7 Best Performing Arts Venues in Maui, Hawaii

Held annually between mid-June and early July, this international festival attracts big-name celebrities who visit Maui for cinema and soirées under the stars around Wailea and at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. The not-to-be-missed outdoor Celestial Cinema in Wailea turns golf greens into a spectacular theater under the stars.

Many consider this to be the best luau on Maui, and most agree that it's certainly the most traditional. Sitting either at a table or on a lauhala (mat made of leaves), you dine on Hawaiian dishes such as pork laulau (wrapped with taro sprouts in ti leaves), ahi poke (raw yellowfin tuna salad), lomi lomi salmon (traditional diced side dish), and haupia (coconut pudding). At sunset, the historical journey touches on the arrival of the Polynesians, the influence of missionaries and, later, the advent of tourism. Talented performers will charm you with beautiful music, powerful chanting, and a variety of hula styles, from kahiko, the ancient way of communicating with the gods, to auana, the modern hula. You won't see fire dancers here, as they aren't considered traditional. This luau sells out regularly, so make reservations before your trip to Maui.

The name, which means "ocean tide," is a nod to the breathtaking backdrop for this luau at Wailea Beach Resort. The tasty family-style dinner covers all of the luau staples including a variety of desserts, and there's an open bar. Longtime local entertainment company, Tihati Productions, seamlessly intertwines ancient Hawaiian stories and contemporary songs with traditional hula and Polynesian dances, concluding with a jaw-dropping, solo, fire-knife dance.

By Kaanapali Beach, this luau shines in every category—convenient parking; good food; and a nicely paced program that touches on Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Fijian, Tongan, and Maori cultures. Some guests get tickled by the onstage audience hula tutorial. The finale features three fire-knife dancers. You'll feast on delicious Hawaiian delicacies like teriyaki steak, oven-roasted mahi mahi (dolphinfish), and Pacific ahi poke (pickled raw yellowfin tuna, tossed with herbs and seasonings). The dessert spread consists of chocolate and coconut indulgences. An open bar offers beer, seltzer, wine, and standard tropical mixes.

With Wailea Beach as the backdrop, this colorful, fiery luau features classic dishes such as poi, kalua pig, poke, and haupia, as well as performances that highlight Maui's legends and showcase traditional ceremonies and music. Hula lessons are also part of the program, making this an interactive experience.

Founded in 1974, this nonprofit performing arts group offers theatrical productions, as well as dance and drama classes for children and teens. Recent shows have included Alice in Wonderland, Into the Woods, Nutcracker Sweets, Songs for a New World, and Disney's Frozen, Jr.

Based at the Historic Iao Theater, this nonprofit outfit stages several shows each season. Performances alternate between benefit concerts, plays, poetry slams, comedy nights, and more. The audience is mostly locals, but visitors are always welcome. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.