Luau Review:
The Royal Lahaina Myths of Maui Luau
The Royal Lahaina Luau – also known as the Myths of Maui Luau – is one of the most popular luaus on Maui. It is the longest-running luau on the island, operating since the early 1970s.
Myths of Maui is located on the beachfront at the Royal Lahaina Resort in Kaanapali. If you’re staying north of Kaanapali, this will be one of the closest luaus to you. Performances take place seven nights a week.
THE EXPERIENCE
The Royal Lahaina Luau is held every night around sunset. VIP guests are welcomed in first, usually around 5:00 or 5:30, depending on the season. General admission ticket holders can enter after VIP ticket holders, usually around 5:15 or 5:45.
The luau staff makes sure to welcome everyone warmly. Each guest is presented with a flower or kukui nut lei and a welcome drink. Mai tais and Blue Hawaiians are offered for guests over 21. Keiki and non-drinkers can enjoy tropical juice.
Shortly after being welcomed and shown to your seat, the buffet begins. You can feast on traditional and contemporary Hawaiian fare while enjoying live Hawaiian music and views of Kahekili Beach, just steps from the luau grounds.
There are a few events to look forward to before the show officially begins. The first is the imu unveiling ceremony, where the roast pig is lifted from its underground oven. That is followed by group hula lessons. Guests are invited to get up on stage to learn a few swaying hula moves.
The entertainment begins shortly after, and you’ll be treated to a Polynesian revue that highlights both the legends of the Hawaiian Islands and tales from across the Pacific. During that time, you’ll have access to an open bar with beer, wine, and tropical cocktails. Each table is assigned a server who will come by to take drink orders. Or, if you need to stretch your legs, you can order from the open bar yourself.
From start to finish, the entire experience lasts about 2.5 to three hours.
THE FOOD
Royal Lahaina Luau is said to have one of the largest all-you-can-eat buffets on Maui. The menu features many traditional and contemporary Hawaiian dishes, like kalua pig, poi, teriyaki chicken, lomi lomi salmon, furikake rice, and fresh fish.
What’s more, there are plenty of dishes for those who are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. Think Molokai sweet potatoes, Maui gold pineapple, stir-fried vegetables, cucumber namasu, and an Upcountry Kula Greens salad.
The Royal Lahaina Luau also includes keiki-friendly items like chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. Of course, these are not Hawaiian dishes, but it certainly makes things easier for parents of picky eaters.
Dessert includes haupia, coconut chocolate cake, and lava chocolate cake.
THE SHOW
The show kicks off after the group hula lesson. Performances alternate between two stages, one of which is set on the ocean side of the luau grounds. When the show alternates to that stage, you can enjoy graceful hula performances with the ocean and sunset as a backdrop. It’s a magical touch.
The beginning portion of the show highlights various Hawaiian legends and brings Hawaiian gods and goddesses like Pele and Poliʻahu to life. An emcee guides the audience through each performance, offering a brief introduction and narration before each dance.
The show also features both types of Hawaiian hula – hula kahiko and hula auana. Hula kahiko is the traditional type of hula, usually performed with chants and drumming. You’ll notice more traditional costumes during this portion of the show, like loincloths, kapa skirts, and lei poʻo. Hula auana is the contemporary style of hula that emerged in the 20th century. This type of hula is much less formal and is characterized by graceful, flowing movements. Hula auana is usually performed to music – rather than chanting and drumming.
As the show progresses, you’ll see a variety of dances from across the Pacific, complete with the appropriate costumes. This includes the fast-paced, hip-shaking Tahitian dance, the Maori haka, and everyone’s favorite, the Samoan fire knife dance.
The fire knife dance is arguably the best part of the luau. The dance features several fire dancers with knives and flaming poi balls. It’s a memorable way to culminate the show.
VIP vs. GENERAL ADMISSION
You can choose between VIP or General Admission tickets when booking Royal Lahaina Luau. VIP tickets cost about $50 more than General Admission.
VIP ticket holders get early entry to the luau, free premium liquor cocktails, early buffet access, and preferred seating. If you book VIP, you’ll be seated within the first few rows of the stage.
With general admission, you’ll still have access to the buffet and open bar, but you’ll have to pay if you want premium liquor. Also, there is a chance you might be seated in the very back.
Overall, the Royal Lahaina Luau is a great choice for visitors staying on Maui’s west side, and the nightly performances make it easy to fit this luau into your schedule.
