Maui Luau
Find the Best Luau for You
Going to Maui, Hawaii for the holiday of a lifetime? Are you bombarded with all the unbelievable tour options? Let me make it simple for you, there is ONE thing that you must have on your itinerary above all else, and that is a Maui Luau.
Nothing says Hawaii more than a traditional Hawaiian luau. A time of celebration, fun times and good food. The songs and dances of Polynesia, and the melodic strumming of the ukulele are sure to leave a lasting impression on you for years to come.
Simply put, we’re of the opinion that you can’t leave Maui without experiencing one! This is an essential element to your itinerary! It’s just not a complete holiday without it!
Coming from a family of hula dancers and practitioners of the culture, and having made the luau circuit throughout the islands, you might say we have an “eye” for this sort of thing. What we have discovered over the years is that a Maui Luau is truly unique in comparison to all the other islands.
A Maui Luau is set apart from the others because of the variety of exquisite locations to select from that are difficult to duplicate anywhere else. Have you heard of Maui no ka oi? Well, our Maui Luau bundles all our island goodness to show you why Maui is the best!
Consider these six points to guide you in selecting a Maui Luau for you and your travel party.
Location
There is a great selection of Maui Luau in the Ka’anapali and Wailea resort areas. If you are staying at or near the resorts, you need not go far to find one that would please you.
It’s the variety of great locations that truly make the Maui Luau experience. Just like in real estate, so it is true for a luau as well. Location, location, location – and a Maui Luau will not disappoint.
Most, if not all, are done outdoors, on the leeward-side of the island, and near the ocean. This means a spectacular sunset viewing at the event! You talk about photo-ops, this is simply the start of the evening!
In the end, select a location that is convenient for you. Consider the needs of your party, transportation and the commute from your hotel/condo, and parking availability.
Service
Along with location, the level and variety of service also distinguishes one Maui Luau from another. For example, if your travel party requires special accommodations, inquire if the luau site will accommodate.
V.I.P. and general admission may vary at each luau venue, so be sure to inquire if this is important to you. A special lei greeting, access to luau site exhibits and interactives, and seating arrangements for dinner and the luau show may be affected, so be wary.
Take note that the venue may be a sober site, or have a limit to the number of complimentary adult beverages, or even be an open bar. So, be sure to know the level of service if this feature is important to you as well.
Entertainment
Because of our involvement with the Hawaiian culture and the hula, and our familiarity with the cultures of our Polynesian cousins too, we are very particular when it comes to the entertainment line-up and show.
If you want authenticity (and who wouldn’t), our preferences are certain to not disappoint. There are venues that are careful to represent the cultures and their art forms with exactness.
As former performers, we value and recognize an entertaining show. Your Maui Luau should make you go “WOW” when the performers start the show; and when they pull you up on stage to dance the hula or do a Tahitian number, your body is inspired to groove along with them. Yes, that’s right – don’t be shy!
Food
While authentic Maui Luau cuisine is often difficult to acquire on a regular basis, and usually requires an “acquired taste” (i.e. poke – prepared raw fish, and poi), the modernized menu is just as delicious.
At a typical native luau it is quite common to serve the meal buffet style. If you have this feature at your selected luau, don’t be afraid to pile your plate up high – it’s expected!! How else are you going to get a sampling off all the wonderful selections? When it says buffet – you say, YAY!
Fun
Be mindful of the activities and features of the Maui Luau that allows your travel party to interact and learn more about the host culture and its Polynesian cousins. Games, lei-making, imu ceremony (that’s when they take the pig out of the underground oven), and Polynesian crafts may be a few of the vignettes that enhance your Maui Luau to make it a truly authentic experience.
Polynesians love to have fun. The aloha spirit is alive and well within us, and we love to share it with all who are willing to receive. Our jovial natures come naturally (yup, even when we’re sober), and we make sure it’s contagious! Your Maui Luau will allow you to relax and enjoy from start to finish.
Authenticity
Shy of being invited to a local baby or wedding luau, the closest thing you will get to an authentic Hawaiian luau is by attending one of the many Maui Luau venues. Don’t be alarmed! Except for the food, which most of you would have difficulty eating anyway, these luau are pretty close to the real deal. In fact, I think the entertainment is waaay better!
Staying true to the purpose of an island gathering, your Maui Luau will include family, friends, food, and fun, superbly done island style!
There are a number of standouts that execute luau authenticity truly well. These are the Maui Luau worth seeing as the production from start to finish gives you a unique experience of a lifetime.
It is rare that any of our Maui Luau are off the mark on this. For some, the combination of the location, setup, luau staff, and entertainers create an authentic ambience that makes this island-native go WOW!
When you remember these points during your selection process, you’re Maui Luau is sure to be a good fit for you and your travel party.
Bear in mind, attending a Maui Luau have become very popular on the itineraries of many visitors (these are the exceptionally smart travelers like yourselves – wink, wink), so it’s important to make your reservations early as your favorite may be sold-out well in advance.
Take care and aloha!
~Your Buddy
Maui Luau
Find the Best Luau for You
