We're headed to Kaanapali in a couple of weeks. We've been to Maui several times, but we've never done a Luau. We'll have a party of 6, so are there any good reasonably priced luaus nearby? Or do you know of any special discounts, that don't require listening to a time-share presentation.
Thanks.
Marysunshine
Jul 26, 03, 4:27 pm
I can only tell you NOT to do the one at the Hyatt Regency. While the entertainment was fine, the food was absolutely horrid.
slippahs
Jul 26, 03, 6:37 pm
Post in the Coupon Connection for any luau Entertainment certs from the Hawai`i Entertainment book. I'd give you mines, but I've already given all my Maui coupons away.
Good luck.
ALOHA
honmani2
Jul 26, 03, 6:38 pm
I might have those coupons. E-mail me.
Leisuremiles
Jul 27, 03, 2:09 pm
The Old Lahaina Luau and it's sister The feast at Lele are the two best Luau's on Maui. The food and entertainment are top notch at both.
The Old Lahaina Luau is larger and a bit less expensive (although not cheap) with the usual dinner buffet format.
The feast at Lele is much smaller and more upscale and serves the courses from all the Polynesian islands as that island's dances are performed.
Both also include an open bar.
PremEx
Jul 29, 03, 12:20 pm
I generally hate Luaus, but I will say I've been to most all of the commercial ones in Hawaii.
But have to agree with the above post. The best I've seen have been the Old Lahaina and Lele ones, with a preference to Old Lahaina. Here's an post I made last year on this:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I've been to just about all of them and agree they are mostly all pretty ticky, tacky, touristy.
Can't stand those watered down things they pass off as Mai Tais and Blue Hawaii's, at most of 'em.
But they are loaded with some alcohol, which after about a dozen, does the trick for those attending to get blasted. Germaine’s and Paradise Cove (both Oahu) seem to get a younger set of customers, in my observations.
The best commercial luau I've experienced in the islands has been very recently on Maui at The Old Lahaina Luau (http://www.oldlahainaluau.com).
It's still for tourists, but the quality of facilities and service are extremely high, IMHO. And they actually will mix you drinks to order from their full bars, unlimited, included in the price.
Next door is the real gem, however...Aloha Mixed Plate! Also open for dinner, this open air plate stand is owned by the same folks that run the luau. Go there for dinner and enjoy a great meal at a low price while enjoying the music drifting in from the luau, and you also get to watch the performers in their costumes as they dash across the beach to their changing room! Free entertainment! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif
And you might just run into Jimmy Buffett, who calls this place home while residing in Hawaii.
You'll also find a link to Aloha Mixed Plate at the luau web site above.</font>
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 07-29-2003).]
flyerwife
Jul 29, 03, 1:59 pm
I was in Hawaii last week and overheard the Concierge say that the Old Lahaina Luau is sold out way in advance, so book ahead if possible.
The Hawaii Entertainment book doesn't offer any coupons for this luau.
I went two years ago and wasn't thrilled with the food, but it IS reputed to be the best luau on Maui.
ALadyNCal
Jul 31, 03, 6:44 pm
We were in Maui in June. Although it might've been because we needed 15 seats....the Old Lahaina Luau told us they were booked for 3 weeks out http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif
We got in at the Feast at Lele. It was VERY GOOD. However, had I been paying for it....I wouldn't have http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif I'm glad I experienced it and all the food was very good -- but it's too much food and expensive (however, only a few bucks more than the Old Lahaina Luau).
Did that help? lol
Scigirl
Jul 31, 03, 8:12 pm
Another vote for Old Lahaina Luau. Having been to several luaus in Hawaii (due to living there and having frequent guests) the OLL is the most authentic (presenting real hula from Hawaii, explaning the history of hula, etc.), decent food (really, pretty good all things considered). The entertainers are well trained and very professional. We were able to get seats (for 4) with very little advanced notice - but we were flexible on dates/times of attendance.
I've also heard very good things about the Feast at Lele.
