No visit to Hawaii is complete without attending a luau show – and one of the most famous anywhere on the islands is the Old Lahaina Luau.
(Photo: Max Delaquis via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
One of the most popular tourist activities in Hawaii is the traditional party or feast known as ‘luaus’. Usually accompanied by entertainment, luauas feature authentic Hawaiian cuisine such as poi, kālua puaʻa, poke, lomi salmon, ʻopihi, and haupia, beer, along with Hawaiian music and hula dancing. Luaus take place across Hawaii, but perhaps the best known is held in Lahaina on the idyllic island of Mau, which is dotted with swaying palm trees and spotless beaches.
When you step through the gates at the Old Lāhainā Lūʻau, you’re swept into an immersive world of Hawaiian culture, storytelling, and feasting, all set against the backdrop of breath-taking ocean views. After arriving, you’re greeted with the gift of a fresh orchid ‘lei’ – a flower necklace – to wear and take away as a cherished memento. Next, you’re escorted to your own private table, either raised or a traditional mat style on the floor.
Then, over the course of the evening, you’ll be treated to a dazzling array of hospitality, food, and entertainment. Get serenaded by local musicians playing island melodies on a ukulele, watch the sun sink into the ocean as the tiki torches are lit, and tuck into a 5-course feast of Hawaiian delicacies. During the meal, you’ll feel the beat of the ‘pahu’ – Hawaiian drums –as the stage entertainment begins and the story of Hawaii is told through dance.
Where to buy tickets
You can buy tickets for the Old Lahaina Luau at Hawaiiactivities.com. Simply select your preferred dates and choose from either table and chair seating or traditional front row seating. The former lets you enjoy the comfort of sitting on chairs at a dining table for up to 8 guests, while the latter will see you perched cross-legged on cushions around the stage and dining from a low table. Both options include dinner, an open bar, a fresh flower lei greeting and live entertainment.
(Photo: jtriefen via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
How much it costs
Whether you select table or chair seating or traditional front row seating and dining, prices for attending the Old Lahaina Luau are the same either way. Currently on Hawaiiactivities.com, rates are set at $182.29 for adults (aged 13 and over) and $92.71 for children (aged 3-12), while babies aged 0-2 go free. Groups of 15 guests or more are also required to pay 15% gratuity.
(Photo: tweber1 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Alternative Hawaii luaus
If you’d prefer to try out an alternative Hawaii luaus on Maui, then there are a wide number to pick from. Among them is the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, which boats a scenic oceanfront setting, Guests can feast on an all-you-can-eat, self-service Hawaiian cooking buffet, before settling in for a fiery evening of authentic Polynesian dancing. plus a Samoan fire and knife show. You can book this luau at Viator.
Another option, situated 28 miles south on Maui, is the Feast at Mokapu Farm-to-Table Luau in Wailea. Taking place at the luxurious Andaz Maui Resort, guests can learn about the history of Maui and enjoy a family-style dinner and personalised cocktails set among the grassy lawn and sandy shore of Mokapu beach. Upgraded premium seating is available too. This luau can be booked at GetYourGuide.
