Liza P. is the local Maui Mama talking story online – Maui, travel, family, social media, all da kine stuff. She blogs at www.amauiblog.com and at alohaluxurypropertiesblog.wordpress.com/ She is the social media director for Aloha Luxury Properties.
Your visit to Maui is never complete until you attend one of the Luau’s on Maui. Especially if this is your first time to visit the island. I know it may sound touristy, but in reality even us locals enjoy going to these luaus to enjoy the food and entertainment and time with family and friends.
What is a Luau? To put it simply, a luau is a Hawaiian party or feast. It is usually accompanied by entertainment, mostly music and dance. There are many choices of Luau on Maui to go to but I would like to highlight some of the best ones (in my opinion) to make it easier for you to decide.
The Old Lahaina Luau
This luau is known as Maui’s “Most Authentic Luau.” It is the favorite luau to recommend both by locals and tourists. It is located in Lahaina. They have their own Luau ground where you can experience a lot of Hawaiian activities prior to dinner and entertainment. Their hula and music are spectacular and award winning. They also have a premium open bar. Their shows always get fully booked early so if you are interested to attend this luau, make your reservations as early as possible. If you are visiting Maui from other states or country, I would even recommend calling them and making reservations prior to your arrival. Now, if you or any of your family want to see a fire dance, this luau is not for you because they don’t have that here.
The Drums of the Pacific
This is a high energy show that will treat you with the variety of Polynesian culture rhythms. This takes place nightly at the Maui Hyatt Hotel in Lahaina. Here, you can also watch the unearthing of a streaming, roasted pig from the underground (the imu ceremony) before helping yourself to a sumptuous buffet of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Yes, they have fire dancers here. They also have an open bar. Their entertainment is not only Hawaiian but has the touch of Tongan, Tahiatian and Samoan as well.
The Feast Of Lele
This is known here as the “Most Romantic Luau”. The setting is spectacular where every table is intimate and offers a panoramic view of the West Maui sunset. Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina, and this is the beach where the Royal Family of Maui would feast and entertain. The menu at The Feast of Lele luau differs from all other Maui luaus, as it is a four course gourmet dining experience. Dishes are served directly to your table, eliminating the need for long buffet lines. Each course represents a modern twist on traditional island cuisine as you are treated to four courses each representing a different island culture. You are started off with traditional polynesian banana, taro and sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger salsa.
Kaanapali Sunset Luau at Black Rock
If ever you’ve seen in the TV shows or movies or heard from your friends about a cliff diving before a luau, this is the one. The Kaanapali Sunset Luau takes place right at the edge of Kaanapali’s famous Black Rock Point. There is also a torch ceremony prior to the diving off the cliff. I like this part of the luau (the torch ceremony and cliff diving). A great Polynesian show happens as you eat your delicious food from the buffet. The Polynesian show has songs and dances from Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, News Zealand and Samoa. And yes, there is a Fire dance here.
Now you will notice that all the Luau’s I previously mentioned are on the West Side of Maui. For the South side let me mention two:
The Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea
If you are staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena and don’t want to drive an hour to attend a luau in Lahaina or Kaanapali, your best option is the Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea Resort. This luau is the best in the Wailea /South Maui area. It is held at an isolated, romantic oceanfront setting in Wailea near the beach. Mai Tais and a full open bar, along with an outstanding buffet featuring Kalua pig cooked in a genuine underground imu, huli huli chicken, grilled fish, charbroiled teriyaki steak, and a variety of salads and island delicacies. The show reviews dancing from the islands of Polynesia, including the Samoan fireknife dance.
Polynesian Village Luau
Now this is the fun for the family Luau. A bit casual than most of the Luau I listed here. It is at South Kihei Road at the luau ground of the Old Maui Lu. In this luau you can participate in activities and demonstration of Polynesian daily-life activities: coconut bowling, spear throwing, lei making, ukulele mele, wood carving, basket weaving, coconut demonstrations, and other local cultural displays not found anywhere else in Maui! One of the main attractions of the luau is the famous Samona Chief “Fiafia”. He calls himself the official ambassador of happiness on Maui. He is a funny guy and will keep you entertained. Our family attended its opening a few years back and we had a good time. The bar is not like the other Luau and it’s BYOB.
There are other Maui Luaus not listed here. For more info on Luau on Maui you also also visit the Luau Page of Maui-Maps. Remember, this is part of the Maui experience, so you’ll want to attend at least once, maybe more 
Photos courtesy of Maui-Maps