The Grand Luau at Honua'ula
The Grand Luau at Honua'ula
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About
Voted the #1 Best Luau in South Maui by the Maui News readers' poll, THE GRAND LUAU AT HONUA'ULA is a must-see, rich, cultural experience! Located at the award-winning Grand Wailea Resort and Spa, this luxurious setting, just steps from the sea, is truly magical!"HONUA'ULA" means "Sacred Lands" and refers to the Grand Luau's physical setting which is surrounded by the rising slopes of Haleakala and the expansive azure blue of the Pacific Ocean. Gather with your friends and family for an event destined to become the highlight of your island visit. Join in a variety of ancient Hawaiian activities and games. Discover a unique treasure at our island handicraft market. Witness the unearthing of the kalua pig from the "imu", our traditional underground oven. Sip tasty tropical drinks from our premium open bar available throughout the evening. Savor our bountiful buffet of regional cuisine with a generous variety to please everyone's palate. Dine comfortably at our intimate tables while viewing the breathtaking sunset and the star-filled skies above. Enjoy our spectacular show as THE GRAND LUAU AT HONUA'ULA brings to life the ancient stories,songs and dances of the Pacific islands. Feel the genuine touch of Aloha, under the palm trees,caressed by breezes. Experience the GRAND LUAU AT HONUA'ULA and celebrate the true magic of Maui!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
942 reviews
Excellent
372
Very good
296
Average
142
Poor
71
Terrible
61
Kelsey C
Winnipeg, Canada14 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We went to the Luau in December 23rd and had a great experience! In total there were 16 of us ranging in age from 80 to 4 years old. We all bought our tickets in Costco, 11 from the Canadian site and 5 from the US site. Making the reservation for all 16 people was not a problem at all despite all the confirmation codes. You have to call and book, you cannot enter the codes online. The person I spoke to was efficient and got us all booked very quickly.
We got to the resort an hour early and the Luau staff there was quick and efficient and we were able to secure our tables (3rd row) quickly and wander the hotel grounds.
The entertainment was great and the food was fantastic! I’ve been to both the Old Lahaina Luau and The Feast at Lele. The food here was better then the feast at Lele by far. There is less history and more entertainment value in the show here, but we didn’t care because we had to keep 5 teenagers, a 7 year old and 4 year old’s attention! The Hula lesson on stage was a great touch!
We got to the resort an hour early and the Luau staff there was quick and efficient and we were able to secure our tables (3rd row) quickly and wander the hotel grounds.
The entertainment was great and the food was fantastic! I’ve been to both the Old Lahaina Luau and The Feast at Lele. The food here was better then the feast at Lele by far. There is less history and more entertainment value in the show here, but we didn’t care because we had to keep 5 teenagers, a 7 year old and 4 year old’s attention! The Hula lesson on stage was a great touch!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelissaBradley
Fairfax, CA355 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
We've been to this show a few times over the years and my husband now will only go for the show even though the price includes food.
The show is lovely with the traditional dancers, as well as a special surprise in the trees. I don't want to say what it is and spoil it, so if you haven't read about that part yet.. don't! Just go see the show.
Another fun part is in the beginning of the show they ask all the kids to come on stage and they give them a mini hula lesson.
They have some fun humor ( especially for married couples) in the show and I believe the same or many of the same dancers have been in the show for years.
The location is excellent, set right on the beach and has real bathrooms right behind the stage so it's easy to jet into the rest room and not miss much of the show.
The view is beautiful but it gets dark by the end of the show, so take photos early if you want to. The flash doesn't help much.. as you will see from the photos I will post.
Also, they have a lovely grass area where the kids can play behind the tables as to not distract from the show.
It's set right above the beach, and they offer to take your photos for a small price that you can buy when the show is over, they take the photos of you when you arrive.
If you don't get there early you will find a lot of the hot food is only warm and it gets picked over even though they try to replenish it. Also, it looks like a lot more food but they have the same thing on each side.
And.. I'm a vegetarian for the most part so roasted pig is not appealing at all to me.
The service has always been pretty good and the staff has been friendly.
If you are picky about foods and don't like the buffet idea, you can eat a nice meal right next door at Humuhumunukunukuapua'a and then head over when the show is starting .. only get there on time or you will be seated in the back.
