Maui Luau

I have been searching for the best luau in Maui....several have appeared during my search.....I ran across a website that recommended a couple for NCL cruisers due to the location....I need your help if u have been to a luau on Maui....We are going to rent a car and since we are there overnight....I don't see that it matters where the location is.....However Wailea Marriott Luau was the one this site chose.....Please let me know the VERY BEST LUAU on this island.......:confused:

Hi Daisy, there are several Luau's over in Lahaina. Many of our roll Call group from the Radiance for 2008 are reserved at the Old Lahaina Luau. It doesn't offer the fire Dancers but have read great reviews on them. They have a Web site.

They are supposed to be the best and most authentic of all the islands. Also a gentleman at work who went on this cruise said it was the highlight.

I booked 6 months ago.

We'll see!!!

They are supposed to be the best and most authentic of all the islands. Also a gentleman at work who went on this cruise said it was the highlight.

I booked 6 months ago.

We'll see!!!

Which cruise are you on to the islands. They are doing a link grouping with my husband & I so we are at same tables.

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS HAWAII OCT 11, 2008

Hands down, the Feast at Lele is the best luau on Maui. Not necessarily the best for younger children, but by far the best for adults.

It's the smallest, most intimate luau. It's the classiest and most elegant luau. And the food is superb. NOT buffet food and buffet seating like all the rest! But, private tables with waiters that bring you the food and drinks. It's also the highest rated luau in several books and review sites including Maui Revealed.

However.......it's also the most expensive luau on Maui. But, like so many things in life, you get what you pay for.

This luau is NOT for everyone. It's not for small children. It's not for people wanting to sit with 400 of your "closest" friends buffet style. It's not for people that are trying to get by with the cheapest luau on Maui. Too be honest, it's too nice for some people's tastes. Nothing wrong with that at all. Everybody has different tastes. You just need to know what you're going to and go to the one that suits you the best. Example; I'm going to New Orleans this weekend. I'd much rather eat at the Gumbo Shop or Felix's Seafood than Brennan's or Antoine's. The latter restaurants are top of the line, high end N.O. restaurants that are on everybody's list. Personally, they don't suit me.

So, maybe Feast At LeLe isn't for you. If it is, don't miss it and opt for something less expensive and be sorry.

I can only state that We went to Old Lahaina Luau. It was very good, and we had a great time. It is about an hour drive from the POH pier....If your cruise docks in Lahaina, it will be very close. Yes, they do not have the fire dancer, as that is not considered authentic for Hawaii. So, if that is important to you, book another Luau....We had very good seats, and a wonderful time at OLL

NJ we are Tendered in Lahaina and most of us have opted for shuttles during the day, maybe a car next to see the other side of Island.

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS, HAWAII OCT 11, 2008

Same as I posted on your other thread but this is my review of the Royal Lahaina Luau. I'd be willing to try the OLL in the future but would not do this one again.

I was disappointed. The only thing that impressed me was the fire dancers which you can't get from the Old Lahaina Luau since it isn't considered authentic. Our travel agent coordinated our luau for a big group of people from our hometown (Tucson). There were at least 600 people at the luau. When we arrived, we were given a shell lei which was our ticket to get in after they checked you off on the roster. Once we walked in, the stage was great but the area where people sit was just a bunch of banquet tables and folding chairs like you would see at an outdoor wedding reception. No grass that I could see, just dirt floors. The ocean was on the other side of the short wall so I couldn't see it from where I sat but could hear the waves before it got crowded. Drinks were pretty strong and they were handing them out freely. We each had one drink only halfway gone and they were bringing us another. The guy across the table from me had 2 backups and they didn't hesitate to let him take them. Mai Tai's were yummy:p . When it came time to feed the heard of people, it was pretty well organized. They dismissed tables at a time so we just kept drinking and visiting with new people we met and the next thing we knew it was our time to go get our food from the buffet. Line moved quickly and they had a decent selection of food. I wasn't very hungry after drinking all the mai tais so I didn't eat much but what I ate tasted pretty good. Then the show started.

The main emcee was a lady that was pretty funny. More of a comedian to me. They had 4 hula girls in their early 20's that did a good job and their matching outfits were really cool. But they had 3 guys - 2 were just high school seniors so they were just boys to me and the third was an older guy about 50+. Now they announced them as a treat for the ladies......hum....excuse me? They were children for goodness sakes. I'm a 44 year old woman so they didn't exactly appeal to me lol. The dancing was fine and the band did a good job with the music.

Do I regret going - no. I've never been to a luau so it was just something I had to do once in my life. Will I go again - no. JMO.

