What is a trip to Maui without a luau night? Luaus are fantastic celebrations in which there is food and fun for all ages. If you haven’t gone to a luau, then booking one on your next trip to Maui is a must, and if you have already been to a luau, then it’s always good to try out a new luau spot as everyone does this Hawaiian feast a bit different. One good place to try out both for the first time and as a luau connoisseur is the Wailele Polynesian Luau.
The Wailele Polynesian Luau takes place at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Kaanapali, located on Maui’s western shore. You do not have to be a guest at The Westin to partake at the Wailele Polynesian Luau, but guests of the resort can often score discounted tickets.
Speaking of ticket prices, when it comes to determining the differences between luaus, price will generally be one of the discerning factors. Higher prices typically indicate a more varied and robust feast and beverage offerings while lower prices tend to reflect smaller dinner portions or dining and beverage packages as add-on amenities. Another important aspect to look up is the style of show to be put on. Luaus are sourced from Polynesian culture, but you can find luaus that focus on only Hawaiian traditions, Polynesian traditions, a blend of the two, or something else entirely.
The Westin’s Wailele Polynesian Luau, as its name suggests, features a spectacular dinner show that is more Polynesian in nature. This means that the story itself follows a journey within the Polynesian Islands, highlighting songs about various Polynesian gods and a dance dedicated to waterfalls, wailele. The finale includes an outstanding fire-knife performance and dance by several professionals, including lead fire-dance champion Martin Tevaga.
The colorful and passionate performances of the Wailele Polynesian Luau is certainly a big draw, but so too are all of the other “extras” you get with this location. Entrance, while on the steeper side, includes an open bar boasting delicious specialty cocktails like Mai-Tais and Blue Hawaiians. Guests also get access to a more gourmet buffet-style dinner.
The large buffet meal and show take place in a large outdoor garden area called the Aloha Pavilion. Here, you and your party can enjoy cocktails and become more immersed in the luau’s story within a tropical rainforest setting complete with waterfalls. Where one of the complaints of most of the more serious luau outfits is their having a very crowded feel, The Westin’s Wailele Polynesian Luau keeps things intimate with a smaller, more limited audience.
In truth, we would say that the only major drawback to The Westin’s Polynesian Luau is its expense. This is among the most expensive luau experiences on the island. So if you aren’t sure at all that this type of Polynesian dinner and dance entertainment is something you or your party will enjoy and are already hesitant at the entrance price, then you should probably pass until you experience a more inexpensive luau. But if you have already enjoyed other luaus or generally enjoy dinner and dance entertainment venues, then the Wailele Polynesian Luau is a must-go. Here, you get to enjoy a more intimate setting, more gourmet Hawaiian buffet options, an open bar, and some of the best fire dancers on the island.
The Westin’s Wailele Polynesian Luau only takes place two to three days a week with the exception of summer and holidays. Make sure to check their calendar and book early to get the best seats!
Insider Tips:
-The Westin’s Wailele Luau is certainly child-friendly, not only with the performances but by also offering a nice kids buffet selection. This buffet features more of those kid-ready favorites like hot dogs, pizza, spaghetti, cookies, and more.
-You can get seconds, thirds, and more portions during the dinner buffet portion of the luau. However, the time on this is limited as there is no table service during the actual performance. So make sure to arrive early and request another plate if you don’t think one round will be enough for your party.