Fodor's Maui (2016)
Main Table of Contents
The Scene
Nightlife
Performing Arts
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Updated by Lehia Apana
Looking for wild island nightlife? This island has little of Waikiki’s after-hours decadence, and the club scene can be quirky, depending on the season and the day of the week. But Maui will surprise you with a big-name concert or world-class DJ, and local block parties are always entertaining. Outdoor music festivals are usually held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, or even a randomly scouted performance space in Hana.
Block parties in each town happen on Friday, with Wailuku leading the pack. Main streets are blocked for local bands, food vendors, and street performers, and it’s a family-friendly affair. Lahaina, Paia, and Kihei are your best bets for action. Lahaina tries to uphold its reputation as a party town, and succeeds every Halloween when thousands of masqueraders converge for a Mardi Gras-style party on Front Street. Kihei has more club venues for live music but can attract something of a rough-and-tumble crowd in parts. On the right night, the towns stir with activity, and if you don’t like one scene, there’s always next door.
Outside Lahaina and Kihei, you might be able to hit an “on” night in Paia (North Shore) or Makawao (Upcountry). Charley’s in Paia is the go-to venue for mainland and international DJs looking to play an intimate set. But generally these towns are on the mellow side. Your best option? Pick up the free Maui Time Weekly, or Thursday’s edition of the Maui News, where you can find a listing of all your after-dark options islandwide.
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West Maui | South Shore | Upcountry | North Shore
Your best bet when it comes to bars on Maui? If you walk by and it sounds like it’s happening, go in. If you want to scope out your options in advance, check the free Maui Time Weekly, available at most stores and restaurants, to find out who’s playing where. The resorts and their bars and restaurants often have a good scene, too. The Maui News also publishes an entertainment schedule in its Thursday edition of the “Maui Scene.” With an open mind (and a little luck), you can usually find some fun.
WEST MAUI
With a few exceptions, West Maui’s Lahaina nightlife is mellow. To find entertainment from local musicians to contemporary DJs, hop around town for your choice of scene.
LAHAINA
Bars and Restaurants
Cheeseburger in Paradise.
A chain joint on Front Street, this place is known for—what else?—big beefy cheeseburgers, not to mention a great spinach-nut burger. It’s a casual place to start your evening, as they have live music (usually classic or contemporary rock) until 10:30 pm. The second-floor balcony gives you a bird’s-eye view of Lahaina’s Front Street action. | 811 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/661-4855 | www.cheeseburgernation.com .
Cool Cat Café.
You could easily miss this casual 1950s-style diner while strolling through Lahaina. Tucked in the second floor of the Wharf Cinema Center, its semi-outdoor area plays host to rockin’ local music nightly until 9:30 pm. The entertainment lineup covers jazz, contemporary Hawaiian, and traditional island rhythms. It doesn’t hurt that the kitchen dishes out specialty burgers, fish that’s fresh from the harbor, and delicious homemade sauces from the owner’s family recipes. | 658 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/667-0908 | www.coolcatcafe.com .
Spanky’s Riptide.
A casual sports-bar crowd gravitates here for pau hana (after-work get-together) and a game of pool. The bottle shop offers more than 30 beers and there are at least six on tap. There’s no cover, the 11 televisions throughout the bar play all the sports packages, and you can help yourself to the condiment stand when you order a dawg. | 505 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/667-2337 | www.spankysmaui.com .
KAPALUA
Bars and Restaurants
Alaloa Lounge.
When ambience weighs heavy on the priority list, this spot at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, might just be the ticket. Nightly performances range from jazz to island rhythms Thursday-Monday. The menu includes a fantastic seared filet mignon on a pretzel roll, and Kai Sushi’s artisanal creations are available to order. Step onto the lanai for that plumeria-tinged Hawaiian air and gaze at the deep blue of the Pacific. | The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr. | Kapalua | 808/669-6200 | www.ritzcarlton.com .