The drive back to the ship was a long one since we were docked on the other side of the island. 45 minute drive on a crowded bus. But I'm glad I didn't have to drive back myself. I was very tired after the show and had lots of mai tais so anyone thinking of renting a car - don't do it!

"Best" luau is actually a kind of difficult question because each person's idea of best can be different. With the disclaimer that DH and I do not attend these types of commerical luaus and that the only information I have is from reviews by members (and friends), segments on the travel channel, repeated watching of "The Maui Channel" (on the island), and what we've seen of Feast at Lele when we've walked by on the beach as it's going on:

Best for families with young kids: Either Royal Lahaina Luau (they have a kids buffet) or OLL.

Best for romance, couples, or all adults who want an elegant sit down experience: Feast at Lele

Best for authentic Hawaiian luau traditions (no other Polynesian cultures represented): OLL

Best for beach setting: Either OLL or Royal Lahaina (I think OLL probably because the little "beach" fronting it is not frequented by many people, so it seems more "private" even though it is a public beach)

Best pricing: Royal Lahaina (OLL and Feast at Lele do not offer discounts and can cost almost twice as much at Royal Lahaina, depending on how what discounts RL has available)

Fire dancers a must: Royal Lahaina or Feast at Lele

Other activities pre-luau (from what we've heard): OLL

There are other luaus on the island, but I don't know anything about them. There's one that recently started at the Maui Tropical Plantation, which is much closer to Kahului than Lahaina or Ka'anapali. A few of the resorts/hotels offer luaus. Just heard about one in Kahului, but don't know anything at all about it (not even the actual location).

So, "best" is a pretty fluid concept. Think about what's most important to you and then go from there.

beachchick

Our:) overnight docking is in Kahului in October but we want to go to the OLL in Lahaina. Does anyone know if there are taxis available from Kahului and how much it might cost? Thanks!

There is a Luau at the Maui Beach Hotel called Pale Kai Luau. It is near the harbor in Kahului. The price is $69.50 fot adults and children 11 and under are free (one with every adut purchase). I booked it for 7-30-07 thru Boss Frog's Dive and surf shop. However I can't find any info on the Luau from anyone who has attended. I guess this will be my form of gambling in Hawaii since the ship does not have a casino. If I am wrong I will have a lot of explaining to do to 12 family members.

I talked to the people at OLL and they said it's about a 40 minute cab ride which will cost approx. $80 each way. They highly suggested renting a car. We decided to rent a car AND get a hotel in Lahaina the night of the luau so we could 'truly' enjoy the festivities!

According to my reseach.....The Old Lahania is on the other side of the island from where NCL will be docking....The Wailea Marriott has come highly recommeded and closer to where we will be...This is my choice for this cruise....I have also been told it sells out quickly and is recommeded to book atleast a month ahead of time.....if U want reserved seating;)

According to my reseach.....The Old Lahania is on the other side of the island from where NCL will be docking....The Wailea Marriott has come highly recommeded and closer to where we will be...This is my choice for this cruise....I have also been told it sells out quickly and is recommeded to book atleast a month ahead of time.....if U want reserved seating;)

I'm sorry to tell you this, but Wailea is as far from Kahului as Lahaina is. You'll still have to drive across the island. Instead of heading north from Ma'alaea (if you were going to Lahaina), you'll head south to Wailea. It's as least as long a drive from Kahului as Lahaina. This should absolutely not stop you from attending the luau; of course not. But whoever told you that it's closer is wrong.

beachchick

Hi! I'm just wondering if there is a luau close to Kahului that anybody recommends. I really don't want to take a long drive over strange roads in the dark. Especially after a couple of drinks. Thanks .

Sue

I'm sorry to tell you this, but Wailea is as far from Kahului as Lahaina is. You'll still have to drive across the island. Instead of heading north from Ma'alaea (if you were going to Lahaina), you'll head south to Wailea. It's as least as long a drive from Kahului as Lahaina. This should absolutely not stop you from attending the luau; of course not. But whoever told you that it's closer is wrong.

 

beachchick

Rest assured that I will not miss a luau....thanks for giving me that bit of info...now its just a matter of which one...Waliea or Lahania ??:confused:

There is a Luau at the Maui Beach Hotel called Pale Kai Luau. It is near the harbor in Kahului. The price is $69.50 fot adults and children 11 and under are free (one with every adut purchase). I booked it for 7-30-07 thru Boss Frog's Dive and surf shop. However I can't find any info on the Luau from anyone who has attended. I guess this will be my form of gambling in Hawaii since the ship does not have a casino. If I am wrong I will have a lot of explaining to do to 12 family members.

