Luau or an expensive meal?
 

I can't decide if it's worth it to splurge on a Luau or if I should just go to a top restaurant for a romantic meal.
I'm considering the Feast at Lele, Old Lahaina Luau, or the Royal Kona Resort Luau on the Big Island (I saw that there's an Entertainment book coupon for this one, so it would be much cheaper...)
Are they cheesy or a must do?
I'll be on Maui & the Big Island and will do one expensive meal on each.
Thanks!!

Personally, I'd opt for a great meal rather than Luau. You can get the entertainment at various venues and not have to spend the $$ - we were looking for a burger king right after the luau - food was not great.

Old Lahaina Luau but I live in NYC and I can find top class food any time. Have wanted to see Old Lahaina luau for ages. Its a tough call, Chefs make a name for themselves around the world and frequently open up shop somewhere in the islands for the dream life. Still Old Lahaina Luau a more memorable experience I suspect. You will walk away with a piece of Hawaiian culture in your heart.

I live in Philly, so there are a lot of great restaurants here also. Ironically, my favorite here is Roy's!

I went to a luau and was glad I did, but because of the entertainment, not the food. Realize that a luau can cost more than just the entry fee: tips for the guys pouring your drinks, exorbitant prices for photos if you want them, etc.

That is true pb_and_J. Were you aware that what is recognized as the best French Restaurant in the US is in Philly. Stupid, but I forget the name. If I lived there though I would certainly make my way down.Also I think if you have a Roys THAN DEFINATELY make it to Old Lahaina. Roys is a favorite of mine in NYC also. PS if you have an American Express you can now use the frequent flyer points at roys. I am taking my nephew who is in College here just near the restaurant.

I went to the Old Lahaina Luau knowing that it was obviously touristy, but, for some reason, having no clue how cheesy it might be. Virtually everyone there had a camera around their necks and they were all wearing Hawaiian shirts--not really my scene. Our restaurant meals were far more memorable than the luau. It just depends on what you're into.

beachgirl who did you expect to find at luau? :):) Those people you mention are at most tourist sights in the Islands. Did you find the performance cheesy? Just curious because it is highly regarded in Hawaii. It has won awards and was tauted by the travel channel as the most authentic luau or the only authentic luau in Hawaii. Friend from the big island tells me she wants to take the trip to Maui to see it. She tells me that it is one of the few luaus that actually advertises to the residents.

We enjoyed the Old Lahaina Luau immensely, though not for its haute cuisine. There is better cuisine on Maui. OLL is very good authentic [dinner] theatre. It is extremely well regarded and a phenomenal business success. It sells out virtually every performance and does not discount its tickets. Nearly every tour guidebook, periodical and media review praises the experience. It is not inexpensive, running $85/adult (drinks, but not gratuity, included). We've been to the islands before and always skipped the luaus. Very glad we went this time, especially for our children, who cost us only $50/head (no, really) to enjoy the experience. Personally, I was not shocked to see tourists with cameras or "Hawaiian shirts" there or elsewhere in Hawaii. Also saw and spoke with a number of Hawaiians there.

Sarah- I think you're referring to Le Bec Fin owned by chef Georges Perrier.

PS- we're doing the Luau (for the kid) & the expensive meal (for us). Leave for HI in 3 weeks- can't wait to get out the the Philly brrrrr burbs!

SierrasMom, I leave Philly on the 21st!
How many more winter storms can we get between now and then??

have tried luau on 2 occasions, with family and friends, very memorable experience. true, very touristy, but i was a tourist. meal -ok, entertainment-good, experience- excellent. one of high points of many vacations was luau at Renaissance Resort in Wailea. food only mediocre, but whales breaching offshore as we enjoyed a pleasant evening.

LOL pb_and_j! We got lucky with just rain today! We leave on the 21st too- perhaps we'll cross paths at Philly Int'l- or wind up on the same plane.
"T" minus 18 days.....

My husband and I just returned from Maui. We did go to The Feast at Lele one evening and enjoyed it immensely. The setting was beautiful, the food delicious and the entertainment was terrific. We also had dinner at Roy's, Pacifico, Kimo's and The Hula Grill during our stay - and we enjoyed the food at the feast as much or more. All in all, it was a very special evening and well worth the money.

On the BI skip the luau and go to Merriman's in Kamuela, or to the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani. If you want something memorable and very Hawaiian, try dinner at the Canoe House at sunset, outdoors, with the surf floodlit. In February.

Beachgirl- Not sure why the aloha shirts bothered you... anywhere you go in Hawaii the majority of people (locals included) will be wearing them.

Even in the downtown business district they are worn by many of the men!

hi lcuy have not heard from you in a while.

If you only can do one expensive meal on each island, I'm not sure I'd do a luau. However, I have been to OLL x 3 always enjoyed it. But the Feast of Lele is much superior in entertainment, food and ambience. However, if you don't like seafood-go to OLL.
If you decide to go the resturant route, I love Pacifico's and the adjacent resturant. For some less expensive meals, go to the Barefoot bar and get appetizers. I could go every night. For cheap food with great drinks on the water, go to Aloha Mixed Plate. It's right next to OLL, and I think you actually can see some of the dancing from the resturant if you stand in the right spot
Joyce

We went to the Royal Kona Resort luau on the Big Island our first trip to Hawaii and enjoyed it. Sometimes touristy is fun. Our son, who lives on the Big Island knew the fire knife dancer, which was a thrill for our grandson. With the coupon it would not be so expensive and perhaps you could then enjoy another more romantic meal. I love the Big Island.