The fire show is excellent too.. just a classic luau. Worth the price.
Sorry for any typos. I'm multi-tasking as I write this. I have 4 kids...
If you thought this was helpful please check that little button that says so, it makes me feel good to know I'm helping people and not doing all this typing for nothing. Mahalo!
The show is lovely with the traditional dancers, as well as a special surprise in the trees. I don't want to say what it is and spoil it, so if you haven't read about that part yet.. don't! Just go see the show.
Another fun part is in the beginning of the show they ask all the kids to come on stage and they give them a mini hula lesson.
They have some fun humor ( especially for married couples) in the show and I believe the same or many of the same dancers have been in the show for years.
The location is excellent, set right on the beach and has real bathrooms right behind the stage so it's easy to jet into the rest room and not miss much of the show.
The view is beautiful but it gets dark by the end of the show, so take photos early if you want to. The flash doesn't help much.. as you will see from the photos I will post.
Also, they have a lovely grass area where the kids can play behind the tables as to not distract from the show.
It's set right above the beach, and they offer to take your photos for a small price that you can buy when the show is over, they take the photos of you when you arrive.
If you don't get there early you will find a lot of the hot food is only warm and it gets picked over even though they try to replenish it. Also, it looks like a lot more food but they have the same thing on each side.
And.. I'm a vegetarian for the most part so roasted pig is not appealing at all to me.
The service has always been pretty good and the staff has been friendly.
If you are picky about foods and don't like the buffet idea, you can eat a nice meal right next door at Humuhumunukunukuapua'a and then head over when the show is starting .. only get there on time or you will be seated in the back.
The fire show is excellent too.. just a classic luau. Worth the price.
Sorry for any typos. I'm multi-tasking as I write this. I have 4 kids...
If you thought this was helpful please check that little button that says so, it makes me feel good to know I'm helping people and not doing all this typing for nothing. Mahalo!
Written March 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Campbell09
Vancouver, Canada60 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
We went to the hotel directly to book and found that the adult ticket was $110 and the children's tickets were $60. Someone then advised me that Costco in Maui sells them; so we went to Costco and paid $79.99 for adult ticket and $42 for the kids' ticket. Costco only sells the adult ticket but there is a phone # on back of card that you phoned to purchase the kids tickets and also book the Luau at the same time. With a family of four, we've saved about $110. That is a lot of money. The food was good and the entertainment was good. We are glad we went to the Luau and happy that we bought our tickets at Costco.
Written March 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flenerg@aol.com
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Couples
Have been to many luaus in Hawaii; this one was average at best and not worth the money. We found the entertainment somewhat limited; food was good but when the main course was delivered it was luke warm. Service was OK but not great.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BevC607
Red Oak, Texas, USA122 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
I have lived on Maui, been to many Luau's on Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. I believe the Grand Wailea Luau is one of the best. HOWEVER, if you go to Kauai, the #1 luau in my book is at "The Smith's Luau"......it is outstanding.
For some of the poor reviews....all Luau's have LOTS OF PEOPLE, BUFFET STYLE...so it's not like sitting down in a restaurant and being served. These companies are producing food in mass quantities and also the drinks. A lot of luau's charge for drinks, so if you get a couple "water downed Mai Tai's"....so what....then go to the pay bar and "buy what you want".
The Grand (as we islander's call it)....is one of the most beautiful hotels on Maui. The linen table cloths with round tables is much much nicer than some of the other "picnic bench" seating where you bob you head back and forth to see the stage.
Give me a break folks, this luau is very very nice.....I've been to the Old Lahaina Luau, Royal Lahaina on Maui among others and the Grand does a good job for the tourists. They have to pay for the food, dancers, musicians, wait staff, etc.....what else would you want for one hundred bucks a person and 4 hours of the island flair.
If you don't want to pay the money and you don't like the drinks or food.....then go to the Cannery in Lahaina and watch the free Hula show instead.....you'll get an idea of the various dances explaining the history of the islands.....or go to the Lahaina Theater and see the U'lalena production in air conditioning (saw some people complaining about the heat.....so this is another option for folks).
I find 80-85 deg. all year to be quite enjoyable.....(have 2 homes, one in Maui, one in Dallas....so summer temps in Dallas can run 106....guess 80-85 deg. would be comfortable for all). No??
Mahalo for visiting one of the best islands in the world.