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
Sansei has stayed a favorite among locals and visitors for years. The atmosphere is always spirited, and if you’re more prone to doing the entertaining yourself, you can indulge in some mai tai-induced karaoke on Thursday and Friday nights and get 50% off fresh sushi at the same time. | 600 Office Rd. | Kapalua | 808/669-6286 | www.sanseihawaii.com | 5:15 pm-1 am, karaoke at 10 pm .
SOUTH SHORE
If you’re staying on the South Shore, you can find some great casual venues for live music but only a few options for dancing.
KIHEI
Bars and Restaurants
Fodor’s Choice | Ambrosia Martini Lounge.
A South Maui favorite, Ambrosia is a lively hangout for house music and old-school jams, as well as the occasional absinthe drink. It’s the size of a living room, but mixology is given more consideration here than at other venues. | 1913 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 808/891-1011 | www.ambrosiamaui.com | Mon.-Wed. 7 pm-1:30 am, Thurs.-Sun. 7 pm-1:45 am .
Kahale’s Beach Club.
A friendly, festive dive bar, Kahale’s hosts live music nightly (including funk, country, and rock) and greasy grub until the early morning hours. | 36 Keala Pl. | Kihei | 808/875-7711 .
Life’s a Beach.
This place brings in a young bunch looking to par-tay. Wednesday and Friday nights feature classic rock; a DJ presides over Thursday night; and Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights are for karaoke. Wednesday is also open-mike night, when aspiring local musicians come to jam. | 1913 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 808/891-8010 | www.mauibars.com .
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
The fun atmosphere here is just as popular among locals and visitors, and the feel of the place is brighter and more casual than the resort-style polish of its sister restaurant in Kapalua. It always draws a good crowd on karaoke nights (Thursday-Saturday) when sushi and appetizers are half off 10 pm-1 am. | 1881 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 808/879-0004 | www.sanseihawaii.com .
South Shore Tiki Lounge.
Good eats are paired with cool tunes in this breezy, tropical tavern. Local acts and DJs are featured most evenings; if you’re craving reggae, Tuesday is your night. Thursday features Top 40 hits. Happy hour specials run 11 am-6 pm. | Kihei Kalama Village, 1913-J S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei | 808/874-6444 | www.southshoretikilounge.com .
WAILEA
Bars and Restaurants
Fodor’s Choice | Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort Maui.
This lofty resort’s lobby lounge is perfect when you want live Hawaiian music, a bit of hula, and freshly prepared sushi all in one sitting. If you’re not in the mood for a ceremonius sit-down meal but still crave something out of the ordinary, the place is perfect for a quick bite. The artisanal cocktails are well done and highlight locally distilled spirits. Gorgeous orange ceilings, stark-white stone columns, and modern wicker furnishing pull off the understated look quite well. The fiery sunset over Lanai isn’t too shabby either. | Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea | 808/874-8000 | www.fourseasons.com .
Mulligan’s on the Blue.
Frothy pints of Guinness and late-night fish-and-chips—who could ask for more? Sunday nights feature foot-stomping Irish jams that will have you dancing a jig, and singing something about “a whiskey for me-Johnny.” Local favorite Willie K. performs most Wednesdays; other nights bring in various local bands. | Wailea Old Blue Golf Course, 100 Kaukahi St. | Wailea | 808/874-1131 | www.mulligansontheblue.com .
UPCOUNTRY
This part of Maui is quite mellow, with a more local scene.
MAKAWAO
Bars and Restaurants
Casanova Italian Restaurant & Deli.
Casanova sometimes brings big acts and electronic dance music DJs from the mainland. Most Friday and Saturday nights attract a hip, local scene with live bands and eclectic DJs spinning house, funk, and world music. Wednesday is for Wild Wahine (code for “ladies get in free”), which can be on the smarmy side, but hey, vacation is a no-udgment zone. There’s a $5-$20 cover. | 1188 Makawao Ave. | Makawao | 808/572-0220 | www.casanovamaui.com .
Stopwatch Bar & Grill.
