Old Lahaina Luau Award-Winning and Best on the Island
The Old Lahaina Luau in Maui is the result of a partnership of four friends dating back more than 20 years.
For many years, its home was in Lahaina town, but their entrepreneurial drive and success led a move to its current one-acre home on the ocean side of the Lahaina Cannery. It is done up like an old Hawaiian village with thatched hales, little winding pathways and native plants.
Award-winning Luau in Maui
Regarded as the best luau on the island, the award-winning performance showcases only traditional Hawaiian music, dance and food, unlike most commercial other luaus which offer a taste of dance and music from the various Polynesian islands. It plays to capacity audiences seven days a week with each performance entertaining 440 guests served by an attentive and enthusiastic staff.
From the beginning, the business philosophy of the Old Lahaina Luau has been shaped by the Hawaiian values of aloha (love), hookipa (hospitality) and pookela (excellence). From early beginnings when it had 21 employees, it now has 160 staff on hand.
Before the luau begins at sunset, come and view works of craft by local artisans who display their wares at the water’s edge. As you step onto the grounds, you are welcomed with a traditional lei, a complimentary drink and a souvenir program. There is a choice of seating Hawaiian style on lauhala mats or table dining.
From Ancient Roots to Modern Day Hula
The riveting performance focuses on the various forms of hula. The Old Lahaina Luau narrates history from its ancient roots when it was performed as part of a religious ritual. It then travels through to the years when it was banned at the behest of the missionaries and to its resurgence in contemporary hula.
Magic is in the air as you watch dancers in lavish traditional costumes tell story in dance, music and graceful movements of the hand and feet. With the ocean as backdrop and the waves as background music, be transported to the time of the Polynesian migration. Stories of landing in their new home in Hawaii were woven into hula dance which was passed down to succeeding generations.
This Old Lahaina Luau program does not have the daring and dramatic fire dancing – that is available at an associated performance at The Feast at Lele. However, the authenticity, the artistry and beauty of the dances, quality entertainment and superb showmanship have won it growing crowds of fans and the Kahili award six times.
Authentic Luau Menu
An authentic Hawaiian menu is served at the open thatched Hale A’i (Eating House). Feast on kalua pig freshly roasted from the imu, ocean fresh mahi mahi, chicken with guava and pineapples, lomi-lomi salmon, and luau staples such as poi, poke, sweet potatoes and a pohole salad of fern shoots, Maui onions and tomatoes.
Remember to leave room for tasty desserts which include chocolate mousse in cups and luau favorite, coconut haupia.
Performances at the Old Lahaina Luau are typically sold many weeks in advance, so make your reservations early. Tickets are $92 for adults and $62 for kids twelve years and up.