All luaus are a bit on the pricey side - $60-$70+ - IMHO.
Northern Miles
Sep 28, 06, 9:42 am
I will be staying in Waliea at the Renaissance and was wondering who has the best luau around the area. I herd that the Marriott next door has one. I have a car sp driving is not an issue.
Also, any good ideas for snorkle rentals near by (good weekly rate) and any good resturant tips? I plan on going to the crater and to Hana as well.
I am going next week and am excited - first time there.
Aloha!!!!
Triple7
Sep 28, 06, 10:21 am
This one:
www.oldlahainaluau.com
kaukau
Sep 28, 06, 11:26 am
You asked for the best, and Triple7 answered.
It is 30 miles each way from Wailea. 1 1/2 hour drive into Lahaina from Wailea, 1 hour back, these days, with the traffic at those times.
Buy your tix far in advance.
FlyingCarpet
Sep 28, 06, 2:17 pm
My wife and I went to the Old LaHaina Luau on our honeymoon last Feb. We were told it was the most authentic in HI. Had a great time!! Definitely make sure you get there early and enjoy the unlimited booze.
For snorkel gear, we used Snorkel Bob's. They had tons of gear for every level and budget and you can return to any of their many different store locations.
If you are doing the Haleakala sunrise trip with or without the bike ride (we used Cruiser Phil's and highly recommend them!!) I recommend having breakfast afterward at the Moana Bakery & Cafe in Paia town (Cruiser Phil's stops there at the end of the ride).
The best dinner we had was at Jacques also in Paia Town. On our last day we had a late departing flight and decided to stop for dinner close to the airport.
Both restaurants had great food and were very inexpensive, both of which are hard to come by on Maui. See this link (http://www.eastmaui.com/dinepaia.html) for info.
Lastly, several people told us to go to Mama's Fish House but we didn't make there.
mlsrar
Sep 28, 06, 2:56 pm
I've found that the Wailea Marriott Luau is spectacular. It seems more authentic and enjoyable than those in the Lahaina/K-pali areas. My family is in Kihei, so a 'trip' for us, is to go to a Luau on the K-pali side, but we enjoy the Marriott just as well.
Snorkel Bob's is OK, but why not buy your own and check it. A decent set is not terribly expensive, and, if you plan on returning to Maui (which most people always do :)), you can reuse it.
Restaurants...so many to choose from now. Alexander's in Kihei is a great place for fish-n-chips. Stop by Rainbow Plaza further south on S. Kihei Road (Across from Kamaole Nalu at 2450 S. Kihei Rd), and, next to Whaler's is home to the best cinnamon rolls on the planet.
They're opening a Moose McGillycuddy's now, across from Kamaole Beach III. They have a Ruth's Chris now in Wailea at the main shopping mall there, where there is a nightly hula/firedance performance. Unfortunately, one of the best values on that side of the island closed, with the departure of Tony Roma's at Kukui mall, but I'll be curious to see what goes in now. The Safeway Mall off the Piilani highway has a number of decent restauraunts, and they have decent sushi in the Safeway itself.
Take a ride down, and enjoy a day at Makena Beach; while not my favorite (Kamaole II), it's a beautiful setting.
Either way, enjoy your trip!
cwc
Sep 28, 06, 6:00 pm
Any body been to feast at LeLe (http://www.feastatlele.com/)?? Heard great things about it... :confused:
kaukau
Sep 28, 06, 6:39 pm
Any body been to feast at LeLe (http://www.feastatlele.com/)?? Heard great things about it... :confused:
YES! Pacifico's/I'o's Chef/Owner James McDonald's Feast at Lele is a seaside, 5 or 6 course elegant sit-down service, featuring the cuisine of Polynesia, and a selection of wines in addition to a full all-you-can-drink bar. The food, prepared by Pacifico/I'o cooks, is better than any other luau's, which are all served buffet style. They have a Fire Dancer. Old Lahaina Luau does not. Old Lahaina Luau has a bigger production show, however. The Feast at LeLe will run you $110 or so per person. We recommend it. More questions? We got answers!