For some of the poor reviews....all Luau's have LOTS OF PEOPLE, BUFFET STYLE...so it's not like sitting down in a restaurant and being served. These companies are producing food in mass quantities and also the drinks. A lot of luau's charge for drinks, so if you get a couple "water downed Mai Tai's"....so what....then go to the pay bar and "buy what you want".
The Grand (as we islander's call it)....is one of the most beautiful hotels on Maui. The linen table cloths with round tables is much much nicer than some of the other "picnic bench" seating where you bob you head back and forth to see the stage.
Give me a break folks, this luau is very very nice.....I've been to the Old Lahaina Luau, Royal Lahaina on Maui among others and the Grand does a good job for the tourists. They have to pay for the food, dancers, musicians, wait staff, etc.....what else would you want for one hundred bucks a person and 4 hours of the island flair.
If you don't want to pay the money and you don't like the drinks or food.....then go to the Cannery in Lahaina and watch the free Hula show instead.....you'll get an idea of the various dances explaining the history of the islands.....or go to the Lahaina Theater and see the U'lalena production in air conditioning (saw some people complaining about the heat.....so this is another option for folks).
I find 80-85 deg. all year to be quite enjoyable.....(have 2 homes, one in Maui, one in Dallas....so summer temps in Dallas can run 106....guess 80-85 deg. would be comfortable for all). No??
Mahalo for visiting one of the best islands in the world.
Written August 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajkagain
Seattle, WA87 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
I should have realized when I saw the discounted tickets at Costco that there might be a good reason for the savings; our whole experience confirmed as much.
Let me first explain that I have previously lived in Hawaii, I worked in the wholesale travel industry there and I have taught classes in customer service. I purchased tickets for this luau because there were individuals in my group who had never experienced a luau and I thought it would be fun to revisit the Grand Wailea, where I had stayed on a previous occasion.
Our confirmation suggested we be there at 4pm, since it was "first come, first serve" for seating. When we arrived around 4:15, there were very few people there, and we were first spoken to by a gentleman who rudely told one of the members of my group of four that they couldn't stand in the line to the right since they didn't have the reservation paperwork. Although I can understand the logic of just having one member of the group do the check-in, the manner in which we were spoken to was confusing, curt and gruff and not the least bit welcoming. My guests were surprised at the rudeness.
Next came the first part of the check-in with two pleasant ladies who checked off my reservation and told me to proceed to the woman making table assignments. As I approached this woman, I heard her chatting with the guest in front of me, explaining why she thought her selection of seats would provide a good view, where the stage was in relation to the stage, etc. When this same woman turned to my ticket, she looked at it and said, "Your seats are at table 26." There was no choice, apparently, with my reservation. When I asked her to show me where that table was located and explained I had a "first timer" in the group, she said, "Well, if you want a premium seat you will need to upgrade your reservation." (It was not said in a nice way) I again asked her just to show me where the table was located -- which she never did -- but she did say it was in the fourth row, and I told her I would keep my reservations without upgrading. It was now just about 4:15pm, we were told the doors would not open until 5:30pm, but our ticket indicated that we could go to one of two bars at the Wailea for a special mai tai while we waited. When the waitress at the Molokini Bar learned that we were with the luau, we were told we would need to go to the bar to get our drinks ourselves and we were expected to sit in one particular area of the bar; apparently, the staff didn''t want to waste any time actually providing wait service for us. So I stood at the bar and ordered all the drinks for my group and we dutifully sat in the small patio area that had been designated.
At 5:30, we walked back down to the luau area and discovered there was a line of people now gathered to enter. We started to stand in the line to the left and were told that the line was for receiving our complimentary leis and to have photos taken. As we were standing there, someone advised us that because we had not paid for premium seats, we would not receive a flower lei, but a less expensive shell lei. I was really put off to discover this, as were the other members of my group and we decided that we were not interested in standing in line for a shell lei or for a photo, we would just enter the luau and take our assigned seats. We walked to the right to enter, but the lady who had previously suggested I needed to upgrade came out to tell us that we needed to "get in line." We tried to explain that we were not interested in the lei greeting or the photos and we just wanted to go to our table assignment, but she created a bit of a scene and insisted in a loud voice that we needed to get back in line with all the other people who were waiting. None of us could understand the need for this (since seats were already assigned), but we returned to the other line and received the shell leis we didn't want, while noting that this same woman was now speaking with other staff and pointing at us, as if we had committed a felony of some sort. It was a very unpleasant way to begin the evening.
