Get a glimpse of ancient Polynesia through authentic traditional dances and music.
See and learn how they lived their lives in the past when dancing was not just a form of entertainment but to tell a story. Join Wailele Luau in an unforgettable evening filled with world-class performances, delicious cuisines, overflowing refreshing island cocktails, fun, and laughter!
Held at The Westin Maui Resort and Spa’s Aloha Pavilion, the setting is so perfect that you are surrounded by lush tropical greenery while listening to the relaxing sounds of waterfalls gazing at the beautiful color of the Maui sunset and breathtaking ocean views.
Just like any other luaus, some friendly staff will welcome you with a warm lei shell greeting – one of Hawaiians’ ways to show hospitality. Did you know that there are unspoken rules for wearing a lei? First of all, you should never refuse a lei greeting because it is an act of appreciation. The proper way to wear it is to drape over your shoulders and allow it to hang down both in front and in the back. It is also rude to remove the lei in front of the person who gave it to you but if you must, do it discreetly.
You will also receive a complimentary Mai Tai as soon as you arrive. Other beverages are freely served throughout the evening, including Blue Hawaiian, the famous Westin Sunset, sodas, and fruit juices. When the sun starts to dip down the horizon, the event begins. Have you heard about the “Story of Pele and Maui?” You will listen to it here in the luau by a well-versed local. According to the Hawaiian legend, Maui and Pele created Hawaii. Nowadays, local stories say that the goddess of fire, Pele, still lives in Hawaii as the goddess of volcanoes with the smell of sulfur as proof. When it’s time for dinner, you will feast on an eat-all-you-can buffet, including Lomi Lomi salmon, Kula island greens, salad, island Poi, Huli Huli, chicken, desserts, and many more!
After this, traditional music fills the air as the performers in their authentic, vibrant costumes take over the stage and entertain you with different Polynesian nations’ dances. Sit back and relax and watch as they gracefully shake their hips like the early Tahitians did. Dancing has been a part of the Tahitians’ culture. In the early times, they used it to challenge an enemy, entice a lover, or even pray. Learning the dance was not easy, so ancient Tahitians started learning it from their toddler years and grew up as a part of their daily lives.
In addition to Hawaii’s dances, you would also watch how the early Fijians and natives of New Zealand told stories through dancing. Meke dance is the traditional dance of the island of Fiji – a combination of dance and storytelling through songs. As a finale, brace yourself for an extreme Samoan fire-knife dance! Also called Siva Afi in Samoan, it involves a Samoan weapon called nifo oti or war knife. The performers will twirl the weapon while performing acrobatic tricks and then set the stage on fire, which will truly have you on the edge of your seat.
Wailele Luau Packages
PREMIUM SEATING: Seating is the front section of the seating area. Tables are assigned based on when you make your reservation.
STANDARD SEATING: Seating is behind the premium section and to the sides. Tables are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis on the day of the luau.
Wailele Luau Highlights
- Warm lei greeting
- Immerse in an exciting journey to the Polynesian Islands – storytelling through music
- All-you-can-eat buffet dinner and free open bar
- Polynesian show, including Maui’s most extreme troupe of fire-knife dancers
Wailele Luau Buffet Menu
- Lomi Lomi Salmon: Salt-Cured Salmon, Kula Tomatoes, Maui Onion, and Scallions
- Pipikaula Poke: Peppered Dry Beef Seaweed, Sesame, and Soy Sauce
- Cucumber Seaweed Salad
- Kula Island Greens
- Hawaiian-Style Potato Macaroni Salad
- Maui Gold Pineapple
- Island Poi
- Taro and French Dinner Rolls
- Kalua Pua’a: Slow-Roasted Pork
- Huli Huli Chicken: Guava Barbeque Sauce
- Steamed I’a: Fish, Ginger, Tomato Relish
- Pa’ia Dry Mein Noodles: Plantation-Style Noodles, Upcountry Vegetables
- Molokai Sweet Potatoes
- Steamed Sticky Rice
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Chocolate Chantilly Cake
- Lilikoi Cheesecake
- Coconut Raspberry Cake
GLUTEN/CELIAC OPTION: Plain Chicken Breast w/ Grilled Veggies Chef’s Choice and Fruit Platter
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN OPTION: Chef’s Choice Grilled Veggies
THANKSGIVING DAY: Added to the regular luau menu is Local Maui Rum and Brined Turkey, Roasted Giblet Gravy, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Pumpkin Caramel Macadamia Cheesecake
*Note: Menu is subject to change without notice. All items are made in a kitchen where nuts are present. If there is a food allergy/meal request, please notate it next to your party name and if it is for a child or adult.
Special Instructions
- Check-in Location and Time:
April 1st – September 30th: Check-in time is 5:30 pm. The line usually begins forming by 5:15 pm. Luau ends around 8:30 pm.
October 1st – March 31st: Check-in time is 5:00 pm. The line usually begins forming by 4:45 pm. Luau ends around 8:00 pm.
DIRECTIONS:
After entering the Westin Maui Resort and Spa through the main entrance, turn left in the main lobby. Continue down the Art Walk past the gift shops and Business Center, then make a right at the end of the corridor. Guests will be checked in at the entrance of the Aloha Pavilion.
- Restrictions: Prices, dates, times, and menu subject to change without notice. The hotel reserves the right to cancel the luau no later than 12:00 pm on the event day due to pending weather conditions or other restrictions.
For those with strict dietary allergies or needs, please call as soon as possible to be able to accommodate them.
- Special Notes: The luau offers $15 self-parking validation. Alternatively, pay parking is available at the Whalers Village next to the resort. Parking rates at Whalers Village are $6.00 per hour (subject to change without notice). You may be able to get the parking ticket validated if you shop at Whalers Village prior to the luau. A complimentary shuttle service is available for guests staying at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas and The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa.
- Operations: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
- Duration: 3 hours