This year marks the 40th anniversary of Old Lahaina Luau, and while the West Maui activity has faced considerable adversity since the devastating wildfires of August 2023, the dinner show remains one of the best cultural encounters that vacationers can enjoy across the Hawaiian Islands
“You can't get a more authentic experience than what we have — on the island or even statewide,” said Kawika Freitas, director of cultural and public relations for Old Lahaina Luau. “This is an authentic Hawaiian experience through dance and food, and through the interaction between our guests and our staff.”
Take Something Hawaiian Home
During a West Maui visit last fall, I thoroughly enjoyed the roughly three-hour luau, which continues to be a terrific nightly showcase of traditional Hawaiian music, hula and cuisine that differs significantly from dinner show experiences offered elsewhere across the state.
“I call them Polynesian shows, because a lot of them dwell so much in the South Pacific,” Freitas told me during a later interview, mentioning the traditional Polynesian dances from Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and the Marquesas Islands frequently performed at other luaus. “One of our biggest complaints is that we don’t have fire dancers, who come from Samoan culture. But for us, we really want to stay true to our brand and our desire to be as authentically Hawaiian as possible.”
Old Lahaina Luau guests will be treated to an evening filled with authentic Hawaiian hula, music and food.
Credit: 2026 Old Lahaina LuauHowever, after a delicious four-course dinner — featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes along with familiar favorites — Old Lahaina Luau guests will be treated to a little Tahitian dancing, as the show’s opening scene pays homage to the first Polynesian voyagers to the Hawaiian Islands, who traveled from Tahiti. But the rest of the evening’s gorgeous performances at the stunning oceanfront venue are dedicated to either kahiko (ancient/traditional) or auana (contemporary/modern) Hawaiian hula.
As a onetime Honolulu resident (who has now been to far more luaus across the state of Hawaii than I can remember), I’ve been telling people for a long time that Old Lahaina Luau is my personal favorite because of the company’s focus on providing a wonderfully authentic Hawaiian experience.
“Our goal is to have our guests leave with something Hawaiian,” Freitas said. “Whether it was through the food, whether it was through the show or their interaction with their server and staff — we want them to take something Hawaiian home.”
Ongoing Recovery
During our interview late last month, Freitas said to me several different times, “West Maui is open.”
“We still get phone calls with people saying to us, ‘I thought Lahaina was closed,’” he added. “Maui is open. West Maui is open. There are activities, restaurants, hotels. Of course, it’s not back to normal as we slowly rebuild, but there is enough of the allure and magic of Maui that has returned.”
The devastating August 2023 Lahaina wildfire forced many of Old Lahaina Luau’s employees to relocate across Maui.
Credit: 2026 Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / John HookOld Lahaina Luau reopened to paying guests in March 2024, first offering performances five nights per week.
“For almost a year now, we've been seven nights a week, so that has been a positive,” Freitas said, noting that the fires scattered the luau’s employees across Maui. “Getting [staff] to come back wasn't easy. Some were not ready because of the trauma. Some were living on the other side of the island.”
Located on the northern end of Lahaina not far from Mala Wharf, the luau grounds were right in the middle of the August 2023 fire, according to Freitas.
“Buildings and homes burned around us,” he said. “We were fortunate that we didn't burn down — due in part, I believe, to the Cannery Mall, which is a metal structure with a big parking lot across from us, that kind of shielded us."
The August 2023 wildfires destroyed more than 2,200 Maui structures, while killing more than 100 people and causing $5.5 billion in damages, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Freitas says the highs and lows of business during Maui’s peak and shoulder travel seasons have been especially pronounced since the fire.
“Although we did not burn down, we did have extensive damage because of smoke and ash,” he said. “All the thatching had to be redone on our buildings, so there was a big expense to rebuild. We’ve been holding on pretty well since, dealing with the uncertainty in tourism. But it has been real up and down.”
Freitas is quick to warmly encourage vacationers to return to West Maui, but he also offers some guidance for travelers considering time in Lahaina.
“Please visit with respect and aloha,” he said. “We’re still dealing with homes and businesses slowly being rebuilt, including on Front Street. But there are still some areas that are only for local traffic, so please respect the places where you can go and where you can't.”