edgewood
Sep 28, 06, 7:01 pm
we were there in february (six adults) and it was an excellent evening- delicious food, good service, and a nice show. much more upscale than some of the "luaus" like at the hotels which are mob scenes. this was also more enjoyable since you are seated not too far from the show- whereas at the marriot wailea you can be quite far away.
but- call now for reservations, they often sell out
and we, too, stay at the ren, and yes, it can be 90 minutes getting up to lahaina at 4:30pm- and an hour back on dark winding roads- i hope you have a designated (non-drinking) driver
even though its a schlep to Lahaina, we go back- always- to catch
http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/
worth the drive, very entertaining evening
lance6
Sep 28, 06, 11:10 pm
Old Lahaina Luau is definitely the best.
And traffic is a nightmare nowadays. Too many cars and not enough roads. Prepare accordingly.
Recreation
Sep 29, 06, 1:58 pm
I was underwhelmed by the Old Lahaina Luau. Other than the beautiful setting, the food was mediocre, the staff was very unprofessional, and the line to get a cocktail was a joke. I won't go back.
I would, and am, going back to Warren & Annabelle's.
As far as snorkel rentals go, I'd highly recommend buying your own dry snorkel and mask (I bought mine on eBay). They take up practically no room and it's nice to have your own (not used before) snorkel. Besides, once you go to Maui once, you'll be back. :)
kaukau
Sep 29, 06, 2:15 pm
[QUOTE=Recreation]I was underwhelmed by the Old Lahaina Luau. Other than the beautiful setting, the food was mediocre, the staff was very unprofessional, and the line to get a cocktail was a joke. I won't go back.
"That place is so crowded, nobody goes there anymore." - Sam Goldwyn, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
kingalien
Oct 8, 06, 8:32 pm
I was underwhelmed by the Old Lahaina Luau. Other than the beautiful setting, the food was mediocre, the staff was very unprofessional, and the line to get a cocktail was a joke. I won't go back.
I would, and am, going back to Warren & Annabelle's.
As far as snorkel rentals go, I'd highly recommend buying your own dry snorkel and mask (I bought mine on eBay). They take up practically no room and it's nice to have your own (not used before) snorkel. Besides, once you go to Maui once, you'll be back. :)
I was in Maui in April. Did both the Old Lahaina and Feast at Lele. What has been said about Old Lahaina is true, it is not worth it. The Feast at Lele is by far the better choice. The food was quite good and the atmosphere was very professional unlike the Old Lahaina which felt like a horde of people at a cheap buffet.
I also second Warren & Annabelle's, terrific show. ^
MauiTiki
Oct 11, 06, 6:47 am
I just came back from my 3rd trip to Maui 12 days ago and LOVED the Feast at Lele. I have seen the OLL, the Hyatt luau, the Marriot luau all on past trips and by far the Feast at Lele as been my favorite ^
thor17
Oct 20, 06, 6:59 am
I was definitely underwhelmed by the Feast at Lele. I did not find the food to be good, was overcooked, and was cold by the time the server brought it out. Another couple we were there with also went to OLL and said that was much better.
number5858
Oct 20, 06, 8:25 am
My wife and I went to the Old Lahaina Luau last May. I don't claim to be an expert on Hawaiian culture, so I can't say which Luau is most authentic. I can say, however, that OLL is in a beautiful location and was very, very good. I believe that the typical mainlander will enjoy it very much. There are some things missing that I know are not authentic (ceremony where runners light the torches comes to mind), but it seemed authentic to me. I do know that many things that may be thought of as authentic were actually invented at the Coco Palms hotel on Kauai from the time period when Elvis stayed there a lot (see the film "Blue Hawaii".) If you want to learn more about the various Luaus, head over to the Hawaii forum at cruise critic http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=62 as there are many threads there about the merits of various Luau's and shows.
dave67
Jul 25, 07, 12:05 pm
I will be in Maui next week and I was wondering if anyone knows of a place where I can get discount tickets to the Wailea Marriott Luau. I would also welcome your opinion of the show. Thanks.
