13 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.

Grammy-winning musician George Kahumoku Jr. hosts this program on Wednesday, as well as some Saturdays, which features a rotating lineup of the island's finest slack-key artists as well as other traditional forms of Hawaiian music. The setup at Aloha Pavilion is humble, but you'll enjoy these beloved musicians in an intimate setting.

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.

This hub of all highbrow arts features everything from hip-hop and reggae performances and Hawaiian slack-key guitar shows to international dance and circus troupes. The complex includes the 350-seat McCoy Theater, the 1,200-seat Castle Theater, the Schaefer International Gallery, and the elegant Yokouchi Pavilion, used for outdoor concerts. There's also a courtyard café for preshow dining and drinks.

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.

In June events for this festival are held at various resorts and restaurants in Kapalua and draw celebrated chefs, sommeliers, industry insiders, and foodies for themed tastings, wine seminars, and evening galas. You can book tickets to individual events or a festival package; tickets can be purchased online or, as the date of the event nears, at specific venues.

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.

A 65-foot catamaran built specifically for Maui's waters, the Pride of Maui has a spacious cabin for live entertainment, a dance floor, and a large upper deck for unobstructed sightseeing. Evening cruises include Polynesian dance performances, top-shelf cocktails, and an impressive spread that's cooked onboard and includes baby back ribs, stir-fried vegetables, and shoyu chicken, plus seasonal desserts.

The oceanfront Aloha Pavilion at the Westin provides a picturesque setting for this Polynesian feast. Seating is family style, and on a first-come basis, although premium tickets get reserved seating and slightly better views. A buffet of traditional dishes such as kalua pork and ahi poke (pickled raw yellowfin tuna salad) precede the dessert spread. The performance showcases stories of the demi-god Maui, traditional costumes, hula kahiko, and a pulse-raising fire-knife dance finale.

You can spread out on deck and enjoy the gentle trade winds on this 47-foot catamaran. Cruises are limited to groups of 24, and children two and younger are free. An easygoing attentive crew will serve you hot and cold pupu, along with beer, wine, mai tais, and champagne at sunset.