Booking choice: The Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock, from $218 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Ka'anapali's resorts line about three miles of beach, and four of them run luaus: Maui Nui at the Sheraton on Black Rock, Myths of Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort just north of it, and the Wailele Luau at the Westin and Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt further south.
All four follow the same evening: lei, crafts, the imu, a buffet, a Polynesian show and fire knives after dark. The choice comes down to the setting, the food, the crowd and the fine print.
The quick answer
For most visitors, the Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock: the best setting, the most bookings and a 4.4 rating from 1,765 reviews, from $218. Families should look at Myths of Maui for its keiki buffet; Wailele has the widest buffet but a non-refundable ticket; Drums of the Pacific mainly suits Hyatt guests. Staying in Wailea or Kihei? Te Au Moana is closer and better rated.
How do the four Ka'anapali luaus compare?
Same format, different strengths: Maui Nui has the Black Rock view, Myths the kids' buffet, Wailele the widest buffet and Drums the open bar.
| Luau | Resort | Meal and drinks | Rating | From | Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Nui | Sheraton, Black Rock | Buffet, drinks 21+ | 4.4 (1,765) | $218 | Free to 24 h |
| Myths of Maui | Royal Lahaina | Buffet + keiki buffet, cocktails, beer, wine | 4.0 (1,261) | $211 | Free to 24 h |
| Wailele | Westin | Buffet with 8 entrees, tropical drinks, beer, wine | 4.3 (253) | $219 | Non-refundable |
| Drums of the Pacific | Hyatt Regency | Buffet, open bar | 3.6 (103) | $211 | Free to 24 h |
Want the classic Black Rock sunset? Maui Nui is the most booked luau on the beach.
Check dates for the Maui Nui Luau at Black RockWhich Ka'anapali luau is the best?
The Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock, for most visitors: its lawn has the prettiest setting on the beach, and it is the most booked and best rated of the four.
The Sheraton's lawn looks straight at Pu'u Keka'a, where a diver lights the torches and leaps into the sea at sunset, weather permitting. Tihati Productions stages the show, and it ends with fire knives. The one caveat guests report: the back rows are a long way from the stage, so pay for VIP seating if the show matters. Full details in the Maui Nui Luau guide.
The Black Rock setting, the imu and an open buffet with drinks for 21+, from the most-booked luau in Ka'anapali.
Explore the Maui Nui Luau at Black RockWhich Ka'anapali luau is best for kids?
Myths of Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort: it bills its keiki (kids') buffet as the only one on the island and tells the stories of the demigod Maui.
You get a shell lei, cocktails, beer and wine for adults, the imu ceremony, and photos with the dancers after the show; parking is about $5. The VIP ticket adds front-section seating and first access to the buffet. At 4.0 from 1,261 reviews, guests praise the show more consistently than the food.
Is the Wailele Luau at the Westin worth it?
For food lovers whose dates are fixed: the buffet has eight entrees and a dessert station, but the Viator ticket is non-refundable and cannot be changed.
Tropical drinks, beer and wine are included, and the show tells the story of the demigod Maui through kahiko dance before a fire-knife finale. Some guests report long entry lines and a slow first hour, and the listing says the venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Dates not settled yet? Myths of Maui cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Myths of Maui LuauWhat about Drums of the Pacific at the Hyatt?
It has an open bar and a three-man fire-knife finale, but it rates lowest of the four, so it makes most sense if you are staying at the Hyatt.
The luau is held on the Hyatt's Sunset Terrace facing Ka'anapali Beach, for up to 400 guests. The buffet runs from poke and lomi lomi salmon to kalua pork, fresh catch, teriyaki chicken and paniolo beef, with haupia for dessert, and Maui Photo World takes professional photos. Rated 3.6 from 103 reviews: guests praise the dancers and some servers, while others report a slow start and uneven food.
Where are the luaus along Ka'anapali Beach?
Myths of Maui sits at the north end next to the Sheraton's Black Rock; the Westin (Wailele) and the Hyatt (Drums of the Pacific) are further south along the beach walk.
If you are staying in Ka'anapali, walk the flat, lit beach path rather than drive. If you do drive, the Sheraton's self-parking is free when the luau's QR code is scanned at the luau grounds (valet is $20 with validation), and Myths of Maui charges about $5.
What if you are staying in South Maui?
Skip the hour's drive: Te Au Moana at the Wailea Beach Marriott serves its meal at the table and is Maui's best-rated big luau.
Te Au Moana is $225 and rated 4.6 from 1,433 reviews; the stage is set so the sun goes down behind the dancers. For a smaller plated evening, the Feast at Mokapu seats about 150 from $296; on a budget, Gilligan's Island Luau in Kihei is $166.
Staying in Wailea or Kihei? Te Au Moana brings a three-course Hawaiian meal to your table.
Explore the Te Au Moana LuauHow do you get the best night at any luau?
Pay for preferred seating at the big luaus, arrive at check-in for the sunset, and go to the buffet as soon as your table is called.
Maui Nui and Te Au Moana text your table and check-in time before the day, so give a mobile number when you book, and note food allergies. Read what to wear and what a luau really costs before you pick a seat tier.
Picked Black Rock? Holiday weeks can sell out weeks ahead.
Check dates for the Maui Nui Luau at Black RockFrequently asked questions
Which is the best luau in Ka'anapali?
For most visitors, the Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock: the best setting on the beach and a 4.4 rating from 1,765 reviews. Myths of Maui is the family pick.
How many luaus are there in Ka'anapali?
Four: Maui Nui (Sheraton, Black Rock), Myths of Maui (Royal Lahaina Resort), Wailele (Westin) and Drums of the Pacific (Hyatt Regency).
Are the Ka'anapali luaus buffet or table service?
All four are buffets. For a meal served at your table, look at Te Au Moana or the Feast at Mokapu in Wailea.
Can I cancel a Ka'anapali luau ticket?
Maui Nui, Myths of Maui and Drums of the Pacific cancel free up to 24 hours before on Viator. The Wailele Luau is non-refundable.
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Choose your luau night
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock
- Fresh flower lei (or substitute) on arrival
- Imu ceremony and kalua pig from the earth oven
- Self-service Hawaiian buffet; alcoholic drinks for guests 21+
Myths of Maui Luau
- Shell lei greeting
- Cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks
- Imu ceremony and all-you-can-eat buffet, plus a keiki buffet
Te Au Moana Luau, Wailea
- Luau ticket for your chosen seating
- Three-course Hawaiian meal served tableside
- Fresh flower lei, kukui nut lei or carved necklace