7poker7
Aug 10, 08, 10:21 am
Which is the best Luau to go to?
philemer
Aug 10, 08, 3:42 pm
A lot of people have posted about this topic. There are numerous threads. If you type in 'maui luau' in Search This Forum (on the main Hawaii page) you'll get a lot of good responses.
I've been to the Old Lahaina Luau & the one at the Hyatt. Both were good & similar.
hawaiian flyer
Aug 10, 08, 10:34 pm
Depends on what you are looking for. The Feast at Lele is not your usual luau. There is better quality food representative of several Polynesian cultures, and you are served "restaurant style" instead of having to stand in line. Also, the entertainment is great.
philemer
Aug 11, 08, 9:22 pm
Depends on what you are looking for. The Feast at Lele is not your usual luau. There is better quality food representative of several Polynesian cultures, and you are served "restaurant style" instead of having to stand in line. Also, the entertainment is great.
I've never attended this one but it sounds good. It's also the most expensive. See Prices (http://www.hawaiidiscountactivities.com/reservationrequest/activitylistings.asp?catkey=28&subcat=False&vendorid=&actkey=&page_size=5¤t_page=1&island=2&gclid=CMLa5smqh5UCFSQqagod1j38qA)
JimG
Aug 12, 08, 1:39 pm
Depends on what you are looking for. The Feast at Lele is not your usual luau. There is better quality food representative of several Polynesian cultures, and you are served "restaurant style" instead of having to stand in line. Also, the entertainment is great.
We went to this one last February.
I've been to several over the years, and I'd have to say this one is the "classiest" of them all.
Probably b/c of the food service at the table, so you don't have to stand in line at the feeding trough.
Some of the dishes excellent....some were just "ok" (from a personal preference standpoint, not a quality standpoint).
poppajon
Aug 12, 08, 1:42 pm
jealous...
pkdof
Aug 13, 08, 5:51 pm
Feast at Lele has excellent food, even my kids liked it. We've been the last two thanksgiving weeks. Waiter gladly brought my son extra plates of the kahlua pork, his favorite dish. The show is quite good and all the seating is very close.
We also went to the Old Lahaina Luau a few years back. The overall experience (aside from food) is better, more comprehensive, as there were crafts people explaining traditional crafts, and hula lessons. The show was also impressive. However, the food was just so so and the drinks, while strong, weren't very tasty.
JimG
Aug 17, 08, 9:35 pm
Feast at Lele has excellent food, even my kids liked it. We've been the last two thanksgiving weeks. Waiter gladly brought my son extra plates of the kahlua pork, his favorite dish. The show is quite good and all the seating is very close.
Our youngest (11 at the time) had to try everything, but she's a bit picky, so she didn't eat more than a bite of several things.
Our waitress noticed what she did like however, and w/o asking, brought her a couple of small seconds of those.
dhuey
Aug 17, 08, 11:55 pm
...I'd have to say this one is the "classiest" of them all....
Even the classiest of these Luaus is layered pretty thick with cheese. For something a little more genuine, I'd check the entertainment listings for some live, local music. For such a small state, Hawaii produces an incredible amount of local music. A lot of it is really good.
bocastephen
Aug 18, 08, 9:55 am
Even the classiest of these Luaus is layered pretty thick with cheese. For something a little more genuine, I'd check the entertainment listings for some live, local music. For such a small state, Hawaii produces an incredible amount of local music. A lot of it is really good.
+1.
Actually, one of the best evenings I had in Hawai'i was watching the OLL show from the adjacent restaurant, then walking back down Front St, we found a local Halau doing a full fledged rehearsal on the tennis courts - it was among the best hula I've seen, completely non-touristy, and spontaneous.
I'm just not into those pre-packaged shows.
