which are tethered balls that swing in time with a rhythm.
Tahitian dance is characterized by a traditional or'i chant and a seductive hip swing. The Samoan sasa dance consists of slapping certain body regions and rhythmically clapping hands. An added benefit is the presence of fire-dancers!
For a quieter setting, views of the ocean, and a more private dining, this is the ideal location.
THE GRAND LUAU AT HONUA’ULA
The Grand Luau at Honua’ula is located at the award-winning Grand Wailea Resort and Spa in Wailea, just steps from the shore. This four-hour event includes everything: torch lighting, kalua pig unearthing, traditional feast with local cuisine, and a show that transports you back to the time when Hawaii was discovered by the Polynesians through the tale of the La'amaikahiki and Moikeha journeys.
DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC
The longest running luau on Maui is called Drums of the Pacific, and it's located at the Hyatt Regency, right next to Ka'anapali Beach. You'll travel around Polynesia's islands as part of the experience, but the standout feature of this presentation is the incredible exhibition of Samoan fire-dancing and flame-eating.
The typical fare offered at this luau includes lomi lomi salmon, huli huli chicken, and kalua pork. The feast is served buffet style.
ROYAL LAHAINA LUAU
A nice option if you're looking for something slightly (but not significantly) less pricey and less opulent than the others is the Royal Lahaina Luau. There will still be a coastline backdrop, ethnic dancing, and a cozy setting that perfectly capture the essence of Hawaii, even for a low price. After receiving a warm greeting and a shell lei, you will start your evening in paradise with an unlimited Hawaiian meal and beverages.
But that's not the case. Imagine stunning hula dances, fire-knife dances, and, of course, the sight of the beach and sunset alternating with one another.
TE AU MOANA
The literal translation of Te Au Moana is "ocean tide," which is appropriate given that the event is held directly on the Marriott Wailea's oceanfront. You will be given a carved wooden fish hook necklace or a fresh flower lei as soon as you enter. After that, you'll head straight to the pre-show activities, where you'll learn about some of the most famous Polynesian customs, like crafting tapa, or cloth out of tree bark.
There is also storytelling, coconut husking and Polynesian crafters—enough activities to keep every member of the family entertained.
See the customary imu ceremony, which involves uncovering the Kalua pig, before the actual feast, and then savor an extravagant banquet worthy of a king or queen. As you eat delicious Hawaiian fare such coconut haupia, kula greens, and Molokai sweet potatoes, the dancers will narrate tales of the inhabitants of Maui and the Pacific islands.
MAUI NUI LUAU
Maui Nui Luau, held at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Maui, provides a traditional Hawaiian luau experience. The event is held at the foot of Black Rock, a popular cliff diving location, on the well-known Ka'anapali Beach. It includes an all-you-can-eat traditional Hawaiian lunch and, if available, fresh flower leis.
Through Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dance, performers immerse viewers in the culture of the island while narrating the tale of Maui, the god after whom the island is named. Even during the show, when a torch-lighting ceremony precedes a plunge off of PuŻu KekaŻa, there is an amazing fire knife dance.
THE FEAST AT MOKAPU AT ANDAZ
The Feast at Mokapu is a must-see luau if you're searching for the best one on Maui. This luau is held on a sizable grass field near the shores of Mokapu beach at Wailea Resort. The location's proximity to Lahaina and Kihei is an extra plus. The occasion gives attendees a chance to sample fine dining and cultural events while learning more about Hawaiian culture.
You will discover the most significant Hawaiian values, such as a profound reverence for the land, and hear tales of the Polynesian settlers' voyage across the island. Interactive storytelling and a gourmet dinner including a variety of Hawaiian cuisine will be enjoyed by all attendees. To enhance the experience, there are also handcrafted, customizable cocktails available.
WAILELE POLYNESIAN LUAU
Held at the resort's Aloha Pavilion, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa's Wailele Luau is frequently considered to as the most authentic luau in Maui. It is situated next to Kaanapali Beach, offering guests a beautiful view of the setting sun just before the event. You will witness amazing performances that use kahiko dances and Hawaiian costumes to depict the story of Maui.
Some of the most amazing fire knife dances on the island can be seen at this luau. To provide participants with a genuinely authentic cultural experience, they will also enjoy a large family-style Hawaiian lunch together with traditional side dishes.
I adore exploring different cultures and their customs as a passionate traveler since it offers an entirely new viewpoint on a place. You will still get a glimpse into this custom even if many luaus on Maui are more for the amusement of visitors than the residents. Even if nothing else, you can enjoy delicious pork, fruity cocktails, and performances by skilled Polynesian dancers.