Best Luau in Maui
Find the Right Luau for Your Trip — Food, Music & Dance Under the Stars
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Written by a Local Expert
Leilani AkoOn This Page
A luau in Maui is one of the best ways to enjoy Hawaiian food, music, dance, and storytelling in one evening. Whether you want a classic buffet, a more upscale dinner show, or a family-friendly night out, there are great options across West Maui and South Maui. Maui luaus also tend to feel more intimate than those on Oʻahu, with each venue offering its own mix of scenery, activities, and entertainment. If you are looking for the best luau in Maui, the right choice often comes down to where you are staying, what kind of meal you want, and the style of show you want to see.
Top-Rated Luaus · Maui
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Handpicked by Leilani Ako
Top Maui Luau Picks
The Feast at Mokapu
Andaz Maui · Ocean View · Tihati Productions
Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau
Hyatt Regency · Kāʻanapali · West Maui
Kihei Polynesian Luau
Gilligans · Kihei · South Maui
Prices vary by venue, season, and package · Book early for popular dates
🎶 What Is a Luau in Maui?
A luau is a feast accompanied by entertainment. Traditional dishes often include kalua pig, poi, poke, lomi lomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, and mahi mahi, along with Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and, at some venues, games and arts and crafts. That mix of food, music, and cultural performance is what makes a luau in Maui such a memorable part of a Hawaiian vacation.
🍖 The Feast
Kalua pig, poi, poke, lomi lomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, and mahi mahi are staples you'll find across most Maui luaus, alongside tropical drinks and desserts.
🌺 The Entertainment
Hawaiian music and hula dancing are at the core of every luau performance. Many shows also feature fire knife dancing, storytelling, and Polynesian dance from other island cultures.
📜 The History
The tradition behind the luau goes back centuries. Feasts and celebrations in Hawaiian culture date back to ancient times, and the type of luau visitors know today dates back to 1819, when Kaahumanu and Kamehameha II abolished the Kapu system, allowing men and women to feast together.
🎭 The Experience
Ancient Hawaiians preserved history through chants, storytelling, and hula, and those traditions still shape the performances you see today. A luau is more than dinner — it is a living cultural celebration.
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Traditional feast, hula, and live music included
🌅 Why a Maui Luau Feels Special
Maui luaus are known for their setting and atmosphere. They often feel more intimate than those on Oʻahu, and the location and activities help set each one apart. From Kāʻanapali to Wailea to Kihei, you will find ocean views, resort settings, and shows that bring Polynesian traditions to life in a way that feels both exciting and welcoming.
A Maui luau also offers more than just dinner and a show. Ancient Hawaiians preserved history through chants, storytelling, and hula, and those traditions still shape the performances you see today. That is part of what makes the best luau in Maui more than just a night out. It is a chance to enjoy the stories, rhythms, and flavors that make Hawaiʻi unique.
Ocean Views
Beachfront and resort settings across West & South Maui
Intimate Atmosphere
Smaller, more personal than Oʻahu luaus
Rich Cultural Depth
Storytelling, hula, and Polynesian traditions all night
🌺 Leilani's Insider Tip
Book early — the most popular Maui luaus, especially The Feast at Mokapu and Drums of the Pacific, sell out weeks in advance during peak travel season. If you have a specific date in mind, don't wait.
🏆 Best Luau in Maui: Popular Options to Explore
If you are comparing Maui luaus, each venue has its own style, setting, and inclusions. Some focus on ocean views and table service, while others lean into a classic buffet and large Polynesian show.
The Feast at Mokapu
Top PickThe Feast at Mokapu is one of South Maui's standout luau experiences. Held at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, it offers an ocean view setting, food, drinks, and entertainment in a 2.5-hour experience. Guests are welcomed with a lei greeting and can enjoy pre-show cultural activities, valet parking, unlimited bar access, and entertainment by Tihati Productions. The show follows a journey through Polynesian history, with storytelling, hula dancing, and fire knife dancing.
Location
Wailea
Duration
2.5 hours
Bar
Unlimited
Parking
Valet included
Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau
Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau is a longtime favorite in Kāʻanapali. Held at the Hyatt Regency, it combines food, drinks, and entertainment in a lively evening show. Guests can enjoy an imu ceremony, Hawaiian cuisine, and performances inspired by Old Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rarotonga.
Location
Kāʻanapali
Venue
Hyatt Regency
Ceremony
Imu pig roast
Show Style
Multi-island
Myths of Maui Lūʻau
Myths of Maui Lūʻau is another popular West Maui choice. Held at the Royal Lāhainā Resort, it is known as a long-running Polynesian luau with a strong following among visitors. It is a good option for travelers who want a classic luau setting with a well-known show.
Location
West Maui
Venue
Royal Lāhainā Resort
Style
Classic Polynesian
Te Au Moana Lūʻau
Te Au Moana is a Wailea luau with a strong storytelling focus. Held at Wailea Beach Resort, it combines food, drinks, and entertainment in a scenic setting. The experience highlights ancestral Hawaiian stories through song and dance and includes a family-style meal, an open bar, and pork roasted in a traditional imu.