AZ Travels the World
Aug 18, 08, 10:18 am
I've done both the Old Lahaina Luau and The Feast at Lele and highly recommend both.
Old Lahaina Luau is the best traditional (buffet dinner & show) luau I've seen in Hawaii.
As noted, The Feast at Lele is a different experience. It is higher-end, and you pay for that, but in my opinion it is worth it. The food is delivered to you in courses, which correspond to a section of the show. Each section is based upon the traditional dance and food from the various Polynesian islands that make up the cultures that formed Hawaii. It's an interesting and very enjoyable evening. I've taken many friends and relatives and everyone has loved it.
JimG
Aug 18, 08, 12:49 pm
+1.
Actually, one of the best evenings I had in Hawai'i was watching the OLL show from the adjacent restaurant, then walking back down Front St, we found a local Halau doing a full fledged rehearsal on the tennis courts - it was among the best hula I've seen, completely non-touristy, and spontaneous.
I get just as much enjoyment watching the little girls perform on the little stage at Whaler's Village as I do the full luau thing.
application
Nov 7, 08, 12:14 pm
thx for the link:)
kpalle
Nov 14, 08, 3:26 pm
YMMV, but we really enjoed the Feast at Lele. Service, food, entertainment, ambiance, etc. were all spectacular. We liked the intimate feeling of the event. HIGHLY recommended over the mass market luaus.
AA Novice
Dec 17, 08, 2:05 pm
Wife and I are going to be taking our first trip to Maui in February and wondered if there were any discounts for the Old Lahaina Luau. I am sure i will have a lot more questions as it get closer. Thanks for the help.
GadgetKen
Dec 17, 08, 3:32 pm
Lovely Luau and well worth the price. If someone is visiting Maui and they ask for a special place to eat out, I usually suggest they go to this Luau. Don't think they normally discount the shows but AAA sometimes has had a coupon for a free gift in their Hawaii guidebook. Advanced reservations are recommended because they fill up fast. You could try an activity broker such as Activity World in Lahaina to see if they have any discounts (that are not tied to timeshare presentations). There is mat and cushion seating closer to the stage and farther away there is more traditional table seatings. They also take very nice souvenir photos (I bought one and it even came with the negative).
Tenerife
Dec 19, 08, 5:11 pm
We are also going to be on Maui at the beginning of February and have been interested in the Old Lahaina Luau. Friends have recommended it very highly.
BUT, although I know that most all prices on the islands are pretty high, the $95 pp for the Luau still seems like a lot -- especially for one non-drinker and one very moderate drinker. The open bar probably pushes the cost up, but we really won't be taking much advantage of it. Guess it's either pay for the alcohol we won't be drinking, or not go.:(
Jay71
Dec 19, 08, 6:44 pm
I went to this luau with a half dozen friends a couple of years back. We searched online, checked out forums, grabbed a all those freebie coupon books, etc but couldn't find any discounts/coupons.
It's pretty steep so it's kind of questionable whether you can "truly get your money's worth". I drank like a fish and I still didn't think I got my money's worth. (Three other friends didn't want to put out the dough for the luau so they drove us back to our rental afterwards.)
If you don't drink, it's definitely harder to quantify the value. But it's kind of a one of the kitchy things you've got to do in your lifetime thing ("I've been to a luau") (if you can't get invited to a "real" local luau). Overall though, it was a good experience and I didn't feel ripped off by a tourist trap. Flower lai was nice. Pulling the pig out of the pit was kind of cool. I really enjoyed a number of the buffet items.
Actually, we're going to Vegas next week. You can kind of equate the luau to a Vegas buffet and a Cirque show as I can see us easily spending $95/person :D
JimG
Dec 20, 08, 8:34 am
Don't think so.
Considering that they sell out every show in advance.....
Trustguy
May 31, 09, 6:37 pm
We did the Old Lahaina Luau with 2 other couples and a small child several years ago, and we had the "traditional" (ground) seating. We were right up front and had a great view. ^ BTW, we found the food good at the Old Lahaina Luau.
