MAUI LUAU UPDATES
November 2024
We’ve added most updates to each Maui luau section below. See who’s sold out, who’s got tickets and when, and more updates on the Top Maui Luaus below.
Few things say Hawaii like a luau.
Do a quick search of Maui luaus, however, and you may get lost in the abundance of options. Which luau is best for the whole family, and which luau presents fire dancers? With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top five Maui luaus. Here they are—and what makes them magnificent.
| LUAU | WHY | WHERE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Wailea Luau | Most Popular | South Maui - Wailea | BOOK NOW |
| Andaz Luau | Most Luxurious | South Maui - Wailea | BOOK NOW |
| Sheraton Luau | Best Views | West Maui - Kaʻanapali | BOOK NOW |
| Marriott Luau | Family Friendly | South Maui - Wailea | BOOK NOW |
| Royal Lahaina Luau | Best Price | West Maui - Kaʻanapali | BOOK NOW |
- Grand Wailea Luau – Most popular
- Sheraton Luau – Best Views
- Andaz Luau – Must Luxurious
- Marriott Luau – Family Friendly
- Royal Lahaina Luau – Fire Dancing
Grand Wailea Luau – ʻAhaʻaina (formerly Honuaʻula)
Borrowing its name from the moku (or district) upon which the luau is presented, the Grand Wailea’s gorgeous production, ʻAhaʻaina Wailea, tells the enchanting story of two of Hawaii’s first founders. Laʻamaikahiki and Moikeha were Tahitian voyagers who sailed to Maui aboard a canoe, thereafter calling the island’s sunny southern shore their home. Through chanting, dancing, and singing, the Grand Wailea Luau‘s deluxe, four-hour event reveals the evolution of Maui’s earliest people and how they came to live in harmony. In addition to traditional luau fares like Kalua pork and poi, the menu features modern faves such as macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi, chow fun with pork char siu, and pineapple upside-down cake. ʻAhaʻaina Wailea—which offers hula lessons and Hawaiian lawn games—also looks out upon one of the loveliest and most photographed beaches in Hawaii.
Know Before You Go:
- Luaus are available on a various schedule 5 – 7 nights per week.
- Great for kids
- Private Table Seating
- Located at the Grand Wailea: A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- This luau sells out quickly!
- Premium Seats are available!
- MONTHLY UPDATE: As per the updated date above, the Grand Luau has standard and premium seating available through the end of January 2025. Book early because they will sell out QUICK!
Andaz Luau – Feast at Mokapu
We’re beyond impressed with everything that goes into the Andaz Luau in South Maui. First, the grounds are impeccable, with one of the better ocean views for watching the sunset. Each table has a server bringing high-quality signature drinks and multiple dishes per course. What sets this luau apart? THE FEAST! The ribeye steak can compete with any award-winning steakhouse, without a doubt. Delicious fish, local dishes, desserts, and more! This is an obvious choice for one of the top Maui luaus.
Know Before You Go:
- Offers Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday shows (occasionally, other shows are added)
- Great for foodies, couples, families
- Unique lei greeting
- Located at the Andaz Resort in Wailea
- Premium Seating is available!
- This luau is regarded as having the best food. With only three nights a week, seats book up fast!
- MONTHLY UPDATE: As of the date above, The Andaz Luau is taking reservations through the end of June 2025. Special Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve shows are available! Book soon, as they will sell out QUICK!
Sheraton Luau – Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock
This is one of our favorite luaus largely because of the location. Don’t get me wrong, everything else they’re doing is on par with the best Maui luaus, but the Sheraton Luau has an amazing, large private lawn right on the ocean. You can walk down and dip your toes in the ocean while watching the torch lighting ceremony and watch the cliff diver jump off Black Rock at sunset. Guests will be treated to lighthearted, entertaining commentary along with Hawaiian and Polynesian songs, dance performances, and an impressive fire knife dance. Sunset views and tropical cocktails make this the perfect date night activity or night out with friends and family.
