Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort on Maui, Hawaii

Planning a trip to Maui and want to dive into genuine Hawaiian traditions? The Te Au Moana Luau offers a three- to four-hour journey into Polynesian culture right on Maui’s stunning coast. For $278 per person, you’ll enjoy lively performances, a family-style dinner, and unforgettable ocean vistas. The entire experience is hosted by Tihati Productions, a name well-regarded for bringing Polynesian stories to life with passion and professionalism.

We love how this luau combines cultural storytelling with a beautiful seaside setting—perfect for families, couples, or anyone curious about Hawaii’s heritage. The fire knife show is a highlight that keeps guests on the edge of their seats, while the traditional three-course feast allows you to sample Hawaiian flavors without the hassle of choosing a menu. Plus, the souvenir lei or necklace makes for a thoughtful keepsake of your evening.

One thing to consider is the price—though many reviewers agree the experience offers good value, it’s not the cheapest option available. Also, the dinner experience may not satisfy everyone, especially if you’re expecting a gourmet meal; some find it less seasoned than what they’re used to. This tour is best suited for those who want a well-rounded cultural event, enjoy oceanfront scenery, and appreciate a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Overall, if you’re eager to learn about Hawaiian traditions, love engaging performances, and enjoy spectacular sunset views, this luau is a wonderful choice. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Maui and families wanting a complete cultural evening without sacrificing comfort or scenery.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Content: Learn about Polynesian history through dance, music, and storytelling.
• Stunning Setting: Located at Wailea Beach, with beautiful ocean views and a sunset backdrop.
• Family-Style Dining: Three courses served at your table, offering local flavors in a no-hassle format.
• Engaging Performances: Dances, music, and a fiery fire knife show entertain throughout the evening.
• Souvenir Gift: Receive a traditional flower lei, kukui nut lei, or carved wooden necklace.
• Value and Atmosphere: A lively, scenic experience valued by many, though some feel it’s pricey for the food.

A Practical Look at the Experience

Location and Setting

The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort provides an ideal backdrop for this luau. Picture sitting steps from the water, watching the sun dip toward the horizon as performers dance on stage. Many reviews highlight the “great setup on the beach at sunset”, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the cultural storytelling. This is one of those moments where the scenery alone makes the experience worthwhile.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The night begins with pre-show entertainment, featuring lively music and traditional dances that help you transition into the cultural theme. This warm-up is appreciated by guests like Rohit, who noted that the “helped get us into the show with some dances”. It’s a nice touch that makes you feel more connected before the main performance.

Once seated, you’ll observe the Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide show—an energetic display that narrates stories of fishing, voyaging, gathering, and the Polynesian way of life. The dancers’ costumes, lively music, and storytelling make it more than just entertainment—they’re cultural lessons in motion. Michael B. called it an “amazing performance”, highlighting the show’s “beautiful venue” and “second to none” location.

The Dinner Experience

The meal is served tableside in three courses—a typical format that cuts down on waiting and allows you to focus on the feast. The menu features Hawaiian staples, and many reviewers, like Larry W., mention delicious dishes like macaroni potato salad and fresh pineapple. Several guests, including Dianna G., describe the food as “really good”, although some, like Leah S., found it bland and underseasoned.

A noteworthy feature is the shared lazy Susan setup at larger tables—convenient but sometimes less intimate. For those with dietary restrictions, the staff receives praise for accommodating allergies and special requests, as Victoria G. appreciated.

Entertainment and Cultural Performances

Throughout the evening, you’ll witness Polynesian dances from across Oceania, culminating in the fiery spectacle of the fire knife dance. This is a crowd favorite, with visitors like Barbara W. calling it “top notch”. The performers’ skill and energy keep the audience captivated, and the show’s informative narration adds depth, as Peggy D. pointed out.

Additional Touches and Souvenirs

A small but meaningful detail is the handing out of leis or necklaces—a traditional gesture of welcome and appreciation. Guests enjoy taking photos with dancers and receiving fun crafts like henna tattoos or leis, which add to the family-friendly vibe.

Practicalities: Costs and Logistics

Valet parking is available for $55, but self-parking is free, with validation if you exit after 8:30 pm—a helpful tip for budget-conscious visitors. The tour is limited to 15 guests, ensuring a manageable, intimate atmosphere. It’s booked about 37 days in advance on average, signaling high popularity.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This luau is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Hawaiian culture in a beautiful seaside setting. Families, first-timers, or couples looking for a memorable night with entertainment and scenery will find this a good fit. If you’re after a gourmet meal or a quieter, less crowded experience, you might want to explore other options. Still, most guests agree it offers good value for the lively, scenic, and cultural experience.

Final Thoughts

The Te Au Moana Luau is a solid choice if you’re seeking an immersive look into Polynesian traditions with the plus of a stunning oceanfront setting. The performances are lively and authentic, the location breathtaking, and the three-course meal delivers a satisfying taste of local flavors, even if it isn’t haute cuisine.

The experience’s highlight is the combination of scenic sunset views and vibrant performances, creating a perfect backdrop for your Hawaiian vacation. While some feel the price might be on the higher side, most agree the atmosphere, entertainment, and cultural insights make it worthwhile.

This luau is especially well-suited for those wanting a family-friendly event that combines storytelling, music, dance, and a scenic setting without feeling overly commercialized. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Hawaii’s heritage, enjoy a gorgeous sunset, and create lasting vacation memories.

FAQ – Your Practical Questions Answered

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the luau is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation or plan to be dropped off at the resort.

How long does the luau last?
The entire experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, including pre-show entertainment, the main performance, and dinner.

Is there parking available?
Yes, valet parking costs $55, but self-parking is free with validation if you exit after 8:30 pm.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Are the performances suitable for children?
Yes, the show is lively and family-friendly, with crafts and activities for kids. The performances are energetic and engaging.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is recommended. Many guests dress comfortably for the evening, especially considering the outdoor seaside setting.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the staff is known to accommodate allergies or special requests, which should be noted at booking.

What’s included in the ticket price?
A three-course dinner served at your table, cultural performances, a souvenir lei or necklace, and pre-show entertainment.

How crowded does it get?
Most guests find the group size intimate, with a maximum of 15 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience.

Is this experience worth the price?
Most reviews suggest yes—many appreciate the quality performances, scenic location, and cultural authenticity, viewing it as good value for a memorable evening.

Choosing the Te Au Moana Luau means opting for a lively, scenic, and educational evening that captures the spirit of Hawaii’s Polynesian roots. It’s a perfect way to end a day in Maui, leaving you with stories, sights, and flavors to remember long after you leave the island.