If going to a luau is on your Maui bucket list, listen up ; )

While I personally think the best luau on Maui (heck, in Hawaii) is the Old Lahaina Luau (we’re still awaiting news of their reopening after wildfires swept through Lahaina at the end of last summer), if you’re staying in South Maui it’s a bit of a drive over to that side of the island.

But good news! If you’re looking for a luau to enjoy that’s within walking distance (or a quick drive) of the Wailea resorts, you’ve got options!

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Best Luaus in Wailea

There are three big luaus in Wailea, a smaller luau in nearby Kihei plus an ala carte luau show (with dinner add on options). AND there are a couple of places where you can watch hula and listen to live music for FREE.

Let’s get into your options:

Grand Wailea Luau // Te Au Moana Luau // Feast at Mokapu

First let’s start with the three big luaus in Wailea…There’s a luau at the Grand Wailea, one at the Wailea Beach Resort (Te Au Moana Luau), and one at the Andaz (Feast at Mokapu).

I’ve attended the luau at the Grand Wailea and I’ve watched the other two from my hotel room balcony.

I would say the Grand Wailea Luau and the Te Au Moana Luau are comparable. Prices are similar, food is served family style at the table and quality is similar, drinks are included (but pretty weak), settings are both oceanfront.

I think the show at the Grand Wailea is the most unique though. It’s actually one of my favorite luau shows that I’ve seen anywhere. They have an aerial silks dancer which isn’t something I’ve seen anywhere else plus the fire dancing is top notch.

Also, since I attended before COVID, the Grand Wailea has built dedicated luau grounds so it feels like a more permanent setup than something they set up temporarily on the lawn. It may not sound like a big deal, but I think it makes a pretty big difference when it comes to how the event flows and the quality of the production.

Here’s the pricing:

Te Au Moana Luau (at Wailea Beach Resort): $265/adult and $165/child (6-12), 5 and under are free. That’s the “basic seating,” there’s a $30 upcharge for premium seating.

More info here.

Grand Wailea Luau: $265/adult $200/child (12 and under) but $325 and $245 for premium seating. And if you have kids under 5 I would call to double check about the pricing. There’s usually an age cut off where they’re free but that could definitely be a factor in choosing between these two since the other luau 5 and under are free.

More info here.

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About the pricing:  It is what it is and if you want to attend a luau, these are the prices, but honestly they’re a little hard for me to stomach. When I attended the Grand Wailea luau last, it was about $100/adult. Yes, they’ve made a few improvements to the setting but nothing about it is worth a $165 price increase.

If this is on your bucket list and it’s a big deal for you, you’ll have a great time at either of these luaus.However, I personally would never pay these prices for these events. It may be easy for me to say since I’ve been to a lot of luaus, but the value is not there for the price.

For $250/person you could go to Maui’s most high end restaurant(s) and have the most extravagantly magnificent meal of your life (for a lot less than $250/person really). Even though the price is high, a luau is about the whole experience and you really shouldn’t expect more than a mediocre to decent meal at any luau (no matter how expensive).

I don’t say this to discourage you from doing a luau, just to set your expectations.

If you are making the decision between these two luaus, each luau is NOT offered every night so availability may sway your decision.

The Feast at Mokapu (Andaz) used to be positioned as the only “luxury luau” on Maui and was priced accordingly, BUT while the other luaus in Wailea have majorly upped their prices, the Andaz hasn’t so their “luxury” luau is close to the same price as the other “standard” luaus making for an interesting comparison.

Priced at $280/adult and $140/child for the standard seating and $340/adult and $180/child for premium seating, they’re now within the same price range as the other two luaus.

More info here.

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Feast at Mokapu is definitely a more elevated experience with a farm to table menu. Since the other two luaus have ditched the buffets in favor of family style service, it’s not as much of a distinction anymore, but this is a much smaller luau than the Grand Wailea so food quality is higher even though the menu is similar. Plus the drinks are more restaurant/bar quality.

I think the major drawback to this luau is the show. I would call it more “luau-lite.” The dancing is good, but it’s just nowhere near on the scale as the Grand Wailea. Example, they have one fire dancer and the Grand Wailea has like, five.

The Feast at Mokapu also runs on a pretty limited schedule with shows only two (sometimes three) days a week.

Gilligan’s Island Luau, Kihei 

Here’s your “bargain” luau. If you want to experience a luau (dinner plus the show), but you’re willing to forgo a lot of the nicer trappings for a lower price, this could be a good option for you.