Next door is the Aloha Mixed Plate -- it serves the leftovers, and the price is very reasonable. It is a great place for lunch.
JimG
Jun 1, 09, 2:02 pm
We've done both Old Lahaina and Feast at Lele and liked both.
They are different experiences.
Feast/Lele is smaller and more "upscale" for lack of a better word.
(more expensive anyway)
Your meal is served at your table and it's cuisine from around Polynesia.
Some good....some just ok.
You can request more of your favorites though, so no problem if you don't like something.
Old Lahaina is more casual, with buffett-style food....drinks served at the table.
medic-again
Aug 2, 10, 8:32 pm
sorry to bring back an old thread, but wondering if there are any more recent recomendations of a luau. Looking online, the reviews are all over the place with a 5 star rating followed by a 1 star.
we'll be in Kaanapali and Paia for a few days each. Going to be there with mostly adults and a two year old. We want something with the fire dancers, so OLL is out. We do care about the food and show (most likely we'll pay for the premium seating if needed). Don't care about the drinks as most of the group doesn't couldn't tell top shelf from a bucket of moonshine.
The Hyatt, Sheraton, and Royal seem like the options, but I can't tell between them. Feast at Lele looks nice, but not sure if it's appropriate for a two year old as it's billed as "romantic".
philemer
Aug 2, 10, 10:32 pm
With a 2 yr. old I'd probably do the Old Lahaina Luau or the one at the Hyatt (Drums of the Pacific). We've done both of these and they are fine.
Boraxo
Aug 5, 10, 3:58 pm
Went to one many years ago (I think a Marrott near Lahaina) IMO it was a complete waste of money. Nothing at all like the famous brady bunch episode (I'm dating myself now :)) but a hokey pig roasting ceremony, and some traditional dancing while mostly overweight tourists stuff themselves with institutional food and low quality liquor. At that time $75 per person but I'm sure it is more now. More recently observed one taking place next (Feast of Lele I think) while we were dining at Pacific'O. Not very impressive either
If you absolutely insist on wasting your money this way I would recommend going with the cheapest one you can find, and look for discount coupons, etc. Or simply reserve an outdoor table at PacificO and take in the show for free :D I think we had our one-year old with us and he slept through the whole thing.
Ancien Maestro
Aug 5, 10, 11:14 pm
Old Lahaina Luau.^ Rated #1 Frommers, and as one of the most authentic luaus in all of the islands. Won't get too many discounts with this one.. unless you do a time share presentation. We got the Old Lahaina Luau and Ulalena no charge at one of the presentations years ago.
dhuey
Aug 15, 10, 11:15 pm
To me asking which Luau is best is like asking which seafood restaurant serves the best steak. Enjoy the show, if that's your thing, but a great alternative is to find a restaurant with live Hawaiian music. Even better if with a hula dancer.
Ancien Maestro
Aug 16, 10, 9:05 pm
I would concur to just enjoy the show.. each is unique. I've heard from hotel professionals that most visitors go to one luau each trip.. so I guess which one to go to may be a valid consideration given the limited time or resources visitors. have.
bdschobel
Jul 2, 11, 12:10 am
I'm in Maui right now, staying at the Marriott Wailea. Looking for the latest recommendations for good, reasonably priced luaus.
Bruce
Ancien Maestro
Jul 2, 11, 12:13 am
I'm in Maui right now, staying at the Marriott Wailea. Looking for the latest recommendations for good, reasonably priced luaus.
Bruce
The Best is Old Lahaina Luau.. Rated #1 Frommers
Anything else.. its not up to this standard..
el_tigre
Jul 3, 11, 3:03 pm
The Best is Old Lahaina Luau.. Rated #1 Frommers
Anything else.. its not up to this standard..
I agree, but with a couple caveats:
1. Assuming you are staying at the Marriott in Wailea and not the Ocean Club in Kaanapali, it is a bit of a trek to get up to the Old Lahaina Luau. If you plan on drinking one too many mai tais, that can be a factor.