Know Before You Go:
- Offers Monday, Wednesday, and Friday shows (occasional shows are added)
- Great for couples and families
- Fresh flower lei greeting
- Iconic Buffet
- Located at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa
- Preferred Seating is NOW AVAILABLE!
- Usually has fewer tables than the other luaus. Reserve before it books up!
- MONTHLY UPDATE: Reservations are open through the end of 2024. Special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve shows have been added, and seats are still available! Book today to make sure you don’t miss out!
Marriott Wailea Luau – Te Au Moana
Translating to “the ocean tide,” Te Au Moana emphasizes Hawaiians’ love and association with the ‘aina. Before the imu ceremony and feast, guests at this oceanfront gathering are introduced to several vital Hawaiian rituals, including tapa making—or the construction of fabric from trees and shrubs—coconut husking and flower crafting. The feast itself is one for the records: a buffet-style extravaganza that includes grilled teriyaki steak, seafood pasta, pineapple coleslaw, and Molokai sweet potatoes. The Marriott Wailea Luau is located on a bank of grass above glimmering water; the kiawe and palm-fringed views of the Pacific are nothing short of astounding. But it’s the special, authentic touches—from displays of Polynesian weaponry to fishing demonstrations—that make this ‘aha‘aina so delightful.
Know Before You Go:
- Luau shows are on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays most weeks
- Children 5 and under are free
- Cultural interactions
- Located at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
- Premium Seating Available
- One of the most popular luaus throughout Hawaii.
- New Year’s Eve Luau Tickets (Premium and Standard seating) are now on sale! This party will definitely sell out, grab seats now if you will be on Maui.
- MONTHLY UPDATE: As per the date above, The Marriott Luau has both standard and premium seating availability through the end of January 2025. A special Christmas Day show has been added! These shows are typically sold out; make sure to book early to reserve your preferred date.
Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort
Inexpensive, family-friendly, conveniently located, and with one of the best shows on Maui, the Myths of Maui Luau is definitely one of the top Maui luaus! Set upon the beautiful Kaʻanapali shoreline, Myths of Maui takes you on a voyage throughout Polynesia. Guests are welcomed with a shell lei and warm aloha as they begin their evening in paradise. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet showcasing Hawaii’s finest cuisines and be treated to complimentary cocktails all night long. The beautiful hula and exciting fire-knife dance will leave you breathless. With an unbeatable Maui sunset as your backdrop, you will surely have a memorable night at the Royal Lahaina!
Know Before You Go:
- Shows 7 nights per week!
- Fire Knife Dancing is spectacular!
- Traditional arts and crafts demonstrations
- Located at the Royal Lahaina Resort
- VIP Packages Available
- MONTHLY UPDATE: The Myths of Maui Luau is taking reservations for all of 2024 and 2025. Holiday shows are available (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day). Most of their shows sell out, so make sure to book early!
Old Lahaina Luau
Yes, we’ve listed more than 5 top Maui luaus. The five luaus above are fantastic, and the Old Lahaina Luau is hard to place due to its not being available without booking months in advance (as well as fire dancing not being included.) Nonetheless, Old Lahaina Luau has consistently ranked as the number one luau on the island. And for a good reason: Its sensitivity to cultural accuracy renders it exceptional. Traditional luaus attended by native Hawaiians furthered their connection to the land in that meals were served and eaten from lauhala mats on the ground. Old Lahaina Luau honors this custom, just as it honors Hawaii’s ancient form of storytelling through a passionate insistence on precision (and details that speak volumes). Moreover, Old Lahaina Luau serves ʻuala—authentic sweet potato beer brewed exclusively for the event by Maui Brewing Co. The celebration’s ocean-side location adds to its brilliance, while the West Maui Mountains in the foreground offer a sense of mysticism.
