Want to experience a luau in Maui but don’t know where to go? Check out this post for the 7 best luaus in Maui you can experience while you’re there!
As someone who’s dying to go to a luau in Maui, I personally wouldn’t have any idea where to go. I think because of stereotyping I assumed that luaus just happen every night anywhere in Hawaii, but that’s not the case. In reality, luaus are too expensive for them to just happen anywhere. Since they’re often accompanied by entertainment, a lot of fancy hotels in Maui take advantage of it by having the Hawaiian feast in their establishment where paid ticket holders can go.
So, if you’re in Maui and you’re looking to experience the best luau, you’ve come to the right place. This post alone highlights 7 luaus you need to experience in Maui as well as where you can find them.
Maui Bucket List Series
P.S. This is a post in my Maui Bucket List series. Here is the complete 19-part series:
Hidden Gems: 10 Magical Hidden Gems in Maui, Hawaii
Black Sand Beaches: The 7 Most Amazing Black Sand Beaches in Maui
Poke: 12 Top Places to Get Poke in Maui
Breakfast: 8 Amazing Places to Get Breakfast in Lahaina, Maui
Coffee Shops: 7 Cozy Coffee Shops in Lahaina, Maui
Restaurants: The 12 Best Restaurants in Maui with a View
Accommodation: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Maui on a Budget
Sea Turtles: The 12 Best Places to See Sea Turtles in Maui
Surfing: The 10 Best Surf Spots in Maui
Road to Hana: The 7 Best Stops on the Road to Hana in Maui
Sunsets: 8 Incredible Places to Watch the Sunset in Maui
Waterfall Hikes: The 7 Best Waterfall Hikes in Maui
Vegan Food: 8 Incredible Vegan Restaurants in Maui
Instagram: 10 Incredible Maui Instagram Spots
Cheap Food: 10 Amazing Cheap Eats in Maui
Grocery Stores: The 8 Top Lahaina Grocery Stores You Need To Visit
Ka’anapali Restaurants: 9 Amazing Ka’anapali Restaurants You Don’t Want to Miss
Lahaina Restaurants: The 12 Coolest Restaurants in Lahaina on Front Street
Instagram Captions: 100 Media-Inspired Hawaii Captions for Your Instagram
Best Luaus in Maui Map
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Te Au Moana Luau (best luaus in maui)
The Te Au Moana Luau is a luau you definitely don’t want to miss if you’re coming to Maui. The luau takes place just steps from the ocean and all of the food there is served family style. So with this experience, you can expect a three course meal served right at your table instead of a buffet. In addition to the flavorful food, there’s also a bar on site where attendees are welcome to get alcoholic drinks.
However, do keep in mind, if you are driving to this luau, you have a long walk awaiting you from the parking lot. Luckily, once the luau comes to an end, staff are there to provide you with a complimentary golf cart ride to your parking space. And last but not least, from the looks of the YouTube video, I can guarantee the performers will put on a great show. Many people who have attended this luau were not disappointed by it, so I highly recommend giving it a chance.
Myths of Maui Luau (best luaus in maui)
The Myths of Maui Luau is another luau you don’t want to miss if you’re coming to Maui. Starting at sunset, the Myths of Maui Luau won’t fail to keep you captivated with its beating drums and the call of a Hawaiian conch shell to keep you hooked. In fact, with this experience, you can expect to see an unwavering celebration of dances that are culturally derived from Hawaiians, Tahitians, Samoans and Maoris. The performers combine these cultures to give a spellbinding performance that showcases the legends of the Pacific.
So not only will you learn something from this luau, but you’ll also walk away from it with memories you’ll hold for years to come. Therefore, if you’re planning on checking out this luau, I highly recommend it. From what I’ve heard from past attendees, it exceeded their expectations.
Gilligans’ Island Luau (best luaus in maui)
Looking for an intimate luau experience? Look no further than the Gilligans’ Island Luau in Kihei. The luau is known for being just a quarter size smaller than the average luau so any seat there is typically a great seat!
