No tropical Hawaii vacation is complete without signing up for one of the most exciting Maui activities, a Hawaiian luau party! Whether you’ve traveled to the islands of Hawaii for a family vacation, romantic honeymoon with your significant other or just to go backpacking on your own or with your friends, luaus are an absolute must-do.

With the luaus consisting of the imu ceremony, welcome drinks, open bars, wonderful songs and dances, Polynesian culture experiences and mouth-watering food served buffet style, there’s a lot of reasons why you should book a luau on your visit to Maui. And if you are looking for some of the best luaus to experience on the island, we have the finest selection that you can check out for the best celebrations of the beautiful Hawaiian culture and flavors.

Along with Old Lahaina Luau, we invite you to check out the top luaus in West Maui:

Drums of the Pacific Luau

If you are looking for a family-style celebration that will take you on a journey around the Polynesian islands, then this is the luau to join in. The Drums of the Pacific is hosted by the Hyatt Regency Maui Resorts and Spa. The event starts with a full imu ceremony, then buffet dining follows.

During the luau, they provide their guests with a night filled with Hawaiian tradition, culture and sumptuous meals. Performances include traditional drumming, music and dances from Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Rarotonga. There is also a demonstration on how to tie and wear a sarong. Also known as a lava-lava, this is a piece of cloth that Polynesian men and women wear as a skirt or as a dress. To make the evening even brighter, there will also be fire dances, and at the end of the show, guests are usually invited to join the performers on stage and dance!

Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock

Curious about the story of the legendary demigod, Maui, for whom the island is named? Then the Maui Nui Luau is perfect for you. His story talks about how he discovered the secret of life, lifted heaven from the earth to help men walk tall and that he slowed the path of the sun across the sky. Aside from learning more about the mythical Maui Nui, you’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the mouthwatering meals served on the beachfront, by the golden sands of Kaanapali Beach and very popular cliff diving spot of Black Rock.

As headed by the members of the Tihati Production, this beachside luau is presented at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. You will also get a chance to witness Hawaiian underground oven cooking, create bookmarks made of Kapa stamps, join Hawaiian games and do some casual hula dancing. The main show begins as the torches are lit and a performer cliff dives off Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock). Tahitian and Samoan dancers will grace the evening with their performances and Polynesian music will fill your ears. To close the evening, fire dancers will light up the night.

Wailele Polynesian Luau

For an amazing Hawaiian luau party with a very elegant setting, Westin’s Wailele is the event to go to. Held near the beautiful Kaanapali Beach, this one of a kind luau features Maui’s most ultimate troupe of fire-knife dancers. As you enjoy the main event, you will be surrounded by greeneries and waterfalls and get a chance to witness the beauty of the sunset as you welcome the evening.

Apart from the sumptuous meals and amazing view, you will also get the chance to experience some interactive Polynesian cultural activities, as well as a conch shell and tiki torch lighting ceremony. You and your family can also enjoy the wonders offered by the Wailele luau during Easter, Fourth of July, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The Myths of Maui Luau

If you are looking for another luau in Hawaii, especially one that offers discounted rates to residents, then you should get reservations for The Myths of Maui. This oceanfront Lahaina luau is held along the beach of Kaanapali and hosted by the Royal Lahaina Resort. Another thing that sets this luau apart from the others is that it is incredibly family-friendly as they provide the only keiki (children) buffet on the island.

You will be welcomed to the event with a shell lei aloha greeting and complimentary drinks and while waiting for the evening to arrive, the beautiful sunset will be there to keep you in awe. This luau showcases the cultural and culinary spirit of the island of Maui. And if you decide to purchase their VIP tickets, you will be given a free whale watching experience with Royal Lahaina’s partner, Maui Reef Adventures.

Legends of Kaanapali

Kaanapali Beach Resort also brings its very own hookipa through the Legends of Kaanapali luau. During this Maui event, you will be traveling back in time to when the first occupants from Tahitian migration came to Kaanapali Beach. Back to when this new race of people, guided by the sorcery of their many gods, arrived at a new home. These people became the Hawaiian people that now thrive in the beautiful island of Maui.

Through this luau, you will enjoy the nature-inspired dances and music brought to you by the people of Lei Pono Productions. To end the splendid evening, you will experience the awesome fire walk performance.

The Grand Luau at Honua’ula

And for those looking to experience South Maui, satisfy your curiosity for the mythical Polynesian beliefs by joining this luau. Once everyone is seated, the event starts with a torchlight and imu ceremony, before the luau buffet is started. Before the main event starts, performers will give their guests a hula lesson.

The performances at the Honua’ula revolves around the seafaring history of Hawaii and the historic voyages of Moikeha and La’amaikahiki, the first Polynesians in Maui. The show tells the story of the goddess of fire, Pele, and the goddess of the mist, Lilinoe, along with the mermaid of Maui, Kananaka and her lover, Kanaloa. These magical stories are what make up the exciting Grand Luau at Honua’ula.

Truly, there is a lot of breathtaking sights and experiences available on the island of Maui, but if you are looking for an island activity that will fill up all of your senses and bring you closer to the island culture, then you’d better list down at least one of the best luau parties on your travel itinerary. Make your visit to the island count and enjoy the very warm Polynesian culture! And if you are shopping around for the best place to stay in West Maui, we invite you to get to know our beachfront vacation rentals. With 2 and 3 bedroom condos for rent just steps from the beach and resort amenities, you are sure to have everything you need for a relaxing stay.