10 Best Luaus on Maui (+ Fire Shows, Hula, & 2024 Update)

Are you looking for the best luaus in Maui? This guide will detail the most popular Maui luaus to attend, from hula dances to fire shows… and more!

At the end of this Maui luau guide, we also detail what to wear, some useful tips, and a bit more about hula and luaus from a cultural standpoint.

Did we miss any of the top luaus, hula dances, and fire shows in Maui? Let us know in the comments. Thanks!

Best Luaus in Maui

1. Maui Nui Luau (My Top West Maui Pick!)

Location: 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes (with validation)
🌺 BOOK HERE

This West Maui luau lasts approximately three hours and takes place right by the ocean. Upon arriving at the Kaanapali luau, you will be greeted with a flower lei and imu ceremony.

The Kalua pig that will be cooked for the evening will be prepared in the imu, which you will get to watch.

Then, you will get to enjoy the Polynesian dance show, which features multiple (and different) types of traditional dances from Polynesia.

If the weather and ocean conditions allow, you can also see the unique cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock.

During the show, you will also enjoy views of the beautiful Hawaiian sunset while trying out delicious traditional foods at the self-serve buffet (they have everything from poi to kalua pork and more!).

There will also be photo opportunities and alcoholic beverages if desired.

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Maui Nui Luau

2. Te Au Moana Luau (My Top South Maui Pick!)

Location: 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI
Days: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and seasonal Tuesday evenings
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes (only during the duration of the luau)
🌺 BOOK HERE

Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau right on Maui! With this option, you can participate in the “Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide” luau, which tells the story of how Polynesians traveled across the ocean tides.

When you arrive, you will be greeted with a traditional necklace (either a lei or wooden necklace), as well as entertainment before the show.

The show itself will consist of a three-course traditional luau meal and a self-service buffet.

There will also be a fire knife show and photos for purchase. The luau lasts around 3-4 hours.

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Te Au Moana Luau

3. The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz

Location: 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI
Days: Sunday, Tuesday, and select Thursday Evenings
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes (with validation)
🌺 BOOK HERE

Enjoy a delicious feast while partaking in this unique Hawaiian luau. During the Mokapu luau, you will be seated on the lawn at Andaz Maui.

It’s recommended that you get premium seating if you wish to have better views of the performance. In addition, the luau takes place during the evening, allowing you to catch beautiful views of the Hawaiian sunset.

There will be a three-course meal featuring dishes like ahi poke, pulehu chicken, pua’a kalua, and coconut haupia to truly get you in the spirit of the luau.

You will also have the opportunity to try alcoholic beverages and get a professional digital photo to commemorate the evening.

The luau lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Feast at Mokapu Luau

4. Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise (by Pride of Maui) 

Location: 233 Maalaea Rd (Maalaea Harbor)
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Wheelchair-accessible: No
Free parking: No ($2 an hour paid by credit card)
🌺 BOOK HERE

All aboard the Pride of Maui catamaran for this next hula show. It will feature a cruise with beautiful views of the sunset as well as views of the Molokini crater—perfect for some photo ops!

While on board, you will get to taste a delicious buffet featuring foods like stir-fried vegetables, barbecued ribs, and honey-glazed chicken. There will also be an open bar with craft beer and other cocktails.

In addition, you can watch a live hula show and enjoy the traditional Hawaiian song and dance. If the season is right, it will even be possible to see humpback whales!

Keep in mind that the cruise is not wheelchair accessible, and it will not be possible to make any substitutions or requests for the menu.

The activity will last approximately 2 hours.

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Pride of Maui Sunset Luau

5. Myths of Maui Luau

Location: 2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI
Days: 7 days a week
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: No. $5 fee at check-in
🌺 BOOK HERE

With the Myths of Maui, you’ll get to enjoy a vibrant Hawaiian luau any day of the week with a new fire dance and traditional performances. Be sure to book well in advance, because dates sell out quickly!

Perfect for the entire family, you’ll be greeted with a shell lei upon arrival while witnessing an authentic imu ceremony as the pig is cooked.

The menu for the night includes dishes like teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, mahi, salads, and more. You can also try traditional haupia for dessert.

If you need a vegan menu, please request it in advance.