2. If your party includes kids, they may be more likely to be bored. Old Lahaina Luau is the most authentic on the island but that means some parts of the show mainlanders associate with luaus (e.g. fire swords) will be absent.
So if you want to stay south or have kids in tow, you might just be best staying there and trying the luau in the Marriott, which wouldn't be a bad substitute.
seaduck79
Jul 3, 11, 3:19 pm
I agree, but with a couple caveats:
1. Assuming you are staying at the Marriott in Wailea and not the Ocean Club in Kaanapali, it is a bit of a trek to get up to the Old Lahaina Luau. If you plan on drinking one too many mai tais, that can be a factor.
2. If your party includes kids, they may be more likely to be bored. Old Lahaina Luau is the most authentic on the island but that means some parts of the show mainlanders associate with luaus (e.g. fire swords) will be absent.
So if you want to stay south or have kids in tow, you might just be best staying there and trying the luau in the Marriott, which wouldn't be a bad substitute.
My advice would be to not think you have to pay full price. There are discount stands on Front St. in Lahaina that offer tickets at a steep discount. Some are time share sales, but some aren't.
I have only been to the Hyatt one, and we really enjoyed ourselves. The drinks were good, but not very strong, the food good, but not outstanding, and the show was very good. We would recommend it.
Ancien Maestro
Jul 4, 11, 12:37 am
I agree, but with a couple caveats:
1. Assuming you are staying at the Marriott in Wailea and not the Ocean Club in Kaanapali, it is a bit of a trek to get up to the Old Lahaina Luau. If you plan on drinking one too many mai tais, that can be a factor.
2. If your party includes kids, they may be more likely to be bored. Old Lahaina Luau is the most authentic on the island but that means some parts of the show mainlanders associate with luaus (e.g. fire swords) will be absent.
So if you want to stay south or have kids in tow, you might just be best staying there and trying the luau in the Marriott, which wouldn't be a bad substitute.
Agreed.. if you got kids and don't want to travel..
IMO.. Old Lahaina Luau is worth the trip if you want to do it the once..
My advice would be to not think you have to pay full price. There are discount stands on Front St. in Lahaina that offer tickets at a steep discount. Some are time share sales, but some aren't.
I have only been to the Hyatt one, and we really enjoyed ourselves. The drinks were good, but not very strong, the food good, but not outstanding, and the show was very good. We would recommend it.
Old Lahaina Luau doesn't discount.. but I did do a time share where the vendor did pay for our admission to Old Lahaina Luau probably 8 years ago, and another 7 years ago.. packaged it with free Ulalena tickets..
Don't have time to do a timeshare.. expect to pay the full brunt..
MKEbound
Jan 6, 12, 12:06 pm
My family will be on Maui in February. We've been to Hawaii twice before, last year to the Big Island, the year before to Oahu. I'm thinking this will be the last trip to Hawaii for a while and since we've never done a Luau before I'm considering it for this trip.
The kids are 5 & 7.
We are staying at the Westin on Kaanapali Pkwy in Lahaina.
Any suggests on a Luau? Other Maui suggestions are welcome as well.
jerry a. laska
Jan 6, 12, 12:41 pm
You can go to the one at your hotel:
http://www.westinmaui.com/dining/wailele
Ancien Maestro
Jan 6, 12, 11:00 pm
The best luau.. and #1 with Frommers.. Old Lahaina Luau..
Don't expect to get any discounts.. you won't get any, unless you take a time share presentation, and they pay for you to go..
deirdre
Jan 6, 12, 11:14 pm
The best luau.. and #1 with Frommers.. Old Lahaina Luau..
This. Sold a ton of it when I worked for Classic and went myself. Best of the luaus I've been to (about half a dozen), though it's the only one I've been to on Maui.
deirdre
Jan 6, 12, 11:17 pm
My advice would be to not think you have to pay full price. There are discount stands on Front St. in Lahaina that offer tickets at a steep discount. Some are time share sales, but some aren't.