Location
Wailea
Meal Style
Family-style
Bar
Open bar
Focus
Storytelling
Kihei Polynesian Luau at Gilligans
Best ValueIf you are looking for a more affordable luau in Maui, the Kihei Polynesian Luau at Gilligans is one of the lower starting-price options. It includes a Polynesian show, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and beverages, making it a good fit for visitors who want value and a casual dinner-show atmosphere.
Location
Kihei
Meal
All-you-can-eat buffet
Best For
Budget travelers
Back Section
Offered by Queens Waikiki Luau — A top-rated events experience in Honolulu. Starting from Adults from $129 per person. Free cancellation available. Book your spot today.
*Prices subject to change. Check availability for current rates.
🗺️ How to Choose the Best Luau in Maui
The best luau in Maui for your trip depends on what kind of evening you want. If you want a more upscale night with added inclusions, options like The Feast at Mokapu or Te Au Moana may be the better fit. If you want a lively classic show in West Maui, Drums of the Pacific Lūʻau or Myths of Maui Lūʻau may be a better match. If value matters most, the Kihei Polynesian Luau at Gilligan's is worth a look.
📍 Consider Your Location
The place is also important. If you pick a luau close to where you're staying, it will be easier and more fun from start to end. Both West Maui and South Maui have great options, so it's a good idea to think about how the luau fits into the rest of your trip.
🍽️ Compare the Way Food Is Served
The way you eat can change the whole experience. Some luaus in Maui serve food buffet-style, while others serve it family-style or in multiple courses at your table. If the format of dinner is important to you, look at the details before making a reservation.
✅ Check What Is Included
Included features can vary from one venue to another. Some luaus include open bar service, welcome leis, valet parking, or pre-show cultural activities, while others focus more on the buffet and stage performance. Looking closely at the inclusions can help you choose the luau in Maui that fits your group best.
🎭 Think About the Show Style
Not every luau feels the same. Some shows place more emphasis on Polynesian dance and spectacle, while others lean more into storytelling and cultural themes. If that matters to you, reading through the show details can help you find the best luau in Maui for the kind of evening you want.
Don't Wait Too Long
Popular Maui Luaus Sell Out Fast
The most in-demand Maui luaus — especially oceanfront venues in Wailea and Kāʻanapali — fill up weeks in advance during peak season. Reserve early to secure your preferred date and seating.
Check Availability →No spam. Free cancellation available on most bookings.
Find the Right Fit
Compare Maui Luau Options
| Luau | Location | Meal Style | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Top Pick The Feast at Mokapu | Wailea | Upscale, table service | Special occasions, couples | Book → |
| 🎭 Best Show Drums of the Pacific | Kāʻanapali | Buffet | West Maui visitors, big show fans | Book → |
| 🌋 Classic Myths of Maui | West Maui | Buffet | Traditional luau lovers | Book → |
| 🌊 Storytelling Te Au Moana | Wailea | Family-style | Culture-focused travelers | Book → |
| 💰 Best Value Kihei Polynesian | Kihei | All-you-can-eat buffet | Budget travelers, families | Book → |
✅ Most venues offer free cancellation · Prices vary by season and package
Book Your Maui Luau Before It Sells Out
Compare Maui luaus, choose the experience that fits your trip, and book before the most popular nights fill up. From Wailea to Kāʻanapali, the right luau is waiting for you.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best luau in Maui?
The highest-rated luaus in Maui include The Old Lahaina Luau and the Royal Lahaina Resort Luau. There are also excellent options in Kihei and Wailea, so the best choice depends on your budget, location, and preferred experience.
What can I expect at a luau in Maui?
A luau is a feast accompanied by entertainment. Traditional dishes often include kalua pig, poi, poke, lomi lomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, mahi mahi, and drinks such as Mai Tais or beer, while entertainment often includes Hawaiian music and hula dancing. Some luaus also include Hawaiian games and arts and crafts.
How much does a luau in Maui cost?
Prices vary by venue and package. More budget-friendly options are available, while premium experiences with upgraded seating and added inclusions cost more. Checking the venue details before booking is the best way to compare value.
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All ages welcome · Traditional food & cultural show
Are Maui luaus good for families?
Yes. The mix of food, music, dancing, and cultural entertainment makes Maui luaus a fun option for families, couples, and groups. Many venues welcome guests of all ages.
What kind of entertainment will I see?
Entertainment varies by venue, but Hawaiian music and hula dancing are core parts of the luau experience. Depending on the show, you may also see Polynesian dance from other island cultures, fire knife dancing, storytelling, and pre-show cultural activities.
What else can I do on Maui during my trip?
A luau pairs well with many other Maui experiences. Visitors often combine a luau night with sightseeing, snorkeling, or a scenic day trip earlier in their stay.
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