Maui is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a rich culture, friendly locals, and incredible food.
So it’s no wonder why it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the world. However, if you really want to experience Maui the way it’s supposed to be, we highly recommend going to a Hawaiian luau.
A luau will give you valuable insight into Hawaiian culture, and is sure to give you an experience you’ll want to do more than once. Without further ado, we present you with the top Maui luaus on the island!
Best Luaus in Maui
| Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort | Maui Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea | Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Luau Show | Best Luau Dinner | Best Value Luau | |
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| Location: | Te Au Moana Luau, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr Wailea Beach Resort | Andaz Maui Resort | Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock, 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa |
| Start: | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM | 4:30 or 5:00 PM |
| Duration: | 3 to 4 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Includes: | 3-course meal served family style at your table, fresh flower lei (subject to availability), kukui nut lei or carved wooden necklace, pre-show music & entertainment | Traditional Lei greeting, complimentary valet parking, pre-show cultural activities, family-style meal, open bar, commemorative photo, entertainment | Photo opportunity, flower lei or substitute, Kalua pig cooked in the imu, live Hawaiian music and on-stage demonstrations, Tihati Production’s presentation of “Maui Nui, alcoholic beverages |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Maui Luaus For 2024
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- Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort
- Maui Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea
- Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
- Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor on Pride of Maui
- Feast at Mokapu Luau
- South Maui: Gilligans’ Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks
- Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner
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Maui Luau Reviews
1. Best Luau Show: Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Location: Te Au Moana Luau, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr Wailea Beach Resort
- Start Time: 5:00 PM
- Includes: 3-course meal served family style at your table, fresh flower lei (subject to availability), kukui nut lei or carved wooden necklace, pre-show music and entertainment
If you’re looking for a fun or romantic evening out having dinner at a nice restaurant, I have the perfect alternative for you.
The Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort is perfect if you have the evening free and want to experience Hawaiian culture like never before.
I admittedly knew very little about the beautiful state’s history, and learning in this entertaining, passionate way was simply magical! The tour starts out by meeting a the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort on Maui, where we were greeted by friendly staff and lead to our table.
While we could smell the amazing food cooking, we sat down and enjoyed the ‘Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide’ performance! Through dance, music, and storytelling, we learned quite a bit about Polynesian history and culture – my favorite was the fire knife portion!
TE AU MOANA LUAU, Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, MAUI
As we watched these captivating, intricate performances, we enjoyed a delicious, all-you-can-eat buffet consisting of all kinds of Hawaiian specialties.
This is perfect if you aren’t very well-versed in Hawaiian food and would like to try an array of flavors without committing to entire dishes.
The beautiful blue ocean sitting in the background really set the mood for a lovely, relaxing evening filled with amazing people and learning opportunities.
They do have a bar as well, so you can also wash everything down with a refreshing margarita or other tropical drink!
The dancers even invited us up on stage with them, which only added to the fun and welcoming vibes we experienced throughout the tour! Definitely give this one a shot if it’s your first time in Hawaii!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Best Luau Dinner: Maui Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Location: Andaz Maui Resort
- Start Time: 6:00 PM
- Includes: Traditional Lei greeting, complimentary valet parking, pre-show cultural activities, family-style meal, open bar, commemorative photo, entertainment
Maui is consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the world, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and tropical landscapes.
However, you’d be remiss to not enjoy one of the best luau experiences on the island – offering invaluable insight into local culture and history.
The Maui Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea is the perfect one to attend, where you will learn about classic Hawaiian values while enjoying a delicious dinner and cocktails with a view.
Your tour starts by meeting right at the event lawn located at the Andaz Maui Wailea Resort, complete with amazing views overlooking the expansive blue ocean!
Blending authentic Hawaiian culture with modern sophistication, you’ll instantly feel like a VIP in a warm and welcoming setting. We even received a traditional lei greeting, which really set the tone for a fun and educational experience.
We were then treated to a family-style dinner where we got to enjoy a feast consisting of fresh-caught seafood, tropical fruits, locally-sourced ingredients, and plenty of Hawaiian dishes.
The entertainment was equally as impressive, from hula dancing and traditional chants, to the impressive Polynesian fire knife dance! Our host did a great job transmitting the history of how Polynesians first arrived in Maui, through seemingly countless trials and tribulations.