We're thinking on going to this one during our POA cruise- we really don't want to have to drive such a long distance to to any of the ones in Lahaina.

Well, we tried to book it, but it's not available the night we're there. I guess we'll probably just go with the NCL one on Kauai.

Just to let you know, we were on POH 7/9/07 and there were over 900 people who went to the NCL luau on Kauai. We went to the Old Lahaina luau on Maui and it was great! The setting was beautiful, right on the beach with a fantastic sunset. The food and drinks were great and the service was the best we had all week. Our waiter pointed out that his daughter was one of the dancers. The whole experience was very relaxing and enjoyable.

The drive to Lahaina did not seem burdensome to me. It follows the coast for a good portion of the way which was very scenic.

Margarita Mom

Hands down, the Feast at Lele is the best luau on Maui. Not necessarily the best for younger children, but by far the best for adults.

 

It's the smallest, most intimate luau. It's the classiest and most elegant luau. And the food is superb. NOT buffet food and buffet seating like all the rest! But, private tables with waiters that bring you the food and drinks. It's also the highest rated luau in several books and review sites including Maui Revealed.

 

However.......it's also the most expensive luau on Maui. But, like so many things in life, you get what you pay for.

 

This luau is NOT for everyone. It's not for small children. It's not for people wanting to sit with 400 of your "closest" friends buffet style. It's not for people that are trying to get by with the cheapest luau on Maui. Too be honest, it's too nice for some people's tastes. Nothing wrong with that at all. Everybody has different tastes. You just need to know what you're going to and go to the one that suits you the best. Example; I'm going to New Orleans this weekend. I'd much rather eat at the Gumbo Shop or Felix's Seafood than Brennan's or Antoine's. The latter restaurants are top of the line, high end N.O. restaurants that are on everybody's list. Personally, they don't suit me.

 

So, maybe Feast At LeLe isn't for you. If it is, don't miss it and opt for something less expensive and be sorry.

I spoke with a rep from barefoot tours and u are exactly right on regarding this luau....He basically told me the very same thing that u did....According to the gentlemen this is well worth the extra money...However, after we talked this over we are going with the Old Lahania Luau this round....maybe next time we will try this one.

Do you have to provide your own transportation to the Old Lahaina luau?

Thank you

Just to let you know, we were on POH 7/9/07 and there were over 900 people who went to the NCL luau on Kauai. We went to the Old Lahaina luau on Maui and it was great! The setting was beautiful, right on the beach with a fantastic sunset. The food and drinks were great and the service was the best we had all week. Our waiter pointed out that his daughter was one of the dancers. The whole experience was very relaxing and enjoyable.

 

The drive to Lahaina did not seem burdensome to me. It follows the coast for a good portion of the way which was very scenic.

 

Margarita Mom

Do you have to provide your own transportation to the Old Lahaina luau?

 

Thank you

Yes, you do. Choices are rental car, taxi (quite expensive), some commercial shuttles (don't know details, but an advanced search on this forum for "maui shuttle" should net you some information; about $40 p/p as I recall), or ride-sharing with other cruise pax (rental car or taxi). It's about 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic, etc.) one-way from Kahului.

beachchick

Hi! I'm just wondering if there is a luau close to Kahului that anybody recommends. I really don't want to take a long drive over strange roads in the dark. Especially after a couple of drinks. Thanks .

Sue

We have already reserved a car for both days in Maui...We are driving over to Lahania in the early to do some shopping and for sure get a good parking spot....Believe u me....getting everything booked and paid for ahead is worth all the time it takes in advance...I will not ever do the shore excursions that any cruiseline offers....It is much better to take care of all of that before u arrive at the port of call.............

is there one that is best for a single person who isn't going to rent a car? I want to do one, but might be restricted to the one you can book from the ship on Kauai. Taxis are probably too expensive for one person.

is there one that is best for a single person who isn't going to rent a car? I want to do one, but might be restricted to the one you can book from the ship on Kauai. Taxis are probably too expensive for one person.

As far as getting from Kahului to either Lahaina or Ka'anapali (or even Wailea), you could look into a shuttle service (do an advanced search here first because there were a few threads that had shuttle information, but they were several months ago) OR ask fellow passengers who are going to the luau you choose (and who are renting a car or forking out the $$$ for a taxi) if you could ride-share with them and pay a share of the taxi or car rental.

I believe that one of the hotels in Kahului is now doing a luau, but I don't know which hotel or anything at all about it. You could also look into the Maui Tropical Plantation luau because the MTP is fairly close to Kahului, so taxi fare wouldn't be outrageous. Again, don't know anything about that one. Or you could look into a commercial tour company that offers a luau package, including transportation.

beachchick