Finding the best luau in Maui involves a variety of factors. Two of the most important factors in finding the best luau in Maui for you and your group or family typcially will orient around price and location.
Admittedly, the cost of luaus in Maui have escalated in the past few years. Some price increases are warrented, however, we believe that some luaus may not be worth the ticket price.
As for location, the two main areas would be centered around what we refer to as West Maui and South Maui... that is where the majority of tourist activity occurs. West Maui includes areas such as Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kahana, whereas South Maui would take into consideration Kihei and Wailea.
One advantage we have in recommending luaus to our guests is that we have the opportunity to go to all of these luaus. And since we have been to all of the luaus, we also have a guage on what may be worth the money, and what may not be.
As far as price is concerned, any of the luaus under $190 just won't be worth the price. Though you may save a few dollars by going to a less expensive luau here in Maui, bumping your budget over the $190 mark on an adult ticket will be worth it. Any of the luaus under $190 will be compromising on location (not near ocean, or obstructed ocean views) and ambiance. Typically more crammed as they compensate price for seats and will try to fit more people into a smaller space.
Regardless of where you are staying on the island, the one luau that has maintained the best price for what they offer is the Maui Nui Luau located at the Sheraton Maui. The luau at the Sheraton Maui is well priced and boasts a beautiful oceanside lawn and gorgeous sunset view. It also has the round tables, which we find to be more spacious and accommodating (as opposed to the long rectangular tables at several other luaus). This luau overlooks Black Rock and even has a special sunset conch shell ceremony that is entirely unique. The evening show concludes with an excellent fire knife show. When we have family or friends in town and want to take them to a nice luau on the West side of Maui... this is the one we go to. Some of the other luaus are either overpriced for what they are, too crowded, or overrated with long waitlists and sold out for unkown reasons. If you are staying in South Maui (Kihei and Wailea) and are looking for a less expensive luau option, this is also the one we would recommend. Again, it's only a few dollars more than some of the other luaus, but the extra dollars are well worth it.
Now, some people will inquire about the Old Lahaina Luau. One thing we have noticed is most of our guests prefer a luau with a fire knife show and the Old Lahaina Luau does not offer that. It also is often sold out with long waitlists. We also find, with the rectangle tables, it feels a little more congested compared to some of the other options... so please do some research.
If you are staying in South Maui you have a few options that are closer to you... since you may not want to drive an hour to go to a luau. The Wailea luaus are very nice... they have also increased their prices significantly in recent years. However, the nicest, well-priced luau in South Maui would be the Te Au Moana luau located at the Wailea Marriott. Out of all of the Luaus in Maui this is the one we most often will take our family and friends to when they are in town. It is so peaceful and serene. A fantastic show with excellent service. This luau also has an amazing fire knife show to wrap up your beautiful evening. The Te Au Moana luau utilizes round tables, so you don't feel too constricted with attending a luau with strangers, it can be a fantastic evening.
Both of these luaus mentioned offer Standard and Premium Seating. The Premium seating runs about $30 more per person, but guarentees you closer to the stage and sooner to the food. All seating is based on when you make the reservation, so the sooner you book, the better seats you will have in either section.
Please feel free to give us a call to discuss your particular questions so we can help you find the best luau in Maui, but hopefully you will find these thoughts helpful.
