Maui Luau FAQs Answered

What is a Luau?

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian gathering and feast. It has three main elements: traditional Hawaiian feast, mele (song) and hula (dance). The first recorded luau was held by King Kamehameha II in 1819. Today families in Hawaii will sometimes celebrate special occasions with luaus. These are however private and not open to the public.

Is a luau authentic?

Commercial operators have stepped in and organize luaus for tourists to attend. Typically they are held at or near resorts next to the beach with sunset views. They will include a meal of traditional Hawaiian foods (including roasted pig). Typically drinks are included (Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Blue Hawaiian etc). After-dinner entertainment will include various hula dances, perhaps a fire or knife dancer etc. Are they authentic? Well, considering that they are a commercial business, they are okay. Definitely check out reviews on Trip Advisor, the Maui Time’s ‘Best of Maui’ section and other review sites to see what others have thought. Additionally we have a great concierge (Concierge Connection) that can recommend a Luau near you, and help with great seats.

Should you book a Maui luau?

It depends what you are expecting. If you want to try authentic Hawaiian foods and enjoy a Hawaiian-esque show, book a luau. The food is usually very good, and I am not sure where else to go for traditional roast imu pig (it is so good). However,  Unfortunately an old favorite, the Ulalena show in Lahaina, – a great indoor show, depicting the history of the Hawaiian islands with great live music and dance closed in 2018. Many Luaus  (The Old Lahaina Luau for one) give a great narration explaining the history of the islands..

What is the best luau on Maui?

I recommend seriously considering the luaus near your condo. Keep in mind the free drinks and how far you will need to drive after the luau. Maui Police cracks down on impaired driving, so unless you have a designated driver, plan on taking a cab. Uber is also now on Maui. Remember that the drive from Lahaina to Kihei/Wailea can take an hour in post-luau traffic (and that’s if there is no accident on the two-lane highway).

If you prefer a sit-down dinner, check out The Feast at Mokapu Lūʻau at the Andaz in Wailea.  Pricy but Amazing from $140 for children to $363 for permium adult seating) Mostl other luaus on Maui are buffet-style which is nice as you get to pick and choose what you want to eat. The Old Lahaina Luau consistently rates well. The Grand Luau at Honua’ula (Grand Wailea) and Te au Moana (Wailea Marriott) are good South Maui options.

For the most reasonably priced Luau  $100-$200 - though without a view or served meal, we love the Luau at South Maui Gardens (amazaing food trucks and the Lahaina Birds! too). Unfortunately that show was recently cancelled. For those of you wishing to experience a similar hula performance nearby, we recommend Gilligan’s Island Luau (at the Maui Nui golf club) which offers an excellent show by the same hālau, Manutea Nui E that performed at South Maui Gardens, and is comparable in both location and price from $109 for children & $159 for adults - but this one has a view and dinner.

What is the best place to buy luau tickets?

The cost is anywhere from $150-$430/adult. Children usually get in at a reduced rate. Tips are extra (expected and appreciated). You can book tickets directly from the luau organizers (online or at the resorts). Remember, most luaus do not run daily, you will want to pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment.

If you are considering the Grand Luau (Grand Wailea), buy your discounted tickets at Costco and then phone the resort to reserve your seats.

Where you sit at a luau is important. The right seats can insure a much better experience. For that reason we recommend using our concierges. They know all the luaus intimately and in talking with you about your expectations can recommend the best for what you want. You’ll be able to see and hear the show, sit on the ground traditional style at low tables or standard tables for just you or with a group. They earn a small commission for doing this but the cost you pay is no more than you would pay directly to the event – you’ll be much happier.

There are also time share stands that will sell you heavily discounted tickets (in return for attending one of their time share presentations). This is one way to save money however ask yourself: are you willing to give up several hours of your vacation in a time share presentation and do you have the willpower to say ‘no’ to their sales pitch?

What to wear to a luau?

Dress code is Hawaiian casual: a nice Aloha shirt with shorts/khakis, an Aloha dress for the ladies. Most luaus have lei available for purchase. Also most have a professional photographer present – a great opportunity for a family picture!

Where to park?

Double check this when you make your reservations. At the Grand Wailea for instance, valet parking is included in the price of the tickets. However, you will want some change to tip the valet.

Golf on Maui is one of the best Maui Activities

Kapalua may be known for the Plantation Course (home of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions) and other world class courses, but I am still partial to the golf on South Maui. There are a few main reasons for this and incidentally, weather is a big part. 

