How to Pick The Best Luau On Maui

Maui offers a variety of luau’s and it can get a little overwhelming on which one may be the best fit for you. While reviews are helpful, keep in mind that just because something has good reviews does not mean that it is the experience you are looking for. With so many luau options offered on Maui, how you do you know what one to book?

Luau’s are offered in different areas of the island though all luaus on Maui area located in either South Maui (Kihei / Wailea areas) or West Maui (Lahaina areas). We typically recommend that you consider attending a luau option that is closer by to where they are staying in the event you wish to enjoy an adult beverage or two, plus it is about a 60-minute drive from one side of the island to the other plus any traffic delays. Some guests do not mind exploring other parts of the island and are okay with driving longer distances to attend other luau options on the other side of the island.

The first step big step in deciding which luau is right for you is to be aware that there are 2 styles of luaus offered on Maui and narrowing it down to which option you prefer; traditional luaus which include hula dancing only whereas Polynesian luaus combines hula & traditional hula dancing in one show. While you may read reviews online that say that a particular option is the “best” or “the worst”, please also keep in mind that particular luau may not be the right fit for what you are looking to experience.  We often find that guests are disappointed in some luaus because they thought it was good because of all of the great reviews, only to find out it was not the style of luau they wanted to attend.

Everyone has their idea of what luau option works best for them and some guests will be traveling with a group of guests while other guests will be traveling with their significant other or a smaller family and some luaus might work out better than others pending your needs. Group luaus can easily be arranged as single family options though advance notice Not all luaus require pre-paid gratuity for groups though some do tend to prefer it. Below we are including more details about our top recommendations for luau options offered on Maui. Space is often limited last minute and some luau options reserve up months ahead of time pending the time of the year.

The next big step is to plan ahead and reserve your ticket early and to decide what types of seating you wish to have. Most luau’s offer seating in “standard” or “premium” seats and essentially this is like most airlines in that they have economy class and first-class seating. Some luau’s will book you in seats based on the time you book, i.e. the sooner you book the better the seats while other luau’s have guests seated on a first come first serve basis when you arrive. While most luau’s offered table & chair style seating, some luau’s offer cushioned ground seating. With so many options and factors to consider, you know start to see how we can better help you plan out your activity options. Below is our top 3 luau recommendations on Maui:

Stunning ocean views from seats at this luau

Traditional Hula Luau

• Offered Daily Upon Availability
• Style of Luau: Traditional Hula Dancing only (no fire dancers)
• Duration: About 3 hours in total duration from check-in to finish
• Inclusions: Outstanding performances, traditional luau menu options, great views, open bar
• Location: Lahaina Town (West Maui)
• View & Request to Book: http://rezgo.me/1sb6j.

One of the many reasons we like this luau is they’re not affiliated with a specific hotel or resort. Additionally, this luau features traditional hula dancing only, so it is very authentic. The luau offers standard table & chair style seating or traditional mat seating (ground w/ cushion). The dinner buffet is well done offering quality food and a variety of options. A server will come to your table to assist with drinks, cocktails, or other needs. This luau sells out nightly and advance booking are required well in advance!

Pricing & Cancellation Details

State tax 4.166% is added to the total cost of the booking. There is a 72-hour cancellation policy for bookings with less than fifteen guests. Pricing is the same for either style of seating though we highly recommend table & chair style for comfort during the show. Pricing below is based on 2019 rates and is subject to change.

• Adults (Age 13+): $120.00+ tax each
• Children (Age 3-12): $75.00+ tax each
• Infants (2 & Under): $0.00 each

Bookings with fifteen or more guests have longer cancellation periods and request an automatic gratuity of ten dollars per guest for luau server.

Wailea Luau

• Days Offered: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Style of Luau: Polynesian (includes traditional hula & fire dancing)
• Estimated Duration: About 3 hours in total duration from check-in to finish
• Inclusions: Ocean views, lei greeting, full dinner buffet, open bar
• Location: Wailea (South Maui)
• View & Request to Book:: http://rezgo.me/1sbiu

We really like the view at this particular luau, as it is a beautiful grassy lawn with direct views of the ocean. The entire resort recently completed a major renovation including the luau grounds. The facility and ambiance both have a brand-new feel. The show will include both traditional and Polynesian fire dancers along with a host, live music, open bar, and full dinner buffet. For the overall experience, this is my top recommendation to guests. Complimentary self-parking is included with the show. Choose between standard seating (general admission) or premium seating (first 2 rows of luau). Both seating arrangements are table & chair format.

Pricing & Cancellation Details

State tax 4.166% is added to the cost of the booking at check out.  All reservations require a 72 hour cancellation notice. Pricing below is based on 2019 rates and is subject to change.

Standard Seating

• Adults (Age 13+): $124.00+ tax
• Children (Age 6-12): $79.00+ tax
• Infants (5 & Under): $0.00

Premium Seating

• Adults (Age 13+): $142.00+ tax
• Children (Age 6-12): $89.00+ tax
• Infants (5 & Under): $20.00+ tax

Upscale atmosphere at this luau in Wailea

Luxury Luau

• Days Offered: Most Tuesdays and Sundays
• Style of Luau: Polynesian (includes traditional hula & fire dancing)
• Estimated Duration: About 3 hours in total duration from check-in to finish
• Inclusions: Ocean views, lei greeting, family style dinner, cultural activities, table & chair seating
• Location: Wailea (South Maui)
• View & Request to Book: http://rezgo.me/1sdm5

Located in Wailea, this luau is certainly smaller in size compared to the larger resort style luaus and is perfect for those who want the best! The primary focus at this luau is quality and they certainly deliver on this aspect. The luau features table and chair style seating and guests may opt into booking premium seats (first row) or classic seating (general admission). All guests enjoy the views of the stage and of the ocean from their seats. The premium bar features craft drinks along with other classic drinks such as mai tais and pina coladas. While this option costs slightly more per guest, this luau is great for those who’d rather avoid the larger crowds found at most luaus. Tables accommodate 8 guests per table and in the event you have more guests, they will seat you together in the same area.

Pricing & Cancellation Details
State Tax (4.166%) is added to the cost and standard reservations require a 72-hour notice of cancellation to receive a full refund. A 7 day cancel is required for all parties of 10 or more. Open bar is for age 21+ with valid ID. Pricing  below is based on 2019 rates and is subject to change.

Standard Seating

• Adults (Age 13+): $200.00+ tax
• Children (Age 6-12): $40.00+ tax
• Infants (5 & Under): $0.00

Premium Seating

• Adults (Age 13+): $250.00+ tax
• Children (Age 6-12): 40.00+ tax
• Infants (5 & Under): $0.00+ tax