Planning a trip to Maui? One of the top things to do in Maui is experience a traditional Hawaiian luau. Find out the best luau in Maui for your next trip.
This list of the best luaus in Maui was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Picking a Maui luau sounds easy until you’re staring at eight different options, all promising the most authentic experience on the island, none of them cheap, and your trip is two months away.
I’ve been attending luaus since I was ten years old.
After more than 40 trips to Hawaii and two decades dancing hula professionally, I’ve sat through a lot of them. Good ones, great ones, and a couple I’d rather forget.
What I haven’t done is go to every single luau on this list personally — a few of the newer ones I’m recommending based on solid research and recent reviews rather than firsthand experience, and I’ll tell you which ones those are.
I also want to flag something upfront: the Maui luau landscape changed significantly after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
The Feast at Lele, one of the most beloved luaus on the island, was destroyed and will not reopen. Some luaus closed temporarily and have since come back.
Everything below reflects what’s actually operating as of June 2026.
If you want help building a full Maui itinerary around your luau night and everything else, I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations where we map it all out together.
Quick Reference: Maui Luaus at a Glance (June 2026)
| Luau | Location | Approx. Adult Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Lahaina Luau | Lahaina | ~$230 | Most authentic Hawaiian experience |
| Myths of Maui | Kaanapali | from ~$185 | Budget, families, flexibility |
| Drums of the Pacific | Kaanapali | ~$211–$232 | Families, high-energy show |
| Maui Nui Luau | Kaanapali | ~$209–$236 | Unique setting, Black Rock cliff dive |
| Tales of the Kapa Moe | Kapalua | ~$264–$316 | Cultural depth, luxury resort |
| Feast at Mokapu | Wailea | ~$290+ | Romantic, special occasions |
| Te Au Moana | Wailea | ~$286+ | Families, convenience |
| Grand Wailea Luau | Wailea | ~$325–$385 | Luxury, big production |
| Gilligans’ Island | Kihei | under ~$160 | Budget, intimate setting |
Prices are approximate as of June 2026. Confirm current rates when booking.
What Is a Luau?
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, originally held to mark important life events — births, marriages, and harvest celebrations.
The word “luau” actually refers to a beloved Hawaiian dish made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, but over time it became the name for the celebration itself.
The visitor luaus you’ll find in Maui today typically run three to four hours.
You’ll get a fresh lei when you arrive, pre-show cultural activities like imu (underground oven) ceremonies and hula lessons, a full dinner with an open bar, and a Polynesian performance.
Some shows focus exclusively on Hawaiian culture; others take a broader approach, incorporating dances from Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand.
As someone who has spent years studying hula, I appreciate both — they’re telling different stories.
Things to Know Before You Book
Book early, especially for the top ones. Old Lahaina Luau and Feast at Mokapu sell out months in advance during peak season. If those are on your list, book the day your flights are confirmed — not the week before you leave.
Wait a night or two before going. Don’t book your luau for the first evening you arrive. Jet lag from the mainland is real, and a three-plus hour event isn’t the way to fight it. Somewhere around the middle of your trip tends to work well.
Stay close to where you’re sleeping. If you’re in Wailea, South Maui has three excellent options. The drive back from West Maui after a luau is longer than you want it to be, especially after a few mai tais.
Check the rain policy before you go. Most Maui luaus are entirely outdoors. Management reserves the right to cancel or move the show indoors in the event of rain — but once you’ve checked in, no refunds are issued. Check the forecast and know what you’re signing up for. I learned this one personally.
Read reviews from the last six months. Shows change. Staff turns over, food quality shifts, ownership changes hands. A luau that was spectacular in 2022 may not be the same show today. Recent reviews on Viator or TripAdvisor are worth ten minutes of your time.
Dietary needs: call ahead. Most luaus now mark gluten-free and vegetarian options, and Old Lahaina Luau is notably nut-free across the entire menu. If you have specific or severe allergies, contact the venue directly rather than relying on the website.
A Note on the Lahaina Wildfires
The August 2023 wildfires were catastrophic for Lahaina, and I think it’s worth saying plainly before listing off activities: Old Lahaina Luau had its offices destroyed and was closed for months.
The Feast at Lele, its sister show at 505 Front Street, was destroyed entirely and will not come back. About half the Old Lahaina Luau staff lost their homes.
Old Lahaina Luau reopened in March 2024 and has been running strong since. Going there now is a good evening out, and it’s also a direct act of support for a community that has been through something immense.
West Maui Luaus
Old Lahaina Luau — The Best Luau in Maui
This is the one. I’ve been to enough luaus across enough islands to say that with confidence.
What makes Old Lahaina different from every other show on this list is focus. This isn’t a greatest-hits sampler of Polynesian cultures — it tells the story of Hawaii specifically, through traditional hula, chanting, and storytelling that takes the history seriously.
There’s no Samoan fire-knife dancing (that’s not a Hawaiian tradition), no Tahitian costume sequences. Just Hawaii.