Fortunately, the remainder of the staff we interacted with were very pleasant and accommodating, although the buffet food was fairly good, the dessert choices were limited to small servings of cake in five different flavors. Meh.
In terms of the show itself, I'm sure it could be considered entertaining, despite the fact that original Hawaiian dancers never wore hot neon pink plastic skirts or danced Tahitian or hung -- Cirque du Soleil style -- out of palm trees twisting in and out of drapes of material all set to Hawaiian music. It was odd to hear stories of Hawaiian legends interspersed with so much that was not Hawaiian at all, but regardless, the quality of the entertainment was overshadowed by the unpleasant and pervasive attitude that we, as luau guests, were not equal to hotel guests (who could most likely sit wherever they chose in a bar) or "premium" guests (who could have a real flower lei) or even "guests" (who should NEVER be yelled at and humiliated in front of other people.
This is not an experience I would wish on or recommend to anyone visiting Hawaii. There was no welcome ambiance at all (more like herding cattle from place to place) the cheapness of not providing a flower lei for one and all was off-putting and the Vegas style updates to the show did little to improve the presentation.
.
Let me first explain that I have previously lived in Hawaii, I worked in the wholesale travel industry there and I have taught classes in customer service. I purchased tickets for this luau because there were individuals in my group who had never experienced a luau and I thought it would be fun to revisit the Grand Wailea, where I had stayed on a previous occasion.
Our confirmation suggested we be there at 4pm, since it was "first come, first serve" for seating. When we arrived around 4:15, there were very few people there, and we were first spoken to by a gentleman who rudely told one of the members of my group of four that they couldn't stand in the line to the right since they didn't have the reservation paperwork. Although I can understand the logic of just having one member of the group do the check-in, the manner in which we were spoken to was confusing, curt and gruff and not the least bit welcoming. My guests were surprised at the rudeness.
Next came the first part of the check-in with two pleasant ladies who checked off my reservation and told me to proceed to the woman making table assignments. As I approached this woman, I heard her chatting with the guest in front of me, explaining why she thought her selection of seats would provide a good view, where the stage was in relation to the stage, etc. When this same woman turned to my ticket, she looked at it and said, "Your seats are at table 26." There was no choice, apparently, with my reservation. When I asked her to show me where that table was located and explained I had a "first timer" in the group, she said, "Well, if you want a premium seat you will need to upgrade your reservation." (It was not said in a nice way) I again asked her just to show me where the table was located -- which she never did -- but she did say it was in the fourth row, and I told her I would keep my reservations without upgrading. It was now just about 4:15pm, we were told the doors would not open until 5:30pm, but our ticket indicated that we could go to one of two bars at the Wailea for a special mai tai while we waited. When the waitress at the Molokini Bar learned that we were with the luau, we were told we would need to go to the bar to get our drinks ourselves and we were expected to sit in one particular area of the bar; apparently, the staff didn''t want to waste any time actually providing wait service for us. So I stood at the bar and ordered all the drinks for my group and we dutifully sat in the small patio area that had been designated.
At 5:30, we walked back down to the luau area and discovered there was a line of people now gathered to enter. We started to stand in the line to the left and were told that the line was for receiving our complimentary leis and to have photos taken. As we were standing there, someone advised us that because we had not paid for premium seats, we would not receive a flower lei, but a less expensive shell lei. I was really put off to discover this, as were the other members of my group and we decided that we were not interested in standing in line for a shell lei or for a photo, we would just enter the luau and take our assigned seats. We walked to the right to enter, but the lady who had previously suggested I needed to upgrade came out to tell us that we needed to "get in line." We tried to explain that we were not interested in the lei greeting or the photos and we just wanted to go to our table assignment, but she created a bit of a scene and insisted in a loud voice that we needed to get back in line with all the other people who were waiting. None of us could understand the need for this (since seats were already assigned), but we returned to the other line and received the shell leis we didn't want, while noting that this same woman was now speaking with other staff and pointing at us, as if we had committed a felony of some sort. It was a very unpleasant way to begin the evening.