Aside from the amazing food and entertainment, I have to mention the delicious tropical cocktails that I probably had a bit too many of.
I recommend choosing the classic seating upgrade or premium seating for either front or second-row seats! You’ll get prime views of the luau, and for the slightly increased cost, I did find it to be worth it.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Best Value Luau: Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Location: Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock, 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
- Start Time: 4:30 or 5:00 PM
- Includes: Photo opportunity, flower lei or substitute, Kalua pig cooked in the imu on the luau grounds, live Hawaiian music and on-stage demonstrations, Tihati Production’s presentation of “Maui Nui, alcoholic beverages, parking
If you have a few hours free during the evening, one of the best ways to spend it is surely at an authentic luau! This next one is one of Maui’s best, balancing culture, cuisine, and entertainment against the beautiful backdrop of Kaanapali Beach!
The Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa guarantees a fantastic evening featuring cultural stories, how-tos, and an array of different performances.
Just like with the other tours, you’ll have to head to the resort location as there are no included pickups and drop-offs. However, you’ll most likely be very close to the starting point, as it’s close to most of the main hotels, anyway.
Upon arrival, we received the traditional Lei greeting, then proceeded to enjoy the imu ceremony and enthralling Polynesian dance show!
Maui Nui Luau 2022
The family-style buffet dinner was absolutely incredible, and gave me the opportunity to try some traditional Hawaiian dishes I may not have otherwise tried.
I loved the salmon dishes, poke, Kalua pork, noodles, and as it’s all-you-can-eat you can try everything they offer! It’s a nice way to sample different flavors so you know what to order for the next days in Maui!
Something also really special about this tour, was that we were able to see the cliff divers jump off at Black Rock! The sun was setting, enveloping everything in a gold veil, as they dove into the ocean below.
It was a thoroughly magical evening, with everything going off without a hitch – I highly recommend it!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Best Small Group Luau: Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Location: 101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku
- Start Time: 5:00 PM
- Includes: Dinner, alcoholic beverages, delicious food, open bar, micro-brewed beer, blended drinks
This next tour is quite a bit different from any of the others I’ve covered on this guide, and is perfect if you are on a slightly tighter schedule.
Rather than heading to a resort like you would with the other tours, this one involves you boarding a gorgeous catamaran for a serene sunset cruise!
The Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor combines many different thrilling experiences, so if you’re short on time in Maui, I can’t recommend it enough.
Start things off by meeting up with them right next to the Coast Guard Station near the North Loading Dock, where you’ll then be escorted onboard the Pride of Maui.
This one has a slightly more “party” vibe to it, including an open bar that offers craft beer, wine, and plenty of tasty blended drinks.
I will say that the actual “luau” part of the tour is not as comprehensive of the others, but this makes sense when you consider the tour is shorter and in a more confined space.
Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise | Pride of Maui
As we cruised out over the water, we took in a beautiful sunset, and even got to see some breathtaking humpback whales breach!
Honestly, that alone would’ve been worth it or me, but combined with a delicious dinner, open bar, and an amazing hula show, and it’s simply unforgettable.
Our dinner consisted of many different traditional Hawaiian options, including honey-glazed chicken, stir-fried veggies, BBQ ribs, pork, and much more.
The entertainment was top-notch, along with the captain and crew’s attention to detail, welcoming demeanor, and views of the water and mountains.
Watching the luau dances in the open air with the nice sea breeze made it feel like we were really lounging around in paradise. Don’t pass this opportunity up!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Best Food: Feast at Mokapu Luau
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Location: Bumbye Beach Bar, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea
- Start Time: 5:30 PM
- Included: Alcoholic beverages, dinner, professional digital photo
Are you sick of falling into tourist traps when in Hawaii? It is an easy thing to do, especially if you’re trying to find an “authentic” Hawaiian food restaurant.
With the Feast at Mokapu Luau tour, you don’t have to worry about that – instead, enjoying a delicious array of typical dishes so you can sample at your leisure!
Upon arriving to the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, I knew we were in for a real treat with their renowned grassy lawn and views out over the beach! You’ll be escorted after arriving to your own table, so you don’t have to worry about sharing with strangers (unless you want to).