As discussed the high temperature (and lows for the matter) do not fluctuate very much from month to month on Maui, but two weather traits do: wind and rain. Though neither West Maui nor South Maui get a lot of either, South Maui’s weather is more predictable. South Maui does, in fact, receive LESS RAIN than West Maui and the Trade Winds are not as unpredictable as on the West side. Oh, and the views from any of the three golf course in Wailea are amazing – check out the 30 second video below as proof.

Golf on Maui is typically expensive, but we at the South Maui Condos Owner Direct Vacation Rentals have a few tips.

1) Golf South Maui (Maui Nui or Wailea’s Blue, Gold or Emerald) as the sun will shine even if you see clouds on Haleakala (the trades typically keep the clouds up on the Volcano).

2) Play in the afternoon for a discounted rate – but do note, if there are trade winds, they do blow harder in the afternoon.

3) If you LOVE to golf and have the time and stamina to play 36 – then tee off early as most all courses will offer a same day 2nd 18 at over a 50% discount!

4) Finally, our favorite reason. If you are a guest of any of our 200+ condos that are members of our fabulous Maui Owner Condos by Owner Directory, then you will receive discount coupons to play at Maui Nui Golf Club. AND if you stay at any Wailea Resort (such as Ekahi Village) you also receive discounts at the Blue, Gold and Emerald Courses in Wailea.

For any other Maui Golf, Maui Activities or information about any of our Maui Condos do not hesitate to reach out.

Hope to see you on the tee box real soon.

Click MORE GOLF ON MAUI:  West Side, Isthmus, North Shore

What to do on Maui when it rains

Rainy Day ideas for your Maui Vacation

It never rains in South Maui!

With an average annual rainfall total of 8-11 inches, this is pretty true. Kihei/Wailea lay on the desert side of Maui, in Haleakala’s rain shadow. Most of the rain arrives from the NorthEast. However, every now and then a storm will approach from the South or Southwest and that’s when we get some rain. Early December has been particularly wet with six days of rainfall in Kihei! It does feel like we must have gotten our year’s supply of rain. Be prepared, here’s your local Maui Forecast.

Unfortunately the weather is beyond your condo owner’s control. However, here is a list of rainy-day ideas we’ve put together for you.

Shopping

Time to find that perfect gift, souvenir or just window-shop. Where? Front Street (Lahaina), Whaler’s Village (Kaanapali), Shops at Wailea (Wailea), Paia, Makawao, the shops at the Triangle by Kalama Park, Market Street in downtown Wailuku.

Take in some Culture

Bailey House Museum in Wailuku. The First Light Film Festival is going on right now at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. How about checking out some art galleries?

Adventures

• Can’t go snorkeling ? Go see the fish at the Maui Ocean Center . Check their website for dates and times of special presentations. There’s lots to see! 
• Go whale watching  (December-April). Apparently humpback whales are particularly active in the rain. Pick up a rain poncho before you go. You can also check out the Visitor Center at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in North Kihei. 
• Go exploring  
• The Maui Tropical Plantation has some cute shops, a bar, restaurant and of course tours of their farm.
• Take a tour at the Maui Brewing Company in Kihei (and sample their products).
• Go for an upcountry drive: Ocean Vodka,
• the Surfing Goat Farm,
• Maui Wine (tastings),
• Ulupalakua Ranch General Store for lunch (they have the best grassfed burgers), the lavender farm… 

Happy Hour

Try out some of our restaurants for happy hour (think early dinner at half price!), find a favorite locally grown/roasted coffee at one of the many coffee shops.

Other Options

1. Try your skill at Island Art Party in Kihei
2. For our Canadian guests – binge-watch American Netflix (you know the programming is quite different).
3. Go for walks in the rain – remember, it may be raining, but it’s still in the 70s or maybe even low 80s.
4. Go to the gym for a workout, try a yoga class, or go for a swim – if it’s too crazy at your condo’s pool, check out the FREE County-run aquatic center (both Kihei and Lahaina have one).

What NOT to do in the rain

• Please do not go in the ocean. In fact, stay out of the ocean as long as the water is murky. Even if some surf instruction places are open for business, it does not mean it’s safe to go in the water. The rain can cause localized flooding, washing all sorts of ‘fun stuff’ into the ocean. Bacteria counts go up, you can catch an infection. Also, murky water attracts sharks. A close encounter with Jaws is not a great idea for a rainy day.
• Do not go hiking. It may not be raining heavily where you are, but it could be further upcountry. Flash flooding can and does happen and you could end up stuck with no escape route or worse.

Maui has many different micro-climates. It is rare for the entire island to have rain at the same time. Go for a drive and see if you can find the sun, or at least something fun to do!