A group of dancers in green skirts and pink tops perform a traditional Hawaiian dance with pink pom-poms at a luau on Maui.

Old Lahaina Luau Review: Is It Worth It?

ByKody B

If you are on the fence about attending the Old Lahaina Luau, fear not! We are here to share our recent experience and help you decide if this luau is the right fit for you.

We are Oahu locals who have attended many luau around the Hawaiian Islands, and we can confidently say that the Old Lahaina Luau is the best luau on Maui. Not only does it offer a traditional Hawaiian experience with delicious food and entertaining performances, but it also has a rich history and cultural significance.

In this post, I will share our most recent experience at the Old Lahaina Luau and highlight why it should be at the top of your Maui itinerary.

Book tickets for the Old Lahaina Luau here!

The Old Lahaina nighttime luau performance with dancers in traditional Hawaiian attire, holding torches, and a female performer in a green dress.
A woman in a pink dress poses happily next to a wooden sign that reads "Old Lahaina Luau" with lush tropical surroundings.

Our Experience: What to Expect at the Old Lahaina Luau

Our check-in time was 5:45 pm (depending on the season), but we always recommend arriving earlier to find parking. Yes, there is enough parking for everyone, but who doesn’t love parking near the entrance?

We arrived 30 minutes before check-in, and the friendly staff greeted us with a warm ‘aloha’. We walked around and took some photos while we waited, and the time went by fast.

The check-in process was smooth and efficient. Everyone was welcomed with a fresh flower lei, and we were then walked to our seats by one of the sociable hosts.

A server then came by and offered us an assortment of cocktails, or a non-alcoholic beverage, which was just what we needed after a long day of exploring Maui.

A woman in a pink dress and flower lei smiles and poses in front of the Old Lahaina Luau venue with a backdrop of mountains and traditional Hawaiian huts.
A close-up of a hand holding a tropical drink garnished with a flower and pineapple, with a blurred outdoor setting in the background.
A group of dancers in green skirts and pink tops perform a traditional Hawaiian dance with pink pom-poms at a luau on Maui.

Pre-Show Activities

Before every luau begins, there is usually a pre-show with various traditional Hawaiian activities. This luau featured a game called, ulu maika, a Hawaiian bowling-style game, which was a lot of fun (especially for the little ones!).

There were also some vendors selling handmade crafts and jewelry, perfect for souvenir shopping.

Overall, the pre-show activities were a great way to get us all excited for the main event. We honestly spent the majority of our time taking photos because the setting was just so picturesque.

They also had professional photographers taking photos, which are available for purchase. We bought one since it was only $20 and a perfect memory to take home.

Guests browse a display of traditional Hawaiian crafts and souvenirs laid out on green cloth, surrounded by palm trees and other visitors.

The Imu Ceremony

Before we knew it, it was time for the imu ceremony. An imu is an underground oven used to cook traditional Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig.

The host explained the cultural significance of the imu ceremony, and then we all gathered around to watch as they unearthed the cooked pig.

We appreciated that the Old Lahaina Luau had an actual imu ceremony, as some luau don’t even have that option. We have been to some luau where they just bring the already-cooked pig and show it on stage. Kudos to the Old Lahaina Luau for keeping the traditions alive!

Two men perform an imu ceremony, at the Old Lahaina Luau digging and uncovering a traditional underground oven, with a crowd of people watching and taking photos.
Men reveal the cooked food from the imu, a traditional underground oven, as the audience looks on at the Old Lahaina Luau.

Dinner at the Old Lahaina Luau

After attending multiple luau over the years, we learned not to expect too much from the food. I have trained myself to have the same expectations I have when I go to a buffet restaurant, that way I’m not disappointed.

But the Old Lahaina Luau food was the best luau dinner ever! They had a pre-set four-course dinner menu consisting of traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, poi, haupia, and more. You can view the full menu here.

There were also options for those who may not be adventurous eaters, such as grilled flat-iron steak (my favorite), huli huli chicken, fresh-caught fish, and vegetarian options.

They can also accommodate requests for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals. However, a 24-hour advance notice before your scheduled luau date is required. Just have an open mind because they cannot guarantee any request.

A plate of Hawaiian dinner featuring various dishes including meats, vegetables, and rolls, set on a wooden table with drinks.
An assortment of Hawaiian dishes served on small plates, including poke, laulau, and various side dishes, displayed on a wooden table.
A man in a white shirt with a lei necklace, following the dance moves of the performer on stage.
A man wearing a flower lei and white shirt enjoys a drink while seated at an outdoor dinner table, with dessert plates in the foreground and other diners visible in the background.

Moment of Silence

Before the show started, the entire staff came on stage and sang a song together while the emcee spoke about the devasting Maui fires that occurred in August 2023.

We then took a moment of silence to honor the lives and homes lost during this tragic event. It was a beautiful moment of unity and respect.

