We are a group of 8 traveling to Maui in February. We plan to attend a luau and would like some help from you! I have read "Maui Revealed" suggestions, but some in our group prefer the more "showy" style...for example, we want to see some poor soul have to get up on stage and try to do the hula! Which shows would you recommend? Thanks, Patter

Try the Sugar Cane Train dinner train. It's not a luau, but they do get the folks up to do the hula. It's a lovely sunset train ride and then a paniolo-style bar-b-que dinner. Willie K's lesser-known brothers make up the band and a local keiki halau perform the hula. It's cheesey and fun and should satisfy those in your group who want to get up and do the washing machine for everyone.

But if you want a great meal with lots of free mai tais and a half-decent show, I can recommend the Old Lahaina. Be sure to make your seating reservations well in advance so you can get a floor seat doen in front!

I tried to post this once but it disappeared (so maybe it will show up twice). We think the nicest luau is "Feast of Lele" which is located on Front Street just south of Lahaina Village on the water. You sit at a table and waiters bring all food to you. The "Queen" arrives by outrigger canoe and lands on the beach. Each group of native foods (four I believe) brought to your table is accompanied by dancers from that particular island and is very nicely done. A bit more expensive but well worth it. The food is excellent and there are many more things to try than at the ordinary luau. Of the 30 or so luaus we've enjoyed over the years, we think this is the best. No tourists are dragged up on stage to do the hula!

I checked into the sugar train and it only does the dinner train on Thursdays so that won't work out with our schedule. It doesn't really look like what we're looking for anyway, but thanks for the suggestion.

Can anyone tell me how Smith's luau on Kauai compares with the luaus on Maui?
Patter

The Hyatt has a nice show. Has fire and all the regular banter with the crowds re whose on vacation or honeymoon, whose been married the longest, etc.

The Marriott Ocean Club has one as well. Sounded like it had the elements you are looking for. Between the Hyatt and the Marriott I thought the Hyatt's was nicer but they are both similar.

oops, sorry for using the possesive "whose" instead of the contractions "who's".

I can't imagine skipping the old lahaina luau when given the chance. You can always look up a cheesy review offered at the locals strip mall, why waste a great experience. Just a thought too many incredible things written about old lahaina. I often thought of going to Maui just to see this Luau.

As far as some one getting up the stage. I just want to say that hula is a 1000 year old tradition. It is connected with how the Hawaiians recorded their history (mele/chant) I have heard older hula teachers speak of chants that predicted Hawaii's future, foreign immigration ect... It is just that hula is such an important aspect of Hawaiian culture and pride why minimalize this, why miss this? Why not know something about the culture of where you are. I can?t imagine that it isn?t spectacular so I am not sure what you meant by showy. Just a thought. You can probably look up free hula shows on the island. I would think something like the kodak hula show or a show debuting at a shopping mall might serve your purpose and it will be free.
Just a thought

ps I think they wear coconut bras at smiths and Kauai Ultimate guide tells you there are no great luaus on Kauai. Remember they are probably coming from the thinking that this is a respected and revered tradtion. They say if you must go, go to smiths. I went to the website and opted not to, looks like cheese.