Fortunately, the remainder of the staff we interacted with were very pleasant and accommodating, although the buffet food was fairly good, the dessert choices were limited to small servings of cake in five different flavors. Meh.
In terms of the show itself, I'm sure it could be considered entertaining, despite the fact that original Hawaiian dancers never wore hot neon pink plastic skirts or danced Tahitian or hung -- Cirque du Soleil style -- out of palm trees twisting in and out of drapes of material all set to Hawaiian music. It was odd to hear stories of Hawaiian legends interspersed with so much that was not Hawaiian at all, but regardless, the quality of the entertainment was overshadowed by the unpleasant and pervasive attitude that we, as luau guests, were not equal to hotel guests (who could most likely sit wherever they chose in a bar) or "premium" guests (who could have a real flower lei) or even "guests" (who should NEVER be yelled at and humiliated in front of other people.
This is not an experience I would wish on or recommend to anyone visiting Hawaii. There was no welcome ambiance at all (more like herding cattle from place to place) the cheapness of not providing a flower lei for one and all was off-putting and the Vegas style updates to the show did little to improve the presentation.
.
Written January 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldwalker79
Saskatoon, Canada30 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
There are definitely mixed reviews about this Luau on here. It seems in their first year(s) they had some kinks to work out but this year and last year they have things ironed out.
We bought our tickets through a Maui discount agency once we arrived (about 5 days a head of time) but we were also there in July which is 'low' season. If you are there in 'high' season- Nov-Feb likely best to book ahead for any of the Luau's.
The line up process can be important, but honestly all the seats were great-we were in the middle 'cluster' of tables and visual was good.
Here's what happens...bring your tickets down to the Luau entrance and be there BY 4:00pm to register, this is the more important part because the earlier you register the closer the table you will be placed at. However, this also depends on the size of your party because they have to make sure everyone gets placed and match different party sizes to fill all the tables.
You can pay extra for front tables but if you can line up to register early then you don't need to spend the extra money.
If you are not staying at this hotel plan your time properly, you'll need to arrive, park with the valet at the other end of the grounds from the main entrance, then walk through the beautiful but large hotel grounds to get to the Luau entrance which is down by the beach and get there to start lining up By 4:00pm
Line Up to Register then go wander the grounds!
** NOTE also that if you buy tickets that include free valet parking you need to have your vallet ticket stamped now-during the registration period.
Ask the guy with the clip board to stamp your ticket.
Don't forget to bring some extra dollars to tip the valets after, you'll see when you leave they are working really hard!
So now you've registered and you've been assigned a Table- the reason people go straight over to the next line that will be the entrance to the Luau at about 5:30 is because the Seats at the table are not assigned-that part is first come first serve.
But seriously, it doesn't matter that much. First - they don't begin the show until you're done eating so it's not like you'll need to turn your chair and eat on your lap. Also, everyone turns their chair so everyone is accommodating. The kids can go sit on the grass up front. It really is win win.
They don't over sell so everyone will get in and everyone will have a seat. If you really care by all means spend the 40+min standing in the sun to be the first-ish in line to claim your seats.
After this process I thought things were wonderful. Everyone got a shell necklace upon entering, you can get a pic with one of the hula girls (that they later sell to you at the standard tourist trap rate of $25).
The bars are open as soon as the gate is. Although the initial 'rush' to the bar does create a line but once everyone gets their first drink in hand there's hardly a line after that-they had 3 different bars set up. They'll pour you any drink you want, just ask them.
They have tables with vendors selling different crafts, pictures, Hawaiian items, typical touristy stuff. I found a pretty sarong there.
Bring some cash with you just in case.
They give you plenty of time to grab a drink and a seat before the pig ceremony.
The food is ready right after that. You do get called to the buffet table by table so sometimes there's a wait but they have a couple buffet lines open.
As far as I could tell not only was there enough for everyone, there was extra. They don't formally announce seconds so if you are wanting to go back just go get in line. Don't wait too long because they don't leave the food out very long.
Dessert buffet was ok, it too is not announced separately, I think it's actually ready the same time as the food so just go grab a selection. I wasn't overly impressed with any of the dessert.
The show was fun, professional, the MC was entertaining. They kept the night moving. The fire dance at the end was great.
