Booking choice: The Maui Nui Luau at Black Rock, from $218 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Every Maui luau is held outdoors, starting in the late-afternoon sun and ending after dark on a lawn by the sea. Dress for both ends of the evening.
The dress codes below come from the luaus' own listings; the rest comes from what guests say they wish they had packed.
The quick answer
Aloha or resort casual: an aloha shirt with shorts or light trousers, or a sundress, with sandals or flat shoes. Luaus are on lawns, the wind picks up after dark, and they run in light rain, so bring a light layer. Skip swimwear and heels.
What is the dress code for a Maui luau?
Aloha or resort casual at every luau listed here: a step up from beachwear, well short of formal.
Maui Nui asks for aloha casual, Myths of Maui and Gilligan's for resort wear, and Te Au Moana for smart casual. Swimwear and wet beach clothes are out. You will see plenty of brand-new aloha shirts and flower crowns, and nobody minds.
Aloha casual and a light layer is all Maui Nui asks.
Check dates for the Maui Nui Luau at Black RockWhat should men wear to a luau?
An aloha shirt with shorts or light chinos, and sandals or casual shoes.
Long trousers are fine but rarely needed; a linen or cotton shirt works if you do not own an aloha print. Leave the tank top for the beach.
What should women wear to a luau?
A sundress, or a skirt or light trousers with a top, and flat sandals; a flower in your hair fits right in.
Choose fabrics that cope with the late-afternoon heat and add a wrap for later. Long, floaty hems and the damp lawn do not always mix, so mid-length is easiest.
What shoes should you wear to a luau?
Flat sandals or casual shoes: luaus are held on lawns that can be damp at dusk, and heels sink.
Some venues involve a walk: at Te Au Moana, guests report a long walk from the car park across the resort, so comfortable shoes matter there most.
Staying south? Te Au Moana asks for smart casual and serves dinner at your table.
Explore the Te Au Moana LuauDo you need a jacket at a luau?
Bring a light layer: the trade winds pick up once the sun has gone, and guests at the Hyatt and Black Rock recommend a jacket or wrap.
The start is the opposite problem: pre-show activities happen in the late sun, so the Maui Nui listing strongly recommends a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
What should you wear if it rains?
A compact rain layer: luaus usually go ahead in light rain, and Myths of Maui says it operates in all weather.
Guests report being handed rain gear at Myths of Maui, and wet tables after a shower at Wailele. In heavy weather the venue can move, delay or cancel the luau and will contact you. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before is the easiest hedge when the forecast looks poor.
Unsure about the forecast? Myths of Maui cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the Myths of Maui LuauWhat should you bring to a luau?
ID for drinks, sun protection for the pre-show, bug spray for the lawn and a charged phone for the sunset and the fire knives.
- Photo ID if you want alcohol: drinks are for guests 21+.
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for the pre-show.
- Insect repellent: guests at the lawn luaus mention bugs at dusk.
- A card or some cash for souvenir photos and crafts.
- A small bag only: tables are shared.
What should you wear on a sunset dinner cruise instead?
Shorts and a light jacket: the Ka'anapali Beach boats board from the sand, so expect wet feet and a barefoot deck.
Gemini recommends shorts and a light jacket, and guests on both beach boats report wading into the waves to board. More in luau or sunset cruise.
Would you rather be on the water? The Sea Maui cruise boards right off Ka'anapali Beach.
Check dates for the Sea Maui dinner cruiseFrequently asked questions
Can I wear a Hawaiian shirt to a luau?
Yes. An aloha shirt is the standard luau outfit for men and women alike.
Can I wear jeans to a luau?
Yes, but the late-afternoon start is warm; shorts, light trousers or a sundress are more comfortable.
Do I need to bring a lei?
No. Most luaus give you one at check-in: a fresh flower lei at Maui Nui (or a substitute), a shell lei at Myths of Maui.
Is there a dress code on luau nights at the resorts?
Aloha or resort casual. Swimwear and wet beach clothes are not appropriate.
Ready to book
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