Know Before You Go:
- No fire dancing is offered
- Books up months ahead
- Various schedule 4 – 7 nights per week
- Traditional, modern, and vegetarian options
- Located off Front Street in Lahaina
- MONTHLY UPDATE: The Old Lahaina Luau is back and has bookings available through September 2025.
Feast At Lele – Due to the Lahaina Fires in August 2023, Feast at Lele is completely gone. Once information about the Feast at Lele reopening becomes available we will post it here.
Hyatt Luau (Drums of the Pacific) – Drums of the Pacific hosts luaus on a varying schedule of 4 – 7 nights a week, depending on tourism levels, with availability through the end of 2025. The standard seating is $202 and $101 per child ages 4-12. VIP is available at $250 per person and $125 for each child ages 4-12. The Halona Kai Holiday Village will be open on December 24th & 25th. See Santa, watch the tree lighting ceremony, grab freshly baked cookies from Mrs. Claus’ bake shop, enjoy holiday music and games for the whole family, and more! Get your tickets today!
A little more about Maui luaus and Luau history
These ultra-entertaining feasts have their roots in ancient Polynesia when the second king of the united Hawaiian Islands lifted the kapu that banned men and women from eating together—and royalty from dining with common subjects.
That groundbreaking event in 1819 became known not as a luau (indeed, in the traditional sense, “luau” refers to a cherished dish of chicken and taro cooked in coconut milk) but as an ‘aha‘aina—literally, a “gathering for a meal.”
And what gatherings they were. In 1847, King Kamehameha III hosted a fête that included 271 pigs, 2,245 coconuts, 3,125 salted fish, and over 4,000 kalo plants—a staple of kanaka maoli that comprises poi.
Hawaii’s contemporary take on this native ritual may be more modest in number but is no less spectacular. For most, no Hawaiian holiday is complete without attending at least one ‘aha‘aina, and nearly every major island presents luaus of epic proportions.
Really enjoyed Old Lahainaluau, but we were bummed they didn’t have fire dancing. That’s really the climax of any show. We’ll probably check out one of these other ones next time.
I agree about Old Lahaina. Have been there 3 times and everybody has enjoyed it including my daughter, who has been invited on stage 2 times!
I was worried my legs would fall asleep sitting on those mats. But they had comfortable chairs, and the food was amazing! Unforgettable!
Yes, we’ve been to every luau, and if memory serves, the Old Lahaina Luau is the only luau that offers the option of sitting at tables near the stage on mats. All other luaus sit in normal chairs with full backs.
The Grand Wailea Luau was so much fun! My son was dancing up a storm next to the stage, my wife actually got on stage and learned some hula, and I sat back and sipped on my maitai watching the whole thing go down. Such good food too. The pork was delicious and the desserts require my getting back to the gym… I went a little overboard. For those who haven’t made a decision, do the Grand Luau for sure!
Can you send me information on the Luau in Maui.
Yes, I’ll email you now. You can also use our chat feature below to ask questions. If we can’t get back to you immediately, we’ll answer your question via email. Most of the information for these luaus can be found by clicking on the associated booking buttons above. Mahalo!
Which Maui luau has the best food?
That’s generally a matter of taste, though our favorites so far have been at the Andaz Luau and at the Grand Luau. We’ve eaten at all Maui luaus and have never been disappointed.
Curious what to wear to a luau?
Luau attire is pretty casual. You won’t see a lot of tank-tops, but most men are wearing short-sleeved collared shirts and shorts, and women tend to wear long flowing aloha style dresses. Be comfortable, but don’t look like you just came off the beach. I guess you could say aloha formal or classy casual.
We went to the Old Lahaina luau in May 2017. It was a fantastic evening and the sunset was spectacular. I enjoyed every single minute of Maui.
My favorite luau I’ve ever been to (I’ve been to 3 across the islands) was Honuaula. Did that one change at all? It looks like the luau has changed names to Ahaaina? Wondering if any big changes have happened with the new ownership of the Grand Wailea. Thanks in advance!