Over all this Luau fulfilled what we were looking for and was a good price for what we got. Also a beautiful setting along the beach. We were staying in Kehei so we enjoyed that it was only about a 15 minute drive rather than the 30-45 min to Lahaina (and then have to drive that back afterward).
I would totally recommend attending this Luau.
We bought our tickets through a Maui discount agency once we arrived (about 5 days a head of time) but we were also there in July which is 'low' season. If you are there in 'high' season- Nov-Feb likely best to book ahead for any of the Luau's.
The line up process can be important, but honestly all the seats were great-we were in the middle 'cluster' of tables and visual was good.
Here's what happens...bring your tickets down to the Luau entrance and be there BY 4:00pm to register, this is the more important part because the earlier you register the closer the table you will be placed at. However, this also depends on the size of your party because they have to make sure everyone gets placed and match different party sizes to fill all the tables.
You can pay extra for front tables but if you can line up to register early then you don't need to spend the extra money.
If you are not staying at this hotel plan your time properly, you'll need to arrive, park with the valet at the other end of the grounds from the main entrance, then walk through the beautiful but large hotel grounds to get to the Luau entrance which is down by the beach and get there to start lining up By 4:00pm
Line Up to Register then go wander the grounds!
** NOTE also that if you buy tickets that include free valet parking you need to have your vallet ticket stamped now-during the registration period.
Ask the guy with the clip board to stamp your ticket.
Don't forget to bring some extra dollars to tip the valets after, you'll see when you leave they are working really hard!
So now you've registered and you've been assigned a Table- the reason people go straight over to the next line that will be the entrance to the Luau at about 5:30 is because the Seats at the table are not assigned-that part is first come first serve.
But seriously, it doesn't matter that much. First - they don't begin the show until you're done eating so it's not like you'll need to turn your chair and eat on your lap. Also, everyone turns their chair so everyone is accommodating. The kids can go sit on the grass up front. It really is win win.
They don't over sell so everyone will get in and everyone will have a seat. If you really care by all means spend the 40+min standing in the sun to be the first-ish in line to claim your seats.
After this process I thought things were wonderful. Everyone got a shell necklace upon entering, you can get a pic with one of the hula girls (that they later sell to you at the standard tourist trap rate of $25).
The bars are open as soon as the gate is. Although the initial 'rush' to the bar does create a line but once everyone gets their first drink in hand there's hardly a line after that-they had 3 different bars set up. They'll pour you any drink you want, just ask them.
They have tables with vendors selling different crafts, pictures, Hawaiian items, typical touristy stuff. I found a pretty sarong there.
Bring some cash with you just in case.
They give you plenty of time to grab a drink and a seat before the pig ceremony.
The food is ready right after that. You do get called to the buffet table by table so sometimes there's a wait but they have a couple buffet lines open.
As far as I could tell not only was there enough for everyone, there was extra. They don't formally announce seconds so if you are wanting to go back just go get in line. Don't wait too long because they don't leave the food out very long.
Dessert buffet was ok, it too is not announced separately, I think it's actually ready the same time as the food so just go grab a selection. I wasn't overly impressed with any of the dessert.
The show was fun, professional, the MC was entertaining. They kept the night moving. The fire dance at the end was great.
Over all this Luau fulfilled what we were looking for and was a good price for what we got. Also a beautiful setting along the beach. We were staying in Kehei so we enjoyed that it was only about a 15 minute drive rather than the 30-45 min to Lahaina (and then have to drive that back afterward).
I would totally recommend attending this Luau.
Written October 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie S
56 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Overall, our experience was so, so. The food was good, the performers were extremely talented and entertaining. However, my husband arrived early to check us in and the attendants made him wait while letting women behind him go first which resulted in them getting better seats even though he was in line first. When he asked the attendant what was going on, he rudely replied that here on Hawaii we let women go first. When my husband protested the man threatened to have him kicked out!! In addition, we paid extra for premium seating only to have people from back tables come up to the front and sit on the ground in front of us for the performance. We informed the attendants and they did nothing about it. Why pay much more for good seats if everyone else is allowed to come sit up front for a much cheaper price. This is the reason I only rated this two stars instead of five. Don't allow people to pay more for good seats if the luxury will be afforded to others for free. And don't allow rude attendants to ruin the experience for paying guests as well as guests also staying at the resort!!