Luau Show

Now, let’s get to the fun part! After all, this is what most people think about when they picture a luau.

The Old Lahaina Luau show was different from other luau we have been to, but in a good way. They pride themselves on presenting a genuine and authentic Hawaiian luau experience that showcases the Island’s culture, history, and traditions.

The show included traditional hula dances and dances from Tahiti, live music, and an interactive portion where guests learned some basic hula moves. It was very entertaining and educational.

The Old Lahaina Luau is not a stereotypical, commercialized performance but a heartfelt tribute to the traditions of Hawaii. This is the first luau we have been to where there was a lot of education about the early history of Hawaii.

The show started with a dynamic tribute to the pahu (drum) tradition, featuring a lively dance from Tahiti. This was followed by the hula kahiko segment, which narrated the journey of Pele, the Fire Goddess’s sister, across the islands.

The performance then offered a peek into Hawaii’s missionary era. It honored King David Kālakaua, the Merrie Monarch, who was crucial in reviving hula after it had been suppressed.

Overall, we loved that the show beautifully showcased Hawaiian culture and history, making it one of the best luau we have experienced. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and educational luau experience in Hawaii.

Note: The Old Lahaina Luau does not perform the fire knife dance, as it is a Samoan dance and not part of the Hawaiian culture. They are committed to keeping their show authentic and genuine to reflect true Hawaiian culture.

A hula dancer at the Old Lahaina Luau in a green skirt performs with traditional implements in an outdoor setting, surrounded by trees and a calm ocean view.
Hula dancers in elegant purple dresses perform on an outdoor stage at night, illuminated by stage lights.
Dancers at the Old Lahaina Luau in traditional Tahitian attire, featuring yellow and green costumes, perform at night with torches and palm trees in the background.
Audience members at Old Lahaina luau seated on the ground and benches watch dancers performing a traditional Hawaiian dance on a dimly lit stage.
Dancers in green skirts and teal tops perform at Old Lahaina Luau under pink lighting, with spectators sitting on the ground and benches.

Old Lahaina Luau Tickets

The Old Lahaina Luau offers two ticket options, but there isn’t a price difference. So choose whichever option you prefer and enjoy the show!

We had the table and chair seating, and we loved our seats. We were able to see the show just fine. The only difference between the two tickets is the location of your seats.

  • Table and chair seating: You will be seated at a dining table with chairs. This is the option we chose.
  • Traditional seating: You will be seated at a low table in the first row around the stage and will have a cushion to sit on.

We heard that traditional seating tends to book up fast, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure your preferred seating area. You can book tickets for the Old Lahaina Luau here.

At the time of our visit, they had individual tables for each party instead of shared tables with other families.

Guests at the Old Lahaina Luau raise their hands participating in an activity led by performers on a grassy stage, with the ocean and palm trees in the background.
An outdoor setting of the Old Lahaina Luau with traditional huts, palm trees, and guests enjoying the event under a partly cloudy sky.
Guests dine at the Old Lahaina Luau with a sunset view over the ocean, surrounded by palm trees and traditional Hawaiian settings.
A woman in a pink dress and flower lei smiles at the camera, seated at an outdoor table with the luau festivities in the background.

Old Lahaina Luau Setting

If you have been to a luau, you probably know that the luau setting is an integral part of the experience. The Old Lahaina Luau has one of the best settings we have seen at any luau.

It is located on the beach in a beautiful, open-air setting that features a stunning backdrop and spectacular sunsets.

Guests dine at the Old Lahaina Luau as the sun sets, painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean.
A panoramic view of the Old Lahaina Luau grounds, showing the beachfront, dining area, and lush landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Old Lahaina Luau?

The luau typically lasts about 3 hours, and the times vary depending on the season. We went in the summer and our check-in time was 5:45pm, with the luau wrapping up around 8:45pm.

According to their website, the performance generally starts between 5:15 and 6:15pm and ends anywhere between 8:15 to 9:15pm, depending on the season. After you purchase your tickets, check your email for the most up-to-date information.

Are you supposed to tip at the Old Lahaina Luau?

Tips are included in the ticket price, so there is no need to tip at the luau.

Do you get a lei at the Old Lahaina Luau?

Everyone receives a fresh flower lei upon arrival.

A man wearing sunglasses and a flower lei smiles for a selfie with the luau festivities and traditional huts in the background.

Are drinks included at the Old Lahaina Luau?

Yes, drinks are included in the ticket price. Throughout the evening, you can enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

A man in sunglasses and a flower lei enjoys a green cocktail at an outdoor table, with other guests and a sunset over the ocean in the background.

Is the Old Lahaina Luau Worth It?

Absolutely 100%! The Old Lahaina Luau is not just an event; it’s an unforgettable cultural experience!

From the beautiful setting to the delicious food and outstanding performances, this luau is worth every penny. If you are looking for the most authentic Hawaiian luau, this is the one we recommend!

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