With tickets starting at $159/person, it’s QUITE a bit cheaper than the cheapest option in Wailea (like, by $100/person). But it’s also pretty bare bones.

The luau is hosted at Gilligan’s Bar & Grill at the Maui Nui Golf Course in Kihei, and it’s…kind of like going to a luau at a sport’s bar. With a view of the ocean in the distance. It’s nice, but not what a lot of people are expecting. The food also gets mixed reviews (buffet style) and honestly while it’s so much cheaper than the Wailea luaus, $165/person is still a lot of money to spend.

Find more info here.

South Maui Gardens, Kihei

I think this is the most interesting option on this list. I haven’t been here yet (I really only recently even heard about it), but I am FASCINATED.

This nursery/event space close to the Cove Beach Park is a beautiful outdoor venue that’s home to a food truck park…and a hula show on Wednesday evenings.

The entertainment lasts from 5-7 PM and features live music plus an hour long show with dances from across the Pacific Islands (including Samoan fire knife dancing).

The venue is open seating and while they have some mats set out for guests, they encourage you to bring your own beach chairs to set up camp.

You can add on a bento style dinner for about $30/person (reserve in advance), or grab dinner from one of the many food trucks on site.

Tickets to the show are about $100/person but they usually have a 25% discount available.

Honestly, I LOVE this set up. Especially if you have kids. You get to see a full quality production without paying a premium for mediocre food and drinks. $75/person is a pretty good deal for 2 hours of entertainment and the flexibility to do whatever you want for food. And not having to sit at a table and make small talk with strangers is a big bonus for me ; )

This isn’t the big fancy resort experience, but I think it’s a really good fit for a lot of travelers.

Find more info here.

On Another Note: If you’re looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I’ve put together a post about where to find condos on Maui. It breaks down different areas to look for condos depending on your budget and what you’re looking for. Seriously, don’t miss this post.

Where to Watch Hula for Free in Wailea

If you’re on a tight budget (or just not invested enough to fork over the serious $$$ for a luau), but still want to watch some hula, here’s where to go in Wailea:

Polynesian Show at the Shops at Wailea

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 PM, the Shops at Wailea hosts a Polynesian dance for visitors. It’s not the fanciest production, but it’s pretty good for free. Pair it with dinner afterwards at one of the restaurants at the Shops at Wailea (Lineage, Pint & Cork, Tommy Bahama, Ruth’s Chris, Waikiki Brewing Co, etc.) or the Monkeypod (my favorite!).

The Shops at Wailea also host lei po’o (flower crowns) workshops, ukulele lessons, and live music on other days. Check their schedule here.

Four Seasons Maui

The Four Seasons doesn’t host a public luau, but they get pretty festive every evening starting with a torch lighting ceremony at sunset and then hula and live music in the Lobby Bar.

Their Lobby Bar is one of my favorite spots in Wailea, and obviously the food and drinks aren’t free, but it’s a LOT cheaper (plus so much better) than a luau.

Watch a Luau from the Resort

If you’re staying at the Grand Wailea, Wailea Beach Resort, or Andaz, you’ll quickly be able to figure out the best public spaces to catch a good view of the luau.

But even if you’re not, all of these luaus are hosted in pretty wide open spaces and it’s not too hard to find a good view of the show. The Grand Wailea luau and the Te Moana Luau (Wailea Beach Resort) are easily watched from the Wailea Beach Walk and the Feast at Mokapu (Andaz) is too, but my favorite view is from one of the upper pool decks. The pool clears out before sunset, and you can grab a chair and pretty much watch the whole thing.

Want to read more posts about Maui? I’ve got plenty!

Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui // 4 Day Maui Itinerary // My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary // Things to Do Upcountry // Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park // Snorkeling Molokini Crater // Whale Watching

My Favorite Hotels on Maui // Where to Find Condos on Maui // Wailea vs Kaanapali // Every Resort in Wailea Ranked // Four Seasons Maui Review // Andaz Maui Review // Fairmont Kea Lani Review // Wailea Beach Resort Review // Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui // Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort

Best Restaurants in Wailea // Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei // Mama’s Fish House // Best Luaus in Wailea

My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui // Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei // Road to Hana Tips // Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana // Where to See Turtles on Maui

Maui vs Kauai // Everything You Need to Know BEFORE you go to Maui