we have reservations for the old lahaina luau but are worried the show might be too long and boring for the kids (ages 2 thru 10), any opinions?

I'll leave leeway for the possiblity that all kids are different but when we went to Maui with 3 and 7 yo we watched the Hyatt luau from outside most nights we were there. After a few minutes of watching they wanted to go do something else. The kids were very concerned about the sound level and the fire dancers. Sometimes the music is too intense or scarey for the little ones. We decided it was too expensive to take a chance, especially when they probably wouldn't eat the food either. It's a long period of time for the 2 year old.

All kids are different and I don't think the sound will be so offensive at an authentic Luau, one exist on Maui but I forget it's location. It was featured on the travel channel and is acknowledged throughout the islands as the most authentic luau experience. On a side note, I brought some chicken lau lau and poi home one year and was berated for the smell that came from the steaming of it. The taste were too foreign for the kids/adults to enjoy. I eat this stuff for breakfast when I am in the islands but not the case with others. That Luau that I spoke of is $80 a pop and what a shame if they would not eat any of this. Do some research you know your kids best I would not miss a truly authentic luau if I could help it. But be ware there are a ton of fabrications on each island. The hallmarks of a charlatan are Tahitian dancers (fast belly dancing kind of movements with tall head dresses), brightly colored outfits, certainly the coconut covered bikini tops. All the crap you would expect to see at a money maker, fire twirlers included. A tradditional luau will be gentle, gracious and not an ovewhelming drum beating extravaganza. The costumes will be made largely of things found in nature (tea leaves regional flowers) with out being shalacked, studded or set a blaze. Hope this helps enjoy.

Just back.. our 16 mos old loved the luau. The only time she was a little bored was when the mc was singing without dancers. We also had the first row table, center- that helps. Our luau had waiter service rather than buffet and I think that made a difference. Once she was settled, there was no disruption of having to get up and down for food or drinks. We have the BEST picture of her trying poi! Just like the rest of us, she thought it sucked

Your 16 MONTH old loved the luau??

Yep, she loves music. Like I said, we did sit front row center. Had we been in the back where she couldn't see as well, it may have been a completely different story. Of course, we had what poster Sarah probably would have considered "charlatan"- lots of drums, fancy costumes, etc. But hey for $32.50 I'll take the unauthentic!

The luau Sarah is refering to *is* the Old Lahaina Luau. And don't worry about fire dancers because there are none there - I think that is because it is an authentic Hawaiian luau and fire knife dancing is from Tonga. As to children enjoying it I feel pretty unqualified to answer - sorry, I do have a recollection of seeing lots of small children in the area where you sit on the floor instead of in chairs in front. They seemed pretty enthralled. HTH

Don't think I would recommend Luau for kids. My wife and I went to Ol Lahaina Luau which is supposedly the best in Maui. We enjoyed it, but after the beginning pomp & circumstance and dinner we got bored and left early. There were some kids at our table and they appeard to be between 5-10 years of age and they were begging mom and dad to leave.

I went to the Old Lahaina Luau about a month ago and saw lots of kids there. They seemed to be enjoying the show from what I saw.

Last week I attended the Outrigger luau in Wailea which had a fire knife dancer. For the second luau we were accompanied by a three year old who seemed to love the show. The Outrigger show was more interactive for the kids I think. The Outrigger spread some fabric out on the lawn in front of the stage so the kids could sit up front. They did the singing and dancing thing, then had some people from the audience go up to try the dances. The children were invited to stand up and follow along as well. Afterwards the fire knife dancer performed which I thought was pretty spectacular.

I know the Old Lahaina is fairly expensive. Perhaps if you're interested in going to a luau, but are worried about spending all that money for something the kids won't enjoy, you can compromise and choose one that is less authentic but may be more interesting for the kids?

Overall, i'd say the food at both were about the same.