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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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..

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..

Any suggestions for a Luau on Maui?
 

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.

You can go to the one at your hotel:
http://www.westinmaui.com/dining/wailele

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..