Written August 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Three_Swords
Berlin, Germany89 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Went there yesterday and can't imagine why anyone on earth should give them a bad review. But: there a few things you should KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
1. BE THERE AT 3:30 pm and wait in line to check in - if you really are at the rope at 3:30 you will belong to the first people to check in and will be asigned the best tables.
2. PREFERRED SEATING has a seperate check in and their tables are assigned on a first come basis, too.
3. NO NEED TO BOOK PREFERRED if you are early enough to check in, because good general seating tables (3rd row center) are much better than preferred seating to the sides
4. AFTER CHECKING IN you are told to return at 5pm - do that, if you don't mind which seats you actually get at your table - if facing the stage and getting in first are important to you, return NO LATER THAN 4:15 PM AND WAIT AT THE rope
5. BRING WATER AND A HAT because the second wait to actually get in can be brutal inthe baking sun
6. IF YOU GET IN AS ONE OF THE FIRST you have NO WAIT at the open bar, the last ones to get in waited forever!
7. OPEN BAR: very good, they are happy to mix you all the standard tropical cocktails
8. IMU CEREMONY: no need to run to be in the front row of the crowd heading to the sand pit and watch the ceremony - everyone gets a chance to take a photo of the pig
9. THE BUFFET: very good, try everything! Mahimahi, pork, chicken, papaya salad, macadamia nut butter, ahi poke and the desserts (recommend the pineapple upside down and the coconut cake) were exceltionally good - THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD for every guest - YOU CAN GO MORE THAN ONCE
10. THE SHOW: we were very skeptical about the show before we went. But: the show was perfect. The singers, the dancers, the story told, and... the fire dancers. The show was STUNNING and everybody seemed to be perfectly entertained.
I have not seen the other luaus but this one seemed perfect enough. The GROUNDS OF THE GRAND WAILEA can't be beat. DRINKS, FOOD, SHOW PERFECT! ... GO!
1. BE THERE AT 3:30 pm and wait in line to check in - if you really are at the rope at 3:30 you will belong to the first people to check in and will be asigned the best tables.
2. PREFERRED SEATING has a seperate check in and their tables are assigned on a first come basis, too.
3. NO NEED TO BOOK PREFERRED if you are early enough to check in, because good general seating tables (3rd row center) are much better than preferred seating to the sides
4. AFTER CHECKING IN you are told to return at 5pm - do that, if you don't mind which seats you actually get at your table - if facing the stage and getting in first are important to you, return NO LATER THAN 4:15 PM AND WAIT AT THE rope
5. BRING WATER AND A HAT because the second wait to actually get in can be brutal inthe baking sun
6. IF YOU GET IN AS ONE OF THE FIRST you have NO WAIT at the open bar, the last ones to get in waited forever!
7. OPEN BAR: very good, they are happy to mix you all the standard tropical cocktails
8. IMU CEREMONY: no need to run to be in the front row of the crowd heading to the sand pit and watch the ceremony - everyone gets a chance to take a photo of the pig
9. THE BUFFET: very good, try everything! Mahimahi, pork, chicken, papaya salad, macadamia nut butter, ahi poke and the desserts (recommend the pineapple upside down and the coconut cake) were exceltionally good - THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD for every guest - YOU CAN GO MORE THAN ONCE
10. THE SHOW: we were very skeptical about the show before we went. But: the show was perfect. The singers, the dancers, the story told, and... the fire dancers. The show was STUNNING and everybody seemed to be perfectly entertained.
I have not seen the other luaus but this one seemed perfect enough. The GROUNDS OF THE GRAND WAILEA can't be beat. DRINKS, FOOD, SHOW PERFECT! ... GO!
Written July 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJL369
New York101 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
We were originally booked for the Feast at Lele in Lahaina, but after driving to Lahaina one night for dinner and realizing how far a drive it was from our hotel in Wailea, we decided to find a closer luau to our hotel. The reason we booked the Feast at Lele was for the assigned seats, individual tables and waiter service, but we decided to do without in the name of convenience. We did buy the premium tickets though, which is probably why we had a great experience. We made sure to be there at 4pm and we were rewarded with the front row-center table. I think if we were sitting elsewhere, it would not have been as great. We also had great tablemates, so we all enjoyed. It was extremely annoying that once we got our table assignment, we had to kill an hour before the luau officially opened and we were allowed to go in. Once we were in, we had our choice of fresh flower or shell lei, took a picture with some of the dancers and then had the open bar. The drinks were ok - a bit underwhelming and not very special - and a huge line quickly formed at the bar. The buffet was decent and there was plenty for all of us to eat. They did the pig ceremony, but I don't think that anyone got to eat the actual pig that was in the ground because right after the ceremony, the buffet opened. I'm still not sure what happened to that pig. The show was very entertaining -- especially the fire dancers at the end. All in all, we had a very good time.
