Maui Nui Luau Kaanapali: Polynesian Dances & Buffet

Watch fire-knife dancers and island traditions unfold on the Kaanapali sand

Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali is a three-hour evening activity featuring live Polynesian dances, a self-service Hawaiian buffet, and an open bar, set on the beachfront at sunset. The luau includes a fresh flower lei, live music and demonstrations, and a presentation by Tihati Productions. Start and end times shift with the sunset and crowd size throughout the year. Infants and toddlers under five are free if included in your headcount, and the grounds are fully wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening Polynesian Luau Experience

• Enjoy beachfront sunset view
• Partake in self-service buffet
• Drink from open bar
• Watch exotic Polynesian dances
• See Samoan Fire-knife dance

The experience

Kaanapali's Maui Nui Luau opens as the sun drops toward the ocean. You arrive to a beachfront setting where the evening begins with sunset views, then moves into the buffet and bar while the stage fills with dancers from across Polynesia. The centerpiece is the Samoan fire-knife dance (the kind of performance that stops conversation) alongside traditional music and on-stage demonstrations that run through the night. Everything is live and presented by Tihati Productions, the company that has run this luau for years.

The self-service buffet centers on kalua pig cooked in an imu oven right on the grounds. The menu shifts seasonally and includes Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Guests 21 and older pour from an open bar throughout the evening. You'll wear a fresh flower lei (or a substitute if flowers run short), and the whole thing is built for all ages: infants ride in strollers, and the grounds have no stairs or barriers. Tables seat up to twelve. Larger parties split across adjacent tables. Free self-parking comes with a QR code you scan at the luau grounds. Valet parking is available for $20 with validation if you choose it at checkout.

The luau is outdoors, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the daylight hours. Dress code is aloha casual. Two days before your activity, you'll get a text with your table assignment and check-in time. Make sure to provide a phone number that can receive messages when you book. Flash photography and videography aren't allowed during the performances, to protect the cast.

What’s included

• Live Hawaiian music and on-stage demonstrations.
• fresh flower lei (or substitute based on availability).
• self-service Hawaiian buffet with kalua pig cooked on-site.
• open bar for guests 21 and older.
• Tihati Productions' Maui Nui presentation featuring Polynesian dances including the Samoan fire-knife dance.
• free self-parking with QR code validation at the luau grounds.

Options for this experience

2 options

Standard SeatingGuide in English · 16:30 and 18:00Seating for the standard luau

Preferred SeatingGuide in English · 16:30 and 18:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and FridayDepartures at 16:30 and 18:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tihati Productions Ltd.

Is this one for you?Choose Preferred Seating if you want a closer view of the stage and dancers. Standard Seating places you further back but still within the beachfront venue. Both options include the full buffet, open bar, and performances. The difference is your table's proximity to the action.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Maui Nui Luau start and end each night?

Start and end times vary throughout the year depending on the sunset, crowd size, and weather. The luau runs for three hours total. You'll receive your exact check-in time by text message two days before your activity.

What's included in the self-service buffet at the Kaanapali luau?

The buffet features Hawaiian-inspired dishes centered on kalua pig cooked in an imu oven on the grounds. The menu is subject to change seasonally. If you have food allergies, note them at the time of booking so the staff can assist you.

Is there a difference between Preferred Seating and Standard Seating?

Preferred Seating and Standard Seating are the two options available at checkout. Both include the full luau experience: buffet, open bar, performances, and lei. Your choice determines your table location within the beachfront venue.

Is the luau grounds accessible for guests with mobility needs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa luau grounds are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed. If you need assistance getting to the luau grounds, make that request at the bell desk when you arrive.

What should I wear and bring to the Maui Nui Luau?

Dress code is aloha casual. Since the luau is outdoors, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are strongly recommended, especially during the daylight hours before sunset. The evening can cool down, so a light layer is practical.