This friendly dive bar hosts karaoke nights on Thursday and Saturday, and books favorite local bands on Friday for a $4 admission. | 1127 Makawao Ave. | Makawao | 808/572-1380 .
NORTH SHORE
On the North Shore, Paia gets a bit more action and a vibrant crowd.
PAIA
Bars and Restaurants
Fodor’s Choice | Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon.
The closest thing to country Maui has to offer, Charley’s is a down-home dive bar in the heart of Paia. It hosts reggae, house, Latin soul, and jazz nights, as well as one-off events with sought-after DJs. Live bands are featured throughout the week. And, despite its robust nightly offerings—or because of them?—Charley’s is also known for its great breakfasts. | 142 Hana Hwy. | Paia | 808/579-8085 | www.charleysmaui.com .
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Arts Centers | Dinner Cruises and Shows | Festivals | Film | Luau | Stargazing | Theater
Before 10 pm there’s a lot to offer by way of luau shows, dinner cruises, and tiki-lighted cocktail hours. Aside from that, you should at least be able to find some down-home DJ-spinning or the strum of acoustic guitars at your nearest watering hole or restaurant.
Slack-Key Guitars and Ukuleles
You may not think about Hawaii’s music until you step off a plane on the Islands, and then there’s no escaping it. It’s a unique blend of the strings and percussion favored by the early settlers and the chants and rituals of the ancient Hawaiians.
Hawaiian music today includes a stylistic technique on acoustic guitar—slack-key and steel guitar—along with the celebrated ukulele (a four-string guitar about the size of a violin), and vocals that vary from traditional chants to euphoric falsettos, or more reggae-inspired compositions.
This is one of the few folk-music traditions in the United States that is fully embraced by the younger generation, with no prodding from their parents or grandparents. Many of the radio stations on Maui play plenty of Hawaiian music, and concerts performed by island favorites fill with fans of all ages.
A couple of don’t-miss opportunities to hear Hawaiian music on Maui: the annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival (888/226-2697 | www.slackkeyfestival.com ) usually free to the public and held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and the outstanding George Kahumoku Jr.’s Slack Key Show: Masters of Hawaiian Music (888/669-3858 | www.slackkey.com ), a weekly concert held at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. You can catch Grammy-winning slack-key legends in an intimate setting. The mellow ki hoalu (slack-key) music will show you a bit of Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) history and knee-slapping banter among the musicians as they tune their guitars.
May is a month-long celebration of music, hula, and Hawaiian culture through Mele Mei events. Mele is Hawaiian for “song” and Mei refers to the month. The islands rev up the festivities with concerts, workshops, and festivals that lead to a major soirée on Oahu, Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, where the state’s legendary and rising musicians are honored. ( www.melemei.com )
Check ads and listings in local papers, and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, for information on island concerts, which take place in indoor and outdoor theaters, hotel ballrooms, and nightclubs.
ARTS CENTERS
Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC).
This hub of all highbrow arts features everything from hip-hop and reggae performances and Hawaiian slack-key guitar shows to international dance and circus troupes. On selected evenings, the MACC hosts movie from the Maui Film Festival. The complex includes the 350-seat McCoy Theater, the 1,200-seat Castle Theater, the Schaefer International Gallery, and the elegant Yokouchi Pavilion, used for outdoor concerts. There’s also a courtyard café for preshow dining and drinks. | 1 Cameron Way | Kahului | 808/242-7469 | www.mauiarts.org .
DINNER CRUISES AND SHOWS
There’s no better place to see the sun set on the Pacific than from one of Maui’s many boat tours. You can find a tour to fit your mood, as the options range from a quiet, sit-down dinner to a festive, beer-swigging booze cruise. Note, however, that many cocktail cruises have put a cap on the number of free drinks offered with open bars, instead including a limited number of drinks per ticket.
Tours leave from Maalaea or Lahaina harbors. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early (count in the time it will take to park). The dinner cruises typically feature music and are generally packed, which is great if you’re feeling social but you might have to fight for a good seat. You can usually get a much better meal at one of the local restaurants, and then opt for a different type of tour. Most nondinner cruises offer pupu (appetizers) and sometimes a chocolate-and-champagne toast.