The food is widely considered the best at any Maui luau, with kalua pig roasted in a beachside imu, fresh mahi-mahi, lau lau, lomilomi salmon, and ahi poke.
You can often spot Hawaiian green sea turtles surfacing near the sea wall while you wait for the show to begin.
One detail I love: you can choose between traditional floor seating (cushions and low tables right at the front of the stage) or regular table seating.
I haven’t managed to snag the floor seating yet, but every time I’ve watched people sitting there it looked like the single coolest way to experience a luau.
Both options cost the same price, which surprised me. The earlier you book, the closer to the stage you sit.
Tickets run around $230 per adult as of 2026, with reduced pricing for kids. That includes your lei greeting, unlimited premium open bar all evening, a four-course family-style dinner, the show, and a mini loaf of banana bread to take home.
It now operates Tuesday through Saturday, so check availability for your specific dates.
Book this one as soon as your travel dates are set. It sells out two to three months out during peak season. Check rates and availability on Hawaii Activities.
Myths of Maui Luau at Royal Lahaina Resort
The Myths of Maui runs every single night of the week, which is genuinely useful for travelers who didn’t plan far enough ahead or whose schedules are still shifting.
It’s a classic Kaanapali luau — oceanfront setting, fire dancing, the unearthing of a roasted pig from the imu, a full buffet with an open bar, and a show that covers Polynesian history and mythology with energy and color.
Not the most culturally precise show on the island, but it’s entertaining and well-run. Children under 5 are free, and it’s one of the more kid-friendly setups on the West Maui side.
At roughly $185 per adult for general seating, it’s also the most affordable West Maui option. If Old Lahaina is sold out for your dates, this is where I’d look next. Check rates and availability on Viator.
Drums of the Pacific Luau at Hyatt Regency Maui
I want to be upfront here: I’ve been to this one, and it rained the whole night.
My son and I showed up, they handed us ponchos, seated us outside (because all of the seating is outdoors and most of it has zero cover) and the pre-show activities were canceled.
My son gave up and went back to the hotel room before the show started. I stayed because I wasn’t about to leave without a real opinion to share. Hawaii Travel with Kids
And here’s that opinion: the show itself is excellent. It has been running since 1980, covers Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand, and Samoa through traditional dances, chants, and drumming, and closes with a three-man Samoan fire-knife finale.
On a dry night with that Kaanapali Beach backdrop, it would be a spectacular evening. The performers were committed and colorful even in the rain, which is saying something.
The honest caveat: Maui’s west side gets rain, especially in winter, and this luau has limited cover.
If rain is even a possibility, bring your own compact umbrella rather than relying on the ponchos they hand out.
Standard tickets run around $211 per adult; VIP seating is around $232. Parking is free with validation at the Hyatt lot. Check rates and availability on Hawaii Activities.
Maui Nui Luau at Sheraton Maui
If you’re staying in Kaanapali and want something with a genuinely dramatic setting, this one delivers.
The show is set against the backdrop of Black Rock Beach, and features a performer who jumps from the cliffs at Pu’u Keka’a — something you won’t see at any other Maui luau.
The show includes fire dancing, Polynesian performances, an open bar, and a buffet. It runs Monday and Wednesday based on current schedules, so check availability for your dates.
Pricing runs roughly $209–$236 per adult for 2026. Check rates and availability on Viator.
Tales of the Kapa Moe at Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
I haven’t been to this one personally — it launched in 2023 and I’m recommending it based on research and strong recent reviews, not firsthand experience. That said, it stands out enough to mention.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui’s Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Clifford Nae’ole, shapes the show’s authenticity, and it shows in how the evening is structured.
Rather than a standard cultural overview, the performance goes into Hawaiian gods and goddesses and gives the storytelling genuine historical weight.
The buffet includes a build-your-own ahi poke bowl bar, whole-roasted pig, beef short ribs, and a dedicated kids’ menu. There’s fire-knife dancing and an aerial performance in the mix as well.
It only runs on Tuesdays, which limits flexibility — but the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua setting is beautiful, and the cultural approach is distinctive. Pricing runs around $264 per adult for standard seating.
South Maui Luaus
Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui — My Favorite on the Island
This is my personal top pick right now, and I’ll be straight: it’s expensive.
Tickets are around $290 and up per person as of 2026. That’s anniversary money, honeymoon money, or “we’ve been planning this trip for two years” money.
What you get is a small, intimate evening on the oceanfront lawn of the Andaz Maui in Wailea.
The cocktails are genuinely well-crafted (not the well-drink versions that get handed around at bigger luaus) and the dinner is chef-driven and thoughtfully plated.
The Wailea sunset from that lawn is stunning.
The show tells the story of the first Polynesian settlers arriving in the Wailea area and closes with fire dancing. The whole thing feels elevated without feeling formal.
I think about the cocktails more than I probably should. They were that good.
It sells out right behind Old Lahaina, so if you’re planning a special evening, don’t wait. Check rates and availability on Viator.
Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Marriott
A reliable, well-run South Maui choice for families and couples who want a beautiful oceanfront evening without the premium price of Feast at Mokapu or the Grand Wailea.
The dinner is served family-style to your table, the show covers Polynesian cultures across Oceania with skill demonstrations like coconut husking and tapa making before the main performance, and the Wailea Marriott lawn setting is genuinely lovely.
One practical note: Te Au Moana doesn’t run on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays, so factor that into your planning. Pricing is around $286 per adult for standard seating. Check rates and availability on Viator.
Grand Wailea Luau (Ahaaina Wailea)
The Grand Wailea’s luau is exactly what you’d expect from one of Maui’s most iconic luxury resorts.
The stage sits steps from Wailea Beach, the production values are high, and the story (following Tahitian voyagers who first settled Maui’s southern shore) is told with real ambition.
You’ll get hula lessons and Hawaiian lawn games during the pre-show, private tables, and a menu that balances traditional kalua pork and poi with contemporary dishes like macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi.
I haven’t attended this one personally, but it consistently ranks among the top South Maui options in recent reviews.
It runs most nights with varying days off, and pricing starts around $325 per adult for standard seating. Check rates and availability on Hawaii Activities.
Gilligans’ Island Luau in Kihei
Worth a spot on this list specifically for travelers staying in Kihei condos who don’t want to pay resort luau prices or drive to Wailea.
Gilligans’ is held at the Maui Nui Golf Course, so it’s not oceanfront — but the hillside location gives you panoramic views of the ocean and Haleakala, and the smaller crowd (well under a hundred people) means you’re actually close to the performers.
The buffet hits the Hawaiian classics and the open bar is included. The show runs about an hour and ends with Samoan fire-knife dancing.
Fair warning from recent reviews: there’s no imu ceremony, the show is shorter than resort luaus, and the golf course setting is a bit plain compared to a beachfront lawn.
What you’re trading for that is a more intimate feel, friendlier service, and a price that comes in under $160 per person.
For what it is, it delivers. Check rates and availability on Viator.
Maui Luau FAQs
Is a luau in Maui worth it?
For most visitors, yes — with the right expectations. A luau isn’t fine dining, and it isn’t a small, intimate cultural experience. It’s a multi-hour dinner-and-show event designed for tourists, and the best ones do that really well. Whether it’s worth the price depends on which one you choose. I’d rather spend a bit more on something memorable than save $40 on one that feels forgettable.
What happened to the Feast at Lele?
The Feast at Lele was destroyed in the Lahaina wildfires. It had been one of the most romantic luaus on any Hawaiian island — five courses served at private beachfront tables, each paired with a performance from a different Polynesian island. The same ownership still operates Old Lahaina Luau.
Which Maui hotels have their own on-site luaus?
Royal Lahaina Resort (Myths of Maui), Hyatt Regency Maui (Drums of the Pacific), Sheraton Maui (Maui Nui Luau), Andaz Maui (Feast at Mokapu), Wailea Beach Marriott (Te Au Moana), Grand Wailea, and Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua (Tales of the Kapa Moe).
Do I need to tip at a luau?
If you have dedicated waitstaff serving you at the table, tip as you would at a restaurant. For buffet-style luaus with minimal table service, it’s not expected but always appreciated. The bartender is worth tipping if they’ve been keeping your glass topped up all evening.
How far ahead should I book?
Old Lahaina Luau and Feast at Mokapu: as early as possible, ideally two to three months out for peak travel periods. For the resort luaus in Kaanapali and Wailea, two to three weeks is usually fine in the off-season — but school vacation weeks and holidays are a different story.
Does Old Lahaina Luau have fire-knife dancing?
No, and that’s intentional. Fire-knife dancing is a Samoan tradition, not Hawaiian. Old Lahaina Luau focuses exclusively on authentic Hawaiian culture and doesn’t include it. If fire dancing is important to you, Myths of Maui, Drums of the Pacific, Feast at Mokapu, and most other Maui luaus include it.
So Which One Should You Book?
For the best overall luau experience in Maui: Old Lahaina Luau. Book it as soon as your dates are locked.
For a romantic or special occasion: Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz. Budget for it and go all in.
For families in Kaanapali who want a big, lively show: Myths of Maui for flexibility and price, or Drums of the Pacific if the forecast looks dry.
For something with a genuinely unique natural setting: Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock.
For cultural depth in a luxury resort: Tales of the Kapa Moe at the Ritz-Carlton, on a Tuesday.
For South Maui luxury with serious production: Grand Wailea Luau.
For condo travelers in Kihei watching the budget: Gilligans’.
A luau is one of those Maui experiences that holds up whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth.
Pick the one that fits how you’re actually traveling, book it early, and don’t schedule anything for the morning after.
For more on putting together a full Maui trip, my Maui travel guide covers where to stay, what’s worth prioritizing, and how to structure the days.
And if you want to plan your whole Hawaii trip with someone who has been there more times than she can count, let’s talk.
