Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from various corners of Polynesia. The one thing you don't get here is the unearthing of
the pig experience. Shows take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings (as well as Sunday
during busier times of the year), and prices range between $110 and $135 for adults and
$65-80 for kids. If you're coming from elsewhere and will be driving to Ka'anapali, the
one downside of this show is that parking can be a little challenging. Your best bet is to
try and find a free beach parking spot in the lot between Whalers Village and the entrance
to the Westin. If you can't find any free spots, your most economical option is going to
be parking in the Whalers Village garage and then buying something small (such as an ice
cream or a quick beer after the show) to get your parking validated (one pink sticker is
good for three hours of parking).
Ka'anapali Sunset Luau at Black Rock
(2605 Ka'anapali Pkwy., 808/877-4852,
www.sheratonmauiluau.com
) is at the Sheraton resort. The crowds here aren't quite as
large as other shows, and the grassy lu'au grounds are more spacious. While the food is
fine and the dancers are entertaining, the best part about this show is the atmosphere of
looking out at Pu'u Keka'a and experiencing the torch lighting ceremony. While children
are welcome to enjoy the show, it mainly caters to couples and adults. The lu'au takes
place Monday and Wednesday evenings. Prices range $105-115 for adults and $57-67 for
children.
At the far end of the beach at the southern tip of Ka'anapali, the
Drums of the Pacific
(200 Nohea Kai, 808/667-4727) at the Hyatt resort is managed by the same production
company (Tihati) as the show at the Sheraton, so you can expect something similar. The
lu'au at the Hyatt is larger than the one at the Sheraton. While the fire dancing and the per-
formance are on par with other Ka'anapali shows, the food portion of the evening leaves
much to be desired. Prices are $105-115 for adults, $49-61 for kids, and shows take place
every evening except Sunday.
On the northern side of Pu'u Keka'a facing out toward the ocean, the
Royal Lahaina
Luau
(2780 Keka'a Dr., 808/661-9119,
www.royallahaina.com
) is a Ka'anapali original
and the best option for those traveling with children. This is the island's longest running
lu'au (although don't confuse it with
Old
Lahaina Luau, which is better), and while there's
no shaking the tourist trap kitsch, there's a palpable charm that goes along with the old-
school venue. Everything over on this side of “the rock” is more laid-back than along the
main Ka'anapali strip. A nice bonus right away is that parking for the show is ample,
easy, and only $5. Although the show doesn't face the beach, it's nevertheless set along a
wide stretch of sand, and guests are encouraged to watch the sun go down while sipping
a drink from the lu'au grounds. The show features a fire dance finale, and the entertain-