The luau captivates its audience by breaking down Polynesian culture as the performers take the audience on a journey on the different aspects of the Polynesian culture that make it what it is today.
So, if you’re looking for something fun and engaging, don’t skip this luau! The storytelling and the audience participation will make up for the high price as this luau gives you an experience you can’t find anywhere else.
And if you’re curious about the food, don’t worry! Everything is handled buffet-style and many past attendees have had no complaints.
Maui Nui Luau (best luaus in maui)
Known as one of Maui’s best luaus, Maui Nui Luau is the luau to experience if you’re in Maui for the first time. Done by the oceanfront, this luau gives its attendees the experience of a lifetime through the rhythmic beat of the drums and the magic of the Polynesian dance.
In fact, as one is sitting through this luau, you’ll also be able to see the beautiful sunset as the sun sinks in the sky and the flickering tiki torches as the night begins. All of this together sets the scene for the perfect luau that you can enjoy.
So, if you’re planning to attend the Maui Nui Luau, I highly recommend it. You’ll get a fresh tropical lei upon your arrival with an inclusive all-you-can-eat buffet.
Wailele Luau (best luaus in maui)
Looking to watch the best knife performance of your life? Then look no further than the Wailele Luau! An admission ticket for this luau not only includes an extravagant dinner but it also includes a knife performance that will blow your socks off. These knife performances are traditionally done with fire in the mix but you won’t get to see it until the very end.
The Wailele Luau in addition also showcases some of Maui’s Mythology in its performance by telling the story of Maui’s demi-god Maui. You’ll also get to see some ancient style Hawaiian dances like kahiko included in the luau performance with traditional costumes.
So, if you’re looking to attend a luau with some extreme stuff, I highly recommend the Wailele Luau. From what I’ve heard, past attendees were impressed by the performance and have said nothing but good feedback.
Feast at Mokapu Luau (best luaus in maui)
Looking for a luau with some luxury? Then look no further than the Feast at Mokapu Luau! It takes place at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort where you can watch the sunset fall as the backdrop to your evening.
In addition, be prepared for a delicious feast that features a three-course plated meal as seen below!
Starters: Ahi Poke, Pa’i ‘ai, Shrimp & Pohole, Waipoli Greens Salad, Grilled Maui Gold Pineapple
Main Dishes: Pulehu Chicken, Pua’a Kalua, Braised Beef Short Rib, Local Caught Fish, Moloka’i Sweet Potato Mash, Jasmin Rice
Dessert: Traditional Strawberry Coconut Haupia, Lilikoi Custard Tart, Hana Gold Flourless Chocolate Cake
The above is obviously just a sample of what you might get but from looking at it I would be very surprised if the food wasn’t good. You’re also welcome to enjoy unlimited handcrafted cocktails included with the performance as you watch the performers tell an interactive story.
So, if you’re looking to dine with class at a luau, I highly recommend the Feast at Mokapu Luau. From what I’ve heard, past attendees have said nothing but good things about it so it’s worth very cent.
Wailea Nights Luau (best luaus in maui)
Last but not least, the Wailea Nights Luau is another luau you don’t want to miss if you’re coming to Maui. Like all of the other luaus mentioned, the Wailea Nights Luau is set in a tropical setting with live music, dancing, lei greetings, hula demonstrations and a pervasive aloha spirit.
In fact, if you watch the video, you’ll also note that an open bar and an open buffet is complimentary with your ticket as well. The venue of Mulligan’s on the Blue also makes the luau more intimate, turning a Hawaiian feast and celebration into an authentic family party.
So, if you’re looking to attend a luau that feels more familiar, I highly recommend the Wailea Nights Luau. The luau is obviously smaller than most resort luaus but it makes all the difference.
Overall, I really hope you enjoyed reading this post on the 7 best luaus in Maui to experience! Please let me know in the comments down below which luau intrigued you the most. I would love to hear from you! 🙂
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