Winds are consistent in summer but variable in winter—sometimes making for a rocky ride. If you’re worried about seasickness, you might consider a catamaran, which is much more stable than a monohull. Keep in mind that the boat crews are experienced in dealing with such matters. A Dramamine before the trip should keep you in tip-top shape, but if you feel seasick, you should sit in the shade, place a cold rag or ice on the back of your neck, and breathe as you look at the horizon.
George Kahumoku Jr.’s Slack Key Show: Masters of Hawaiian Music.
Beloved musician George Kahumoku Jr. hosts this program on Wednesday, which features the Islands’ most renowned slack-key artists as well as other traditional forms of Hawaiian music. The setup at Aloha Pavilion is humble, but you get to enjoy legendary Grammy-winning musicians. | Napili Kai Beach Resort, 5900 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. | Lahaina | 808/669-3858 | www.slackkeyshow.com .
Fodor’s Choice | Hula Girl Dinner Cruise.
This custom catamaran is one of the slickest and best-equipped boats on the island, complete with a VIP lounge for 12 people by the captain’s fly bridge. Trips are on the pricier side, mainly because the initial cost doesn’t include the cooked-to-order meals. But if you’re willing to splurge a little for live music, an onboard chef, and upscale service, it’s absolutely worth it. From mid-December to early April the cruise focuses on whale-watching. Check-in is in front of Leilani’s restaurant at Whalers Village. | 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy. | Kaanapali | 808/665-0344 , 808/667-5980 | www.sailingmaui.com | $78 | Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 3:30-6 and 4:30-7 .
Maui Princess Dinner Cruise.
This 120-foot yacht is set up with a dance floor, open-air deck, snack bar, and cocktail lounge. Unlike other sunset dinner cruises, there’s no need to rush to get a good seat—the upper-deck tables are reserved. There’s a rotating lineup of live music, and dinner is prepared fresh daily by the onboard staff, who also provide tableside service. You have a choice of roasted chicken, a 12-ounce prime rib au jus with horseradish, macadamia-crusted mahimahi, or a vegetarian patty served with steamed veggies and marinara sauce. Three alcoholic beverages are included in the price; soda and juices are unlimited. | Lahaina Harbor, Front St. | Lahaina | 877/500-6284 , 808/667-6165 | www.hawaiioceanproject.com | $85.55 | Daily 5-8 .
Pacific Whale Foundation Island Rhythms.
If you’re going out on a Friday, opt for a cocktail cruise with local reggae artist Marty Dread—because what’s more perfect than ocean cruising and reggae during sunset? The barbecued pulled-pork sandwiches and fresh-baked brownies are totally satisfying, and Marty’s classic reggae covers and original tunes will have you dancing your way back to the harbor. | Maalaea Harbor, 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd. | Maalaea | 808/249-8811 | www.pacificwhale.org | $62.95 | Fri.; call for check-in times .
Paragon Champagne Sunset Sail.
You can spread out on deck and enjoy the gentle trade winds on this 47-foot catamaran. Cruises are limited to groups of 24, and children three and under are free. An easygoing, attentive crew will serve you hot and cold pupu, such as grilled chicken skewers, spring rolls, and a fruit platter, along with beer, wine, mai tais, and champagne at sunset. | Lahaina Harbor, Front St. | Lahaina | 808/244-2087 | www.sailmaui.com | $59 | Mon., Wed., and Fri.; call for check-in times .
Pride of Maui Charters.
A 65-foot catamaran built specifically for Maui’s waters, the Pride of Maui has a spacious cabin for live entertainment, a dance floor, and a large upper deck for unobstructed sightseeing. Evening cruises include top-shelf cocktails and an impressive spread of baby-back ribs, grilled chicken, shrimp cocktail, Maui onion tartlets, and seasonal desserts. | Maalaea Harbor, 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd. | Maalaea | 877/867-7433 | www.prideofmaui.com | $69.95 | Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 5:15-7:15 .
