Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MM Lahaina Lu'aus
Lahaina is the best place on the island for taking part in a lu'au. It's drier and calmer than in
nearby Ka'anapali. The lu'aus in Lahaina are arguably the two best on the island, and you
can't go wrong with either show since they're in oceanfront locations and feature some of
the best performers.
Of all the island's lu'aus, Old Lahaina Luau (1251 Front St., 808/667-1998,
www.oldlahainaluau.com , $99 adults, $69 children) is regarded as the best. The food is the
best (you might like poi for once!), the lu'au grounds are immaculate, and everything from
the show to the service runs like a well-oiled machine. Despite the fact that the lu'au seats
440 people, it still manages to retain an intimate atmosphere. You are greeted with a lei
made of fragrant fresh flowers. Premium bar selections are included in the price. There is
a large imu for unearthing the pig (although it gets insanely crowded, so hang by the imu
early if you want to get a good view), and the private oceanfront setting provides the per-
fect perch for watching the sun go down. As a logistical bonus, there is ample free parking,
or if you plan on having more than a couple of drinks, it's a short cab ride from the resorts
in Ka'anapali.
The evening mimics an authentic experience in the surroundings of a Hawaiian fishing
village. There is a cultural integrity and commitment to historical accuracy often lost on
other shows. However, this means there is no fire dancing, which is a craft that is native
to Samoa as opposed to Hawai'i. The show at Old Lahaina Luau traces the history of the
original Hawaiians as they migrated across oceans from French Polynesia to establish a
unique culture here in Hawai'i. Couples will agree that this lu'au has the most romantic
atmosphere.
For seating arrangements, you can either choose between traditional seating on lauhala
mats (which are the closest to the stage), or you can sit at tables with chairs which still
provide a good view. The only vantage point where it's tough to see the show is from the
seats in the far corners. Seating preference is given to those who book the earliest. Check-
in for the lu'au is either 5:15pm or 5:45pm depending on the time of year. When you con-
sider all that you're getting—an all you can eat buffet of good food, an open bar of premi-
um drinks, and a professional cultural performance in an oceanfront setting—the tickets
are obscenely affordable. Remarkably, shows are offered seven days a week.
The Feast at Lele (505 Front St., 808/667-5353, www.feastatlele.com , $115 adults,
$85 children) is a lu'au on the oceanfront in the 505 shopping center. “Lele” is the ancient
Hawaiian name for the town of Lahaina, and this show begins with a look at the dance
which is native to Hawaiian culture. The Feast at Lele then migrates its way through vari-
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