Attending a Hawaiian Luau in Maui: Old Lahaina Luau vs Wailea & Ka'anapali Luaus

In 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished the ancient Hawaiian 'Aikapu taboos that had forbidden men and women from eating together, celebrating with a royal feast featuring young taro tops baked with coconut milk, a dish called Lu'au, which gave the celebration its modern name. In Maui, attending an oceanfront sunset luau (check current rates on the official venue websites, including an open bar, multi-course Hawaiian feast and three-hour sunset show) is a classic highlight once you know the difference between the island's two styles.

1. The Key Difference Before Booking: 'Pure Hawaiian Hula' vs 'Polynesian Fire-Knife Dancing'

Twirling Samoan Fire Knives (Siva Afi) originates in Samoa and wider Polynesia rather than Native Hawaiian hula. In Maui, choose between two distinct styles (book four to eight weeks ahead):

• Style A (Pure Authentic Hawaiian History & Hula, No Fire Knives): The 'Old Lahaina Luau' (1251 Front St, North End of Lahaina, Reopened): spared from the 2023 fire at the northern oceanfront edge of Lahaina and fully reopened, the Old Lahaina Luau is widely acclaimed as the most historically authentic Hawaiian luau in the islands. Every guest gets a reserved table (either low floor cushions in the front row or standard chairs behind) facing the sunset channel to Lana'i, with a four-course table-served feast and a chronological story of Hawaii from ancient Polynesian migration and Hula Kahiko to modern Hula 'Auana.

• Style B (Pan-Polynesian Spectaculars with Samoan Fire-Knife Finales, in Wailea & Ka'anapali): if you are staying in South Maui or Ka'anapali and want an energetic finale with Samoan Fire-Knife Dancers alongside Hawaiian, Tahitian and Maori numbers, book one of these oceanfront resort luaus:
  1. In South Maui (Wailea): Te Au Moana ('The Ocean Tide') Luau at the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott or the 'Aha'aina Luau at the Grand Wailea (plus Gilligan's Island Luau in Kihei).
  2. In West Maui (Ka'anapali): the Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort or the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui beside Black Rock.