Scotch Mist Charters.
Sailing is at its best on this two-hour champagne cruise. The 50-foot Scotch Mist II, which holds just 25 passengers, gives you an intimate and exhilarating ride, with champagne, chocolate, juice, beer, and white wine included in the price. Private charters are available. | Lahaina Harbor, Front St. | Lahaina | 808/661-0386 | www.scotchmistsailingcharters.com | $69.95 | Daily; call for check-in times .
Teralani Sailing Charters.
These catamarans are modern, spotless, and laid out nicely for dining and lounging. They head back shortly after sunset, which means there’s plenty of light to savor dinner and the view. During whale-watching season, the best seats are the corner booths by the stern of the boat. Catered by local fave Pizza Paradiso, the meal outdoes most dinner-cruise spreads, with ratatouille, chipotle-citrus rôtisserie chicken, grilled fish, and potato gratin with sundried tomatoes. The trip departs from Kaanapali Beach in front of Leilani’s at Whalers Village. | 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy. | Kaanapali | 808/661-1230 | www.teralani.net | $83 | Daily, hrs vary .
FESTIVALS
In addition to Mele Mei musical events during May, Maui also plays host to some exciting culinary, cultural, and eco-driven festivals. Residents and visitors gather to partake in great food and drink, as well as family-friendly cultural festivities that usually span multiple days.
Wailuku First Friday
Wailuku sheds its reputation as a quiet, sleepy town for First Friday, a lively block party that shuts down all of Market Street 5:30-10 pm on the first Friday of each month. At last count about 4,000 people were turning out for good eats, local music, and a bit of retail therapy. Businesses hold wine-and-cheese receptions and other special events while performers appear on multiple stages set up along the charming block. Arrive early, as the nearby parking lot gets full by 6 pm. First Friday’s success has prompted other towns to hold their own. The party is on Front Street in Lahaina on second Fridays and on Baldwin Avenue in Makawao on third Fridays, and fourth Fridays bring the festivities to Paia.
Celebration of the Arts Festival, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
In March, cultural practitioners, community artisans, artists, and activists gather at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, for a series of events that celebrate Hawaiian tradition and explore current societal topics. Visitors can partake in an awa (kava) ritual, observe lauhala (pandan or hala leaves) weaving, watch locally produced films, and listen to cultural panels. The festival concludes with a celebration luau. | The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr. | Kapalua | 808/669-6200 | www.kapaluacelebrationofthearts.com .
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival.
Kapalua Resort kicks off the summer in June with the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. Events are held at various resorts and restaurants in Kapalua, and draw celebrated chefs, sommeliers, industry insiders, and foodies for themed tastings, wine seminars, and evening galas. Guests may book tickets to individual events or a festival package; tickets can be purchased online or, as the date of the event nears, at specific venues. | Kapalua | www.kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com .
FILM
In the heat of the afternoon, a movie theater can feel like paradise. There are megaplexes showing first-run movies in Maui Mall (Kahului) and Kaahumanu Shopping Center (Kahului).
Fodor’s Choice | Maui Film Festival.
Held annually around mid-June, this international festival attracts big-name celebrities, who come to Maui for cinema and soirées under the stars around Wailea and at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Throughout the year, the center presents art-house and indie films on selected evenings, often accompanied by live music, cocktails, and wine. | 1 Cameron Way | Kahului | 808/579-9244for info , 808/242-7469 for box office | www.mauifilmfestival.com .
LUAU
A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a good luau. With the beat of drums and the sway of hula, a luau gives you a snippet of Hawaiian culture left over from a long-standing tradition. Early Hawaiians celebrated many occasions with a luau—weddings, births, battles, and more. The feasts originally brought people together as an offering to the gods, and to practice hookipa, the act of welcoming guests. The word luau itself refers to the taro root, a staple of the Hawaiian diet, which, when pounded, makes a gray, puddinglike substance called poi. You’ll find poi at all the best feasts, along with platters of salty fish, fresh fruit, and kalua pork (baked underground).