This is one of the best locations for a luau, filled with culture and world-class entertainment that makes it feel like the time flies by.
Right from the very beginning of the experience, I noticed that every member of the staff was very kind with specific attention to organization. Not only that, but it definitely has a more “elegant” feel to it, making it a nice little alternative to a romantic dinner in the city.
I wouldn’t specifically recommend it for families with children, only because it did seem more tailored to adults. The 3-course plated dinner came hand-served to our table, and the servers were incredibly attentive, bringing us handcrafted cocktails at just the right moment.
I loved the ahi poke, the Kalua pork, sweet potato mash, and the strawberry coconut haupia, which apparently was very authentic. There’s really nothing that I can think of that would improve upon this experience, as it was simply phenomenal!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. South Maui: Gilligans’ Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Location: 470 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei
- Start Time: 5:00 PM
- Included: Live entertainment including musicians, dancers, some audience participation and a fire knife finale, All you can eat and drink Hawaiian buffet
While there’s nothing patently “wrong” with more commercial luaus (in fact, they can be a blast!), there’s definitely something to be said for the privately-owned alternatives.
The South Maui: Gilligan’s Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks tour is an authentic, more intimate luau that gives excellent insight into Polynesian culture. If it’s your first time in Maui, please don’t pass up this quintessential Hawaiian experience in the open air!
There are plenty of luaus I’ve been to that unfortunately don’t guarantee a great view of the scenery and/or the performers. The people who own this luau make it clear that they prioritize the quality of each visitor’s experience, ensuring everyone has a fantastic view!
Not to mention, every single staff member is very welcoming and there to make sure everyone is having a nice time! Upon arrival, we were kindly escorted to our table by one of the show’s performers, who were friendly and upbeat.
After settling in, our server arrived to our table to take our drink order from the open bar! That’s right – you have essentially all the tropical cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks you could ask for at no extra cost!
After that, we all made our way to the buffet, which featured plenty of traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, Molokai sweet potato, and of course, sweet rolls with honey butter!
After dessert, we watched the Samoan fire dancers, tons of different dancers and musicians, and so much more! It’s a ton of fun, delicious, and overall a fantastic way to learn about Hawaiian culture and history in a gorgeous setting!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner
Tour Highlights:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Location: Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali
- Start Time: 5:30 PM
- Included: Dinner Buffet menu includes bread service, Pupus, 8 different entrees to try, dessert station, and an array of different tropical drinks, beer and wine.
You may not typically equate the Westin with fire, knives, or dancers, but you get all 3 with this next tour! The Wailele Luau Including Fire and Knife Performance plus Dinner tour has it all, in a night of performances that showcase the culture and stories of Hawaii.
If you’d like an enthralling introduction to Hawaii’s background, look no further than this one. Sitting against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific’s rich blue-green waters, the luau takes place in one of the most beautiful places on the island!
It’s perfect for photo ops, so before the show begins make sure you snap some shots of the ocean vistas! With the sound of ukuleles and delicious aroma of Hawaiian dishes filling the air, you’ll instantly be immersed in quintessential “Hawaii”.
While the tour is definitely a feast for the senses, you’ll get to partake in a real feast just moments after sitting down and sipping on some drinks!
The Hawaiian buffet is a great opportunity to try dishes you may not have otherwise, from tender kalua port and fresh poi, to tasty coconut and chocolate desserts. I loved every single dish, but of course, the highlight of the evening was the Wailele Luau.
As the sun sets over the horizon, the stage bursts to life with a wonderful variety of performances that all pay homage to Hawaiian heritage. From hula dances to intense fire-knife performances, each act relays a story that will teach you more about the islands’ spirit and history.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Maui Luaus
What exactly is a luau?
A luau is a Hawaiian celebration that includes food, drinks, music, dance and entertainment. The word luau comes from the name of a dish made with taro leaves, chicken and coconut milk. Today, a luau usually features a variety of dishes, such as kalua pig cooked in an underground oven, poi (taro paste), lomi lomi salmon (raw fish salad), poke (raw fish cubes), laulau (meat or fish wrapped in taro leaves), haupia (coconut pudding) and more. You’ll also enjoy tropical cocktails, such as mai tais, pina coladas and blue Hawaiians.