There are also many favorites available at the bar. The times of the luaus change depending on the season.

>> Click here to book a ticket to Myths of Maui

6. Gilligan’s Island Luau 

Location: 470 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI
Days: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes
🌺 BOOK HERE

There are no other luaus in Kihei so the Gilligan’s Island Luau is a fantastic option for those staying in this part of South Maui and don’t want to drive over to Wailea for some evening fun!

This luau is small and intimate – it is actually 1/4 of the size of others, so there is not a bad seat in the house! You’ll get to witness various types of Polynesian dances and culture in an engaging setting!

Gilligan’s is locally owned and operated and it takes place on the Maui Nui Golf Course in Kihei. The place fills up quickly so be sure to book your tickets in advance!

Dinner, alcoholic beverages, and soda are included. The dinner will consist of Hawaiian Kalua Pork, Panko-crusted Mahi Mahi, Lomi Lomi salmon, Poi, and so much more!

The show goes for 2-3 hours.

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Gilligan’s Island luau

7. Wailele Polynesian Luau

Location: 2365 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI
Days: Most days (check calendar)
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes (only during luau times and one hour after)
🌺 BOOK HERE

This luau takes place at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa’s Aloha Pavilion, right along the ocean, so you can enjoy gorgeous views of the sea and sunset while partaking in this historic Hawaiian tradition.

The dates for the shows are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and sometimes Sundays. If visiting in the summer, you can also participate in shows on Wednesdays and Fridays.

It lasts approximately three hours, starting at 5:30 PM, and features an all-you-can-eat buffet with authentic Hawaiian favorites.

If you want to catch the best views of the show, it’s recommended that you upgrade to premium seating closer to the stage.

You will also get to enjoy a fire-knife dance finale featuring some of the most extreme dances.

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Wailele Polynesian Luau

8. Drums of the Pacific Luau 

Location: 200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI
Days: 7 days a week
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes (during the luau)
🌺 BOOK HERE

Considered to be the most exciting luau in Hawaii, the Drums of the Pacific luau are not to be missed! It takes place at the Hyatt Regency Maui and is one of the longest-running shows.

The feast features three courses, including favorites like ahi poke, fresh fish, kalua pork, and teriyaki chicken.

You can also feast on desserts like chocolate brownies and pineapple upside-down cake.

Additionally, the luau features an open bar with many traditional cocktails, like mai tai and kula mist, or non-alcoholic beverages for those who wish.

There will be a traditional Mai Tai greeting upon arrival, and you will also receive a flower lei. Consider the VIP seating option if you want to be closest to the stage and receive a photo and gift as a souvenir!

>> Click here to book a ticket for Drums of the Pacific

9. Aha’aina Wailea, A Grand Wailea Luau

Location: 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea, HI
Days: most days of the week
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes 
🌺 BOOK HERE

This spectacular luau lasts from 5:30 PM to 8 PM  with standard and premium seating options. Premium seating is recommended if you wish to be closer to the stage.

You’ll get to watch a traditional Hawaiian ceremony with vibrant music and entertainment, as well as hula lessons and performances that tell the stories of ancient Maui.

Overlooking Wailea Beach, you’ll also get to enjoy incredible views while indulging in Hawaiian favorites like poi, kalua pig, haupia, and poke.

There is also a bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks for those who don’t want alcohol.

If you need any changes to the menu, you can request those in advance.

>> Click here to book a ticket to Aha’aina Wailea

10. Royal Lahaina Luau 

Location: 2780 Kekaa Drive, Lahaina, HI
Days: 7 days a week
Wheelchair-accessible: Yes
Free parking: Yes
🌺 BOOK HERE

Last but not least, don’t forget to consider the oldest-running luau in Maui, which takes place on Kaanapali Beach!

Here, you will be greeted with a shell lei and Mai Tai greeting, as well as an open bar with cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and other beverages.

Then, you will enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet featuring delicious Hawaiian dishes like kalua chicken, kalua pork, and mahi.

You can upgrade to preferred seating in order to be served first and have front-row views of the show!

The luau will feature traditional dances from all across Polynesia, including Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Hawaii! There will be a grand finale featuring a fire-knife dance and flaming poi balls.

There will even be a lesson on the stage and the option to take photos with the luau dancers!