Locals still hold luau to mark milestones or as informal, family-style gatherings. For tourists, luau are a major attraction and, for that reason, have become big business. Keep in mind—some are watered-down tourist traps just trying to make a buck; others offer a night you’ll never forget. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. TIP Many of the best luau book up weeks or months in advance, so reserve early. Plan your luau night early on in your trip to help you get into the Hawaiian spirit.
Drums of the Pacific Luau.
By Kaanapali Beach, this luau shines in every category—convenient parking, well-made food, smooth-flowing buffet lines, and a nicely paced program that touches on Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Fijian, Tongan, and Maori cultures. Some guests get tickled by the onstage audience hula tutorial. The finale features three fire-knife dancers. You’ll feast on delicious Hawaiian delicacies like shoyu chicken, lomilomi salmon (tossed in a salad with tomatoes and Maui onions), and Pacific ahi poke (pickled raw tuna, tossed with herbs and seasonings). The dessert spread consists of chocolate, pineapple, and coconut indulgences. An open bar offers beer, wine, and standard tropical mixes. | Hyatt Regency Maui, 200 Nohea Kai Dr. | Kaanapali | 808/667-4727 | www.drumsofthepacificmaui.com | $95-$145 | Mon.-Sat. 5:30-8:30 (5-8 Oct.-Mar.) .
Fodor’s Choice | Feast at Lele.
This place redefines the luau by crossing it with island-style fine dining in an intimate beach setting. Each course of this succulent sit-down meal is prepared by chef James McDonald of the nearby Pacific’O restaurant, and coincides with the island cultures—Hawaiian, Samoan, Aotearoan, Tahitian—featured onstage. Wine, spirits, and cocktail options are copious and go beyond the usual tropical concoctions. Lahaina’s gorgeous sunset serves as the backdrop to the show, which forgoes gimmicks and pageantry for an authentic expression of Polynesian chants and dances. Lele, by the way, is a more traditional name for Lahaina. | 505 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/667-5353 | www.feastatlele.com | $120 | Oct.-Jan., daily at 5:30; Feb.-Apr. and Sept., daily at 6; May-Aug., daily at 6:30 | Reservations essential .
Grand Luau at Honuaula.
This show captivates with a playful interpretation of Hawaiian mythology and folklore. Indulge in pre-luau fun with Hawaiian games, lei making, and photo ops with the cast, then witness the unearthing of the kalua pig from the underground oven. Traditional dances share a vision of the first Polynesian voyage to the island, and there are also dancers on stilts, an iridescent aerialist suspended by silk, and many elaborate costumes. As a finale, a champion fire-knife dancer brings the house down with a spectacular display. | Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.| Wailea | 808/875-7710 | www.honuaula-luau.com | $105 standard, $117 premium | Mon. and Thurs.-Sat. 4-8 .
Fodor’s Choice | Old Lahaina Luau.
Considered the best luau on Maui, it’s certainly the most traditional. Immerse yourself in making kapa (bark cloth), weaving lauhala (coconut-palm fronds), and pounding poi at the various interactive stations. Sitting either at a table or on a lauhala mat, you can dine on Hawaiian cuisine such as pork laulau (wrapped with taro sprouts in ti leaves), ahi poke , lomi-lomi salmon, and haupia. At sunset, the historical journey touches on the arrival of the Polynesians, the influence of missionaries and, later, the advent of tourism. Talented performers will charm you with beautiful music, powerful chanting, and a variety of hula styles, from kahiko, the ancient way of communicating with the gods, to auana, the modern hula. You won’t see fire dancers here, as they aren’t considered traditional. TIP This luau sells out regularly, so make reservations before your trip to Maui. | 1251 Front St., near Lahaina Cannery Mall | Lahaina | 808/667-1998 | www.oldlahainaluau.com | $105 | Oct.-Mar., dasily at 5:15; Apr.-Sept., daily at 5:45 | Reservations essential .
