In a recent post, we debunked four myths surrounding the Hawaiian tradition everybody thinks they know but few understand – the luau. Now, we turn our attention to two luaus that are doing it right. Both of these Maui-based events embrace the ancient cultural roots of the celebration while maintaining the chief ingredients we’ve all come to know and love about the luau: great food and entertainment in a breathtaking, beachside atmosphere found nowhere else in the world.
Both of these luaus have won many awards and garnered praise in prestigious travel publications.
Old Lahaina Luau
Begun by four friends in 1986, the Old Lahaina Luau has grown from a small labor of love into a powerhouse that consistently operates at near capacity. The reason for its popularity is simple: it keeps a firm foot in the roots of the luau. That means guests are treated to Kalua Pua?a (roast pork) cooked in an imu (an earthen oven) and entertained by gorgeous songs and evocative dances that provide an engaging history of the Hawaiian people. Bonus: each guest is presented with a fresh-flower lei – an item that’s rarer than you may think.
Price:
$99 for adults
$69 for children 3 to 12
Location:
1251 Front Street
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Feast at Lele
The good folks behind the Feast at Lele give guests a unique, informative, and, yes, fun experience. Think of it as a beachside Broadway production, complete with a song-and-dance performance that traces Polynesian culture’s evolution across key islands, beginning in Hawaii and ending in Samoa. The meal complements this progression. So, the first course is the classic imu-roasted pig from Hawaii, and the final course is the Samoa-inspired Supasui-grilled steak. It’s a lot to take in, both in terms of entertainment and food. But that’s exactly the point of the luau.
Price:
$115 for adults
$85 for children under 12
Location:
505 Front St.
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