>> Click here to book a ticket to the Royal Lahaina Luau

Maui Luau FAQ

What is a Luau?

Luaus are one of the most significant elements of Hawaiian culture. They feature food and entertainment of some kind while involving traditional dances.

They frequently serve to commemorate an occasion, like a wedding. In the past, luaus might have commemorated a successful harvest or a military triumph.

When people gathered for a feast and to worship the gods, these gatherings were known as “aha’aina,” which translates to ‘gatherings.’

Men and women no longer had to eat separately at luaus after Hawaiian King Kamehameha II got rid of the custom in 1819 when he dined with women for the first time.

The word “luau” is derived from the name of a dish that might be served at a luau and consists primarily of squid or chicken, coconut milk, and luau leaves.

The kalua pig, which is prepared in an earth oven known as an imu, is the main course served at luaus.

In addition to these dishes, luaus may also include poke, uala, haupia, chicken long rice, poi, and tropical fruits.

You may have observed visitors to luaus wearing a string of flowers around their necks. Both men and women receive these, which are known as leis.

Luaus take place outdoors and frequently include ukuleles or guitar music. A luau may also feature storytelling, Samoan fire knife dancing, hula, and other forms of entertainment.

To understand more about the historic Polynesian culture, you can currently take part in contemporary luau celebrations around the Hawaiian islands.

What is Hula?

The Hawaiian Islands are the only place where hula is a dance. It is a storytelling dance with a range of tempos, from sorrowful to energetic, from slow to quick.

While many people nowadays could take part in a hula as a kind of entertainment, historically, the hula dance was performed to uphold Hawaiian culture and traditions.

The two primary hula dance styles are hula kahiko and hula ‘auana.

In the traditional dance known as hula kahiko, dancers will pay tribute to a person or location. The storyteller will speak to the rhythm of the unique drum known as the ipu heke.

Dancers that do hula kahiko will wear attire that is green and neutral in color. The dance must be performed and taught exactly as it was originally taught in order to preserve the heritage.

The contemporary hula dance is known as the hula ‘auana. Hawaiian music is performed, and the dancing is considerably more improvisational. A ukulele is also played along with it.

Hula ‘auana dancers may don a variety of colorful attire.

On the Hawaiian islands, luaus are where hula dances are frequently done; however, you should also try to watch the Merrie Monarch, where traditional hula dances are performed.

Hawaiian traditions and folklore come to life with this dance.

What to Wear to a Luau in Maui

Dress comfortably if you decide to go to a luau! It’s also strongly recommended to wear bold colors like lime green, orange, or yellow.

Flip-flops, sandals, and shorts are acceptable footwear options. The shirt could be a polo shirt, button-down, or t-shirt, for example. Another choice is a shirt in the Hawaiian style.

Another option is a chic sundress. You can also purchase luau dress in Hawaii if you like more traditional and local garb.

The temperature will be slightly cooler because many luaus are held at night. It might be a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket.

Maui Luau Tips 

Some of the best luau advice to remember includes the following:

Luaus are more than just entertainment. They are primarily traditional Hawaiian occasions. Please always behave respectfully.

When you first arrive at the luau, you’ll be given a lei. Since these are symbols of friendship, you should continue to wear it during the celebration. It can be considered disrespectful if you take it off.

If you have any dietary restrictions, make sure to let the host know in advance since meat is frequently served on the menu at luaus.

Luaus typically last between two and three hours, though some may last even longer, so allow plenty of time for travel.

Did we miss any information about Maui luaus that you’d like to know?

Let us know your tips for the best luaus on Maui in the comments!

Where to Stay in Maui

🛌  Places to stay in South Maui (Kihei/Wailea/Makena):

• Four Seasons Resort Wailea (ultimate luxury- White Lotus filming location!)
• Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa (amazing pool area!)
• Mana Kai Maui

🛌  Places to stay in West Maui (Lahaina/Kaanapali/Kapalua):

• Kaleialoha 208 (I stayed here – has free parking!)
• The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas (in Ka’anapali)
• The Kulani Maui (in the center of Lahaina!)

More Maui Travel Guides

• Things to do in Lahaina
• Things to do in Kihei
• Things to do on Maui
• Maui itinerary
• Places to visit on Maui

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