Wailea Beach Marriott Te Au Moana.
Te Au Moana means “ocean tide,” which is all you need to know about the simply breathtaking backdrop for this south Maui luau. The evening begins with lei making, local crafts, and an imu(underground oven) ceremony. The tasty buffet serves a plethora of local staples and desserts like haupia, macadamia-nut brownies, and key lime squares. The performance seamlessly intertwines ancient Hawaiian stories and contemporary songs with traditional hula and Polynesian dances, concluding with a jaw-dropping solo fire-knife dance. | Wailea Beach Marriott, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr. | Wailea | 808/879-1922 | www.marriotthawaii.com | $110 | Mon. and Thurs.-Sat. 4:30-8 | Reservations essential .
Westin Maui Resort & Spa Wailele Polynesian Luau.
The oceanfront Aloha Pavilion at the Westin provides a picturesque setting for this Polynesian feast. Seating is family-style. A buffet of traditional dishes such as pickled ahi tuna, fire-roasted teriyaki beef, and Molokai sweet potato with coconut precede the dessert spread. The performances originate from the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa, and although the costumes may not be as elaborate as elsewhere, the pulse-raising five-member fire-knife dance is a thrilling highlight. | Westin Maui Resort & Spa, 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy. | Kaanapali | 808/661-2992 | www.westinmaui.com | $110 standard, $125 premium | Tues.-Thurs. at 5:30; call for updates.
STARGAZING
Tour of the Stars.
For nightlife of the celestial sort, children and astronomy buffs can try Tour of the Stars, a one-hour stargazing program on the roof or patio of the Hyatt Regency Maui. The Romance of the Stars version of the program provides extra twinkle for adults; it’s held nightly at 10 pm, and champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are served. Check in at the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to starting time. | Lahaina Tower, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, 200 Nohea Kai Dr. | Kaanapali | 808/661-1234 | www.maui.hyatt.com | $25-$45 | Nightly at 8, 9, and 10 .
THEATER
For live theater, check local papers for events and show times.
Burn’n Love.
The fiercely talented ensemble in Burn’n Love takes Elvis Presley aficionados on a whirlwind journey through the King’s most memorable Hawaii moments. Pompadour or not, Elvis impersonator Darren Lee has major pipes, and the back-up musicians and dancers give dynamic performances. | Maui Theatre, 878 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/856-7900 | www.burnnlove.com | $59.99-$109.99 | Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. at 7:30 .
Maui Academy of Performing Arts.
Founded in 1974, this nonprofit performing arts group offers productions, as well as dance and drama classes for children and teens. Recent shows have included Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Emperor and the Nightingale. | 81 N. Church St. | Wailuku | 808/244-8760 | www.mauiacademy.org | $10-$35 .
Maui OnStage.
Located at the Historic Iao Theater in central Maui, this nonprofit theater group stages five shows each season. Recent productions include Guys and Dolls, Elf, Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, and The Addams Family . Each October, it holds a haunted-theater experience in honor of Halloween. The audience is mostly locals, but visitors are warmly welcomed. | Historic Iao Theater, 68 N. Market St. | Wailuku | 808/242-6969 | www.mauionstage.com | $10-$45 .
Fodor’s Choice | Ulalena at Maui Theatre.
One of Maui’s hottest tickets, Ulalena is a musical extravaganza that has received accolades from audiences and Hawaiian culture experts. The powerful ensemble (20 singer-dancers and five musicians) use creative stage wizardry to give an enchanting portrayal of island history and mythology. Native rhythms from authentic and rare instruments are blended with heart-wrenching chants and aerialist precision, making the 75-minute production seem like a whirlwind. Beer and wine are for sale at the concession stand. TIP Call for details about dinner-theater packages in conjunction with local restaurants. | Maui Theatre, 878 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/661-9913 | www.mauitheatre.com | $59.99-$79.99 | Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. at 5 (check-in at 4:15) | Reservations essential .
Warren & Annabelle’s.
This