Warning about this, though: that's worth doing if you're willing to risk no chance at Old Lahaina Luau for that particular trip. I have, more than once, offered a range of dates for OLL and only had one day come back as available at all. It's not always sold out, but it's frequent enough to be a significant risk.
AZ Travels the World
Jan 7, 12, 12:03 am
Warning about this, though: that's worth doing if you're willing to risk no chance at Old Lahaina Luau for that particular trip. I have, more than once, offered a range of dates for OLL and only had one day come back as available at all. It's not always sold out, but it's frequent enough to be a significant risk.
That is definitely true. It very much depends upon timing.
I know from a very solid source that there are weeks when they are completely sold out well in advance -- and others that you can buy a day-of discounted ticket in town. But you absolutely cannot count on it. In my opinion, it's good enough to justify buying the ticket in advance if you know you want to see it. (And it is the best I've seen on any island.)
Ancien Maestro
Jan 8, 12, 2:38 am
Warning about this, though: that's worth doing if you're willing to risk no chance at Old Lahaina Luau for that particular trip. I have, more than once, offered a range of dates for OLL and only had one day come back as available at all. It's not always sold out, but it's frequent enough to be a significant risk.
Bang on.. Old Lahaina Luau does not discount.. and they don't need to..
One other that was closely rated, is Kona Village.. but we all know that the hotel where that Luau was hosted is done like dinner..
deirdre
Jan 8, 12, 2:43 am
One other that was closely rated, is Kona Village.. but we all know that the hotel where that Luau was hosted is done like dinner..
Oh, I hope it's not as dead as one of their most loyal patrons, but is merely regrouping. I always wanted to stay there.
Ancien Maestro
Jan 8, 12, 2:45 am
Oh, I hope it's not as dead as one of their most loyal patrons, but is merely regrouping. I always wanted to stay there.
IIRC they shut down the hotel completely, and are not planning to rebuild..
I know, its a shame.. it was a great hotel, but a decision was made not to rebuild after the Tsunami wiped out a good part of the hotel rooms, and the ocean front restaurant that was grandfathered from development restrictions.. and cannot be rebuilt based on restrictions currently in place..
stldad
Jan 9, 12, 5:29 am
Is there a luau on Oahu thread somewhere?
deirdre
Jan 9, 12, 11:31 am
IIRC they shut down the hotel completely, and are not planning to rebuild..
I know, its a shame.. it was a great hotel, but a decision was made not to rebuild after the Tsunami wiped out a good part of the hotel rooms, and the ocean front restaurant that was grandfathered from development restrictions.. and cannot be rebuilt based on restrictions currently in place..
Actually, per their page (http://konavillage.com/) it's "a hui hou (until we meet again)" and not good-bye. Their facebook page says they're rebuilding. (https://www.facebook.com/KonaVillageResort)
jerry a. laska
Jan 9, 12, 12:40 pm
Is there a luau on Oahu thread somewhere?
If you search for "luau oahu" you will find this:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/284575-consolidated-luau-oahu-thread.html?highlight=luau+oahu
Ancien Maestro
Jan 9, 12, 10:16 pm
Actually, per their page (http://konavillage.com/) it's "a hui hou (until we meet again)" and not good-bye. Their facebook page says they're rebuilding. (https://www.facebook.com/KonaVillageResort)
http://www.konavillage.com/
Same quote per the website "a hui hou (until we meet again)" and not good-bye. .. but still shut down for the forseeable future.. Has been since last March 11th, 2012..
I'm a fan of Kona Village and wish that it would be rebuilt and stay open.. I like their Luau.. though I would probably not stay there.. So if the rebuild happens, then that would be great news..
iahphx
May 8, 13, 12:17 pm
I enjoy a luau when I visit Hawaii, but I often skip it because the cost can be excessive. Here's a good deal on the Westin Maui luau, which gets pretty good reviews. Summer seems to be blacked out.