How long does a luau last?
Most luaus are about 2.5 to 3 hours. They usually start with a greeting ceremony, where you’ll receive a lei (a garland of flowers) and a welcome drink. Then you’ll have some time to enjoy the grounds, watch some demonstrations or participate in some activities, such as lei making, hula lessons or games.
Next, you’ll witness the imu ceremony, where the kalua pig is unearthed from the oven. After that, you’ll be invited to the buffet line to enjoy the delicious food. Finally, you’ll watch the show, where you’ll see performances of hula and other dances from Hawaii and other Polynesian islands, such as Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand. Some luaus also feature fire knife dancers, who spin and twirl flaming knives with skill and grace.
How much does a luau cost?
The price of a luau depends on the location, menu, show quality and seating options. Luaus range from $80 to $150 for adults and $40 to $75 for children. Some luaus offer discounts for online bookings or group reservations. Some luaus also offer different seating options, such as regular or VIP/premium seats. VIP seats usually get you closer to the stage, earlier entry, better service and upgraded leis.
What should I wear to a luau?
There is no strict dress code for luaus, but most people opt for island casual attire. This means aloha shirts or dresses for women, and collared shirts or polo shirts for men. You can wear shorts, skirts, pants or jeans but you are encouraged to dress for the occasion. Don’t wear anything too formal, such as suits, ties or high heels. Don’t wear anything too revealing, such as bikinis, tank tops or flip flops.
Do you tip after a luau?
Some luaus include a gratuity in the ticket price, so you don’t have to worry about tipping. The rule of thumb is to tip 10% of the ticket price per person,. You can tip the performers directly after the show or leave your tip at the reception desk.
Of course, tipping is optional and not expected at a luau. The performers and staff are happy to share their culture and hospitality with you. Just remember if you enjoyed the luau and want to express your gratitude you can always tip above and beyond the included tip.
Are Maui luaus all you can eat?
Most luaus are a buffet-style, so you can fill your plate with as much food as you want. Other luaus have a set menu, where you get a fixed number of dishes. A few luaus are a hybrid are a have a combination of both where you can choose from a variety of options.
But no matter what kind of luau you go to, you can expect to enjoy some delicious Hawaiian cuisine, such as kalua pig, poi, lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice, and haupia. And of course, you can’t forget the entertainment: hula dancers, fire performers, live music, and more.
Is it worth doing a Maui luau?
Whether a luau is worth it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an authentic and immersive experience a luau might not be the best option. Most luaus cater to tourists, and they can be expensive, crowded, and cheesy. You might not get to taste the real flavors of Hawaiian cuisine or see the true diversity and richness of Hawaiian culture. You might end up thinking you’re at a theme park. If you are just looking for an entertaining evening it’s hard to go wrong going to a luau.
What is the best Maui luau?
If you don’t mind spending a little extra for the best possible experience we recommend the Maui Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea. This luau has the best entertainment, food and scenery with a gorgeous beach view!
What is the cheapest luau in Maui?
If you are looking to go to a luau on budget our recommendation is the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Even at a budget price you are at a top notch Sheraton resort with a beautiful beach view.
Tips to choose the best Luau in Maui for you
Location
Where the Luau is located is something you should consider. Each luau offers different settings and atmospheres, depending on whether they are by the ocean or in a tropical garden. You should think about what kind of environment you would enjoy the most.
Check out the menu
Each of the Luaus we review has a unique menu with a flavor Hawaiian cuisine. The menu should give you a taste of the island’s flavors like Kalua pig that is cooked in an imu to poke, huli huli chicken or teriyaki beef. Most luaus also have vegetarian options and drinks made with local flavors.
Check out the show and entertainment
When you are looking at the available options for luaus in Maui, take a look at the shows they are performing. All luaus have some form of entertainment but they vary to the types of shows and how long they are. All have some traditional dances shows that are unique to the luau such as hula dancing or fire knife dancing. Most luaus also have some kid friendly entertainment like bracelet and headband weaving.
Food
Entertainment
Value
The Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort is our Editors Choice for the best Luau in Maui