Written January 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cris B
Yuba City, CA
Hello,
What days does the luau perform? Thanks!
Aqualani W
Maui, HI15 contributions
Aloha! You are welcome to check our website for our most recent schedule, email us, or call. We do not always have set nights but typically do 5 nights a week. phone: 808-875-7710.
Hope this helps!
Mahalo,
Stephanie T
The Grand Luau at Honua'ula
Stephanie A
United States3 contributions
Can someone with a costco membership purchase the voucher at the discounted price for someone (like myself) without a membership?
Aqualani W
Maui, HI15 contributions
Thank you for the question! Costco members can purchase tickets for themselves any any number
Of guests( even if they are not Costco).
gopcs
Nashville, TN64 contributions
As I recall, the main reason for getting in a line is for them to take your photo, and of course, sell you a picture. After taking the photo they escorted us to our table.
Aqualani W
Maui, HI15 contributions
Aloha!
Thank you for the question. We have the lines to help organize the guests through the check in point where they are then routed to take a quick picture with our staff in costume as many guests love those photos for Christmas and Holiday cards! After that point we then have staff ready to help seat all guests and point them to their tables. Hope this helps. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me.
Stephanie T
The Grand Luau at Honua'ula
thinze3
Houston, TX14 contributions
Hello. Just wondering if you can buy the VIP tickets at Costco? OR can you upgrade?
Thanks, th
Aqualani W
Maui, HI15 contributions
Aloha! Yes to both! We also do have a direct booking special this month when you book by phone or on our website with code direct20 to receive 20% off your entire reservation. This special does not apply to booking with outside vendors such as Costco.
banditoo
Langley, Canada2,345 contributions
Do they invite children up on the stage to try the hula? If not buying premium tickets, is there an option still to get a fresh flower lei and if so for what price?
Aqualani W
Maui, HI15 contributions
Aloha!
Thank you for inquiring with The Grand Luau at Honua'ula. The fresh flower leis that are sold separately are based on flower prices that day. They range from $10-$30.00 depending on the kind of flower etc.
All guests who purchase premium seating receive a fresh orchid Lei.
Hope to see you soon!
frank h
Hackensack, NJ5 contributions
If I purchase the premium seats do I need to get there as early?
KO_from_Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada5 contributions
If you need to upgrade, go early as there are limited premium seats. It is $20 more but I think it was worth it. You can’t get in till 5pm and the line is long but you only get your drinks after you are in. So line up by 4:45 and you should be fine.
Alex L
2 contributions
Hi James, read your reviews and thank you for sharing. we travelling in Maui In a couple weeks, what's the deal at Costco?
nayarewind
Edmonds, WA17 contributions
I looked on Costco, before booking it directly, and the Costco ones don't specify if they're for premium seating. I figured it was safe to assume they weren't, and I specifically wanted to have that. I also read complaints, on the Costco website, that people who booked through Costco had a bad experience because they were treated differently.
Erin H
Stayton, OR
What kind of prices are we looking at for our family to attend a luau?
mike60521
Hinsdale, IL189 contributions
There are two levels of pricing, Premium and Standard. The Premium tickets are closer to the stage and tend to be more towards the middle. My guess is first two rows of tables are Premium. Premium also has assigned tables so you don’t need to get in line early to then get assigned a table on what seems to be first come / first seat basis. The ticket process for Standard is a bit confusing and I think people tend to start lining up around 4PM to get their table assignment and then come back later when the Luau opens. The food and stuff is the same for everyone.
Premium seating is $140 / adult and $100 / child — lower if under 5.
Standard seating is $100 / adult and $75 / child — free if under 5.
Here’s the interesting thing. If you’re Premium they give everyone in your group a free lei which runs around $10(?) if you need to purchase one as a Standard.
