A large group of my family will be returning to Maui for my Dad's 50th b-day. For some of of this will be our 3rd trip, others the 2nd trip, and for a couple this will be the first trip. I am wanting to do something special for his birthday that would include all of us. He originally commented on how we could go to the Old Lahaina Luau for his bday, but we have been there twice and he has been once. It was a great place, but i would rather think of something more original. It doesn't have to cost a bunch, but just be something very special and memorable for the big day. Any ideas? We will be staying in Kaanapali. Thanks!!

Have you been to the Feast of Lele in Lahaina? The food is gourmet and is served to you at your tables by excellent staff. You sit outside next to the ocean and watch the dancers. www.feastatlele.com We were very impressed with this! My hubby was turning 50 and also we were celebrating a wedding anniversary. So we went to Maui and I booked the Feast at Lele with a discount from our AAA Pleasant Hawaiian package. Hubby was skeptical as he thinks luaus are too touristy...But he was very happy with it, and impressed with the food!

Also what about lunch at Mama's Fish House? I suggest lunch because the beach is so exquisitely beautiful that you just have to see it in the day-time! Also I think lunch would be cheaper than dinner. We went for early dinner and saw the beautiful beach before it got dark.

I had thought about the Feast at Lele...but wanted something more original.

We all really liked the show called U'lalena at the Myth & Magic Theater in Lahaina (kind of a cirque de soile meets island history meets luau show with live percussion and music).

There are a TON of boats in Maui and a lot will charter private parties. How about chartering a catamaran or sailboat for a sunset cruise? It can be done for the same price or less as the luau per person. Of course if he doesn't like boats....

i like the boat rental idea...i will check into that...any suggestions of companies to use or contact?

I was thinking about a dinner of picnic on the beach at sunset. Might be a little tricky to pull off...any ideas?

Safeway? Just kidding partly, but I don't see why a beach sunset picnic would be tricky at all. either by doing it yourself from a grocery store, of maybe getting it 'catered' from a local place that does 'plate lunch' type foods.

I will check into catering companies. Anyone have any that they have used before...would love any other ideas. The more creative the better.

Right next to the Old Lahaina Luau location is Aloha Mixed Plate 808-661-3322 a casual authentic local food spot. I don't know if they do catering but it might be worth a call.

I checked my Maui Moon Hnabook but no mention of caters only restaurants. Maybe you can check the yellow pages online or after you arrive. Possibly your hotel would have a suggestion.

You don't give a head-count but Pac Whale does charters, they say 450 max people !!

You might talk to this lady, http://www.maui.net/~mauikay/ she has a very happy clientele on the AOL Maui board.

Just about every restaurant, from Maui Tacos to Spago, will cater your event if you contact them in advance, yes, even Aloha Mixed Plate. If you are looking for local-style food, I would personally suggest Bentos and Banquets by Bernard in Wailuku. But if you want someone to put it all together for you, you might want to contact Yorman at Tableside Chefs. tablesidechefs.com

Where are you staying? I have been to several special small parties put together by the concierge at some of the hotels. Four Seasons can put together a spectacular private lu`au, with entertainment on very short notice.

Of course, none of these are budget ideas.

wow gone2maui, that was helpful. There will be 7 of us in the party. All of us being adults. It doesnt have to be expensive, but would like something very meaningful. We are staying at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.