Maui, Lahaina Luaus Provide Sumptuous Feast and Entertainment
June 23rd, 2010 by justinbritt
One of the most popular activities on Maui is attending an authentic Hawaiian luau featuring delicious food, great music, and traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian dances that will transport you back in time. Whether you are visting, looking for Lahaina homes for sale to make paradise yours, or already live here, luaus are a great way to get into the Hawaiian spirit. Here is an overview of the best luaus in the Lahaina area of Maui.
Luaus in the Lahaina area range from small and intimate affairs that are perfect for a couple, to large family feasts with plenty of activities for children. Most Lahaina luaus include a buffet style dinner that will include such local fare as kalua pork, local style chicken and fish, and all o the traditional side dishes.
Many luaus take place right next to the beach which creates a very romantic atmosphere as the sky comes alive with colors when the sun sets over the water. Most luaus begin around 5 pm and are usually done by around 8:30 pm.
One of the most popular luaus in the Lahaina area is called the Old Lahaina Luau. This luau is known for its great attention to detail in order to provide an authentic Hawaiian experience. From the greeting with a Hawaiian flower lei to the oceanside views of Lanai and Molokai, the atmosphere of the Old Lahaina Luau can’t be beat.
Sip a Maui mai tai as you enjoy the sunset and watch the kalua pig being unearthed from the traditional imu, which is a large hole in the ground filled with hot rocks that perfectly cook the meal over a time period of many hours. The tasty meats and other items in the imu are wrapped in taro and banana leaves with ginger and other spices that create an aromatic and mouth-watering feast.
Along with the kalua pig the luau includes delicious mahi mahi, steak, chicken long rice, and a variety of vegetables such as sweet potato and much more. A salad bar provides all the trimmings including lomi lomi salmon, taro salad, seasoned poke, poi, and fresh island fruits. Make sure and save some room for all the delicious desserts, and whenever you are thirsty just take another trip to the open bar for a tropical drink.
When the luau show begins you will be transported back in time to experience Hawaiian history and culture including stories about the Polynesians navigating their double-hulled canoes across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii, and of course the beautiful hula dances of ancient times.
For a smaller, more intimate luau check out the Feast at Lele, considered by many to be the most romantic Maui luau. Though the Feast at Lele is a bit more expensive than other luaus, the private seating, top quality food, and stunning show make it well worth the added cost. There is no waiting in a buffet line as the food as well as drinks are brought right to your table.
The four course gourmet meal at the Feast at Lele is a palate pleaser with each course representing a different island culture including Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti and Samoa. Enjoy traditional hula dancing as you eat while the sun sets over the Pacific and the sky turns many shades of red.
The highlight of the Feast at Lele is the Samoan fire knife dance. You will be thrilled and amazed at the advanced skills of these exciting dancers.
If you are looking for the best discount luau or best family luau in the Lahaina area you should choose the Kaanapali Beach Luau. Not only is it the least expensive Lahaina area luau, you are also allowed to bring one free child (age 3 to 12) for every paying adult. Despite the low cost, this luau doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality.
The site of the Kaanapali Beach Luau provides great views of Molokai and Lanai, and you can also take some great photos of the kalua pig being taken out of the imu pit. All of the traditional luau fare is served including a variety of great desserts and various fresh baked goods.
A nice attraction of the Kaanapali Beach Luau is that they also serve some regular food that kids love including the American favorites of hot dogs, pizza, and potato chips.
The dinner show at the Kaanapali Beach Luau is a Polynesian revue that takes you on a tour of New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Hawaii complete with traditional costumes. Also featured are songs of Elvis and Hawaii’s Hollywood days. This luau also includes a Samoan fire knife dance with twirling knives of fire being passed between the dancers.
If a luau seems a little heavy and you are looking for slightly lighter fare, you might go a different direction and check out a Maui dinner cruise.
If you are staying in a Kihei vacation rental, hotel or conda, or in Wailea and would rather not drive to Lahaina then check out the Grand Wailea Luau. After being greeted with a shell lei and mai tais you can enjoy Hawaiian music as you walk around the luau grounds.
This Grand Wailea Luau features great views of the islands of Kahoolawe and Molokini, and the oceanside setting is a great place to enjoy the sunset. Once the luau meal begins you will find all of the traditional luau foods complemented by an open bar. As you feast on the delicious treats you will be entertained by Tahitian dancers and beautiful Hawaiian hula dancing as well as spectacular fire knife dancing.
No matter which Maui luau you choose, you will surely enjoy an experience that will transport you into the world of the ancient Hawaiians while you fill your stomach with all of the customary foods that have been enjoyed by the cultures of Polynesia and beyond.