The Royal Lahaina Luau Has Reopened!
by Suzanne G., January 11, 2024
The long-awaited return of a treasured Maui institution is finally over. The Myths of Maui Luau, otherwise known as the Royal Lahaina Luau, successfully reopened on December 17, 2023.
The island’s longest-running luau is back in business and ready to dazzle and unite guests in a way that only a luau can.
Is it too soon to party?
Maui is still rebuilding and healing, but respectful travel to the island is welcome, encouraged, and appreciated by many residents.
You may be thinking that luaus at this time are a bit out of step with the current atmosphere. That may be true, but who’s to say when will be the right time? Despite the devastation, there is always much to be grateful for and cause for celebration.
Gathering, feasting, and honoring the memories and traditions of the past have always been a vital part of Hawaiian life. Myths of Maui is trying to keep that tradition alive (and keep the lights on). If you’re heading to Maui, consider going to a luau and supporting a local business – and hopefully having a great time in the process.
If you’re ready to gather with your fellow travelers and enjoy a gorgeous Maui sunset and an unforgettable night of Hawaiian food and culture, read on.
About Myths of Maui Luau (aka Royal Lahaina Luau)
The Myths of Maui Luau has been in operation since the 1970s, making it Maui’s longest-running luau show. It is located on the grounds of the Royal Lahaina Resort on beautiful Kaanapali Beach, which is why locals often refer to it as the Royal Lahaina Luau.
The luau is held outdoors and seating is uncovered. The grounds offer stunning views of the beach, the Pacific Ocean, and a killer sunset.
Myths of Maui offers two different seating packages, VIP or general admission. The VIP package offers seating closer to the stage, first crack at the buffet, and a slightly earlier admission time.
Myths of Maui Luau does not offer a shuttle service, but there is plenty of parking space available at the Royal Lahaina Resort. Parking costs $10 at the gate, but guests can also pre-pay when they make reservations for a slight discount.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Upon arrival, all luau attendees receive a warm Aloha greeting and a traditional lei. After receiving your lei and taking some photos, you’ll be serenaded by live Hawaiian music.
Be sure to take in their spectacular oceanfront view and then help yourself to a complimentary tropical drink.
Myths of Maui Luau has an open bar and offers a fantastic selection of refreshing and one-of-a-kind craft cocktails. They have a full menu of delicious signature tropical cocktails in addition to any mixed drink you could desire, though a $5 upgrade fee may apply to premium liquor. The full-service luau bar also serves a limited selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Start with Hawaiian Cultural Activities (Fun for All Ages)
Myths of Maui offers several cultural activities on the grounds before dinner gets underway. You can try your hand at weaving a headband out of coconut leaves or join the group hula lesson. (Though you may be asked to show off your dancing skills later, you’ve been warned). There’s also an imu ceremony as dinner nears. The imu is the traditional Hawaiian in-ground oven that roasts Kalua pig at all luaus.
Feast on Traditional Hawaiian Foods
The Myths of Maui Luau’s all-you-care-to-eat buffet offers a blend of traditional Hawaiian foods such as Kalua roasted pork, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, and Haupia, as well as many Asian-inspired dishes and other local favorites.
Additional entrees include Huli Huli Chicken and baked or sauteed local fish. And there are plenty of delicious sides to make it feel like a feast: stir-fried veggies, steamed rice, Molokai sweet potatoes, cucumber namasu salad, tossed green salad, and sweet Hawaiian rolls. And for dessert, there’s fresh pineapple, haupia (coconut pudding), coconut cake, and chocolate lava cake.
If that doesn’t sound like a big enough spread, Myths of Maui Luau provides the only keiki (child) friendly luau menu on Maui. Don’t be surprised to see Mac and Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, and other kid-approved options on the buffet. Likewise, Myths of Maui is happy to accommodate special diets. Myths of Maui serves several gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan items on the buffet, and they try to honor special requests when possible.
End the Evening with an Exciting Polynesian Show
After the feast, it is time to settle in for the highlight of the evening, the luau show. Myths of Maui’s production features live Hawaiian music and a talented cast of performers.
This enchanting stage production features the traditional dances and rhythms of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and Aoetera (New Zealand).
As you soak up this perfect evening under the stars, let this talented cast of dancers and musicians take you on a tour through the Polynesia of yesterday.
This show ends in spectacular style: a thrilling Samoan fire-knife dancing performance, featuring the full cast of performers. This showstopper is the perfect way to bring this incredible evening to a close.
Reserve Early, Space is Limited
If you’re heading to Maui soon and want to check out the island’s longest-running luau for yourself, be sure to make your reservations early. Myths of Maui is currently only operating two nights a week: Tuesday and Sunday. However, they will return to a full schedule, operating seven nights a week, just in time for Spring Break in March 2024. Reservations will always be required though, as space is limited, and this is a top-rated show.
Click here to make reservations or learn more about Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort!