Oh, so glad you asked! The only thing that has changed with this luau is the name from “Honua’ula to ‘Aha’aina”, so it’s the same great luau. Same price, location, food, show as before. Mahalo!
Which luau is the best for a wedding reception? I may have 20-30 people in my party.
I’d choose the one closest to where everyone is staying. Every Maui luau can accommodate a large party. Just make sure to book all your tickets at the same time and well in advance (some book up quickly!)
We are coming to Maui from April 24 thru May 6. We will be staying at Kahana Villa Resort at 4242 Lower Honoapiilani Highway and we are looking a NICE Luau that is NOT overrun by children We have never been to Hawaii and do not want our special occasions ruined by screeming children. Can you recommend one.
Aloha James! Congrats on your upcoming trip! We’ve been to all these luaus many times, and we’ve never felt children were an issue. That being said, there are no luaus on Maui (or probably in the State of Hawaii) that don’t allow children. Since having adults exclusively around you is important, you should book a full table. Or, as you enter, ask to be seated among adults only. This will likely require you to get premium seating tickets so that you’re entering early and can make that request. Again, all of the luaus will have some children in attendance. Have fun!
Hello,
It is our first time coming to Hawaii and we are between the Sheraton Luau and the Feast of LeLe.
Which do you recommend?
They’re both great, but with how booked up these are, you should see who is available to book for the night you want to go. We’ve been to Feast at Lele twice and the Sheraton 5 times, if that says anything. Both are great though.
we are staying in Lahaina in April. This is our very first trip to Hawaii and looking forward to Maui and a great Luau. Any suggestions to a good fire throwing Luau?
Though Covid-19 Coronavirus has halted all Maui luaus, when things are back up and running, the Sheraton and the Grand Luau are amazing. All of the 5 listed on this page are great.
Are all Luaus buffets? If not, which ones are not?
Luaus are doing table service now, as buffets are a little too dangerous with COVID-19.
Can you recommend a Luau for someone that has an allergy to pineapple? Thanks!
what is a good luau close to Kihei?
Andaz Luau, Grand Wailea Luau, and the Marriott Luau are all great luaus only 10-15 minutes from Kihei.
Feat At Lele I would say is the most high end, featuring fine dining version of Polynesian dishes, served on white tableclothed tables beachfront in Lahaina.
Best bet for those who have back issues and especially if buffet food isn’t your thing. The show is amazing.
Hello,
Me and my wife will be visiting the Maui for our wedding anniversary celebration. The caveat is that we both are vegetarian. Can you recommend which Luau (including the fire show) would be best for us?
Each luau offers plenty of vegetarian options. Old Lahaina Luau is the only one without a fire show. Have fun!
Thank you for keeping this updated! I’ve been planning things to do in Maui now for like 3 months. Every time I revisit your article, you’ve edited the pricing and info. MUCHO APPRECIATED!
My husband and are taking my 89 yrs old mother to maui in may of 2023,which is the best laui to take her to as she has abit of difficulty walking to far and to long.she uses a walker to get around.
It might be worth renting a wheelchair, as most luaus require a distance to get to them. I think the Royal Lahaina Luau would be the shortest walk from dropping her off in front.
Thank you so much for this post. Super helpful. We are trying to decide between Myths of Maui (royal lah) and drums of the pacific (Hyatt). OLL is sold out (I am getting on wait list). We went to OLL for honeymoon and loved it. We are coming back with two grandparents, and 3 kids (12, 6, and 5). Which one would you choose? We are staying at the Sands of kahana so the show needs to be within 30 minutes. We want something fun, good food and good drinks and beautiful atmosphere, and easy to see from table. Plus if they have flower leis!
Each luua has their own charm, but we’re partial to Myths of Maui, which is close to you. You can book it here: Royal Lahaina Luau Reservations.