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-   -   Old Lahaina Luau (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/old-lahaina-luau-283732/)

joneya Jan 30th, 2003 12:02 PM

Old Lahaina Luau
 
Have read many times on this board that the Old Lahaina Luau is the best luau in Maui. I will be in Maui mid-February and wish to experience my first luau. Various websites recommend advanced reservations, yet my travel agent suggests waiting to reserve until I arrive in Maui. Travel agent also advises there are discount coupons available for this luau. Those of you who have been to Maui and the Old Lahaina Luau please share your thoughts and experience. Thanks.

MMN Jan 30th, 2003 12:20 PM

Went to this Luau last July.<BR>Definitely make reservations...they assign seating based on how far in advance you reserved.<BR>I did not hear of any discounts for this unless it's changes recently.<BR>We were no impressed with the luau when we went, kind of cheesy, but I guess everyone has to do 1 luau when in Hawaii - we did....but we wouldn't do it again.

scigirl Jan 30th, 2003 01:23 PM

Discount coupons are available in the coupon books at the airport. Look for them in the baggage claim area - they are called things like 101 Things to Do on Maui or Maui This Week, etc. Old Lahina Luau is arguably the best luau in Hawaii. I've been to several (on Oahu - where I live, and on Maui). I thought OLL was the best, in terms of quality of the food and service as well as the quality of the performers. Of course luaus are a little cheesy - they are made for tourists, afterall.<BR><BR>We booked only one or two days in advance and were at a table a bit back from and to the side of the stage. The best seats are directly in front of the stage and quite close. I have no idea how far in advance you'd have to book to get one of those tables. If your schedule is flexible and you'll be on Maui for more than a few days - you could just book when you get there and go on whatever day you can get the best table. I thought our table was fine, BTW. Also, you may be able to find discount coupons online for the luau and book in advance that way.<BR><BR>Have a good trip.

Postal Jan 30th, 2003 04:48 PM

I've been to several luaus and OLL is by far the best, for both the food and the entertainment. If you really want to go to it, I recommend early reservations.

Cfast Jan 30th, 2003 05:20 PM

We've been to the Paridise Cove Luau twice. Is the Old Lahaina Luau something that we should put on our want to do list?or do you recommend just going to a nice dinner somewhere else ? The Luau is quite expensive.

Mauigirl Jan 31st, 2003 08:57 AM

I've been to Old Lahaina Luau 3 times. I've gone to about 3 other luaus, also. OLL is most authentic - you haven't seen cheesy until you go to some of the others! I would suggest booking in advance, so that you can go the night you really want to. Unfortunately, OLL does not offer discounts at this time - they used to a few years ago. Aloha!

scigirl Jan 31st, 2003 10:06 AM

OLL is MUCH nicer than Paradise Cove. I thought the luau at Paradise Cove was cheesy, unauthentic, and focused on selling as much extra stuff as possible. The male dancers didn't even seem to know hula! Most of the entertainment was 'Las Vegas' style inturpretation of Hawaiian culture. I was very disappointed in Paradise Cove (which had been recommended to me). Plus, a lot of the crowd (900+ people)when we were there was rowdy and drunk. The show had audience members getting up on stage to 'hula' - not the sort of show I want for $70. Of course, maybe I hit it on an off night - but I wasn't impressed.<BR><BR>OLL is a bit better controlled and smaller - the food is MUCH better. The crafts beforehand are authentic (made in the traditional ways). The performers are very well trained - the the show covers various forms of hula with an explanation. The performers were very professional.

nancyl Feb 22nd, 2003 02:05 AM

What is the best way to make reservations?? online or call them directly? I noticed a few different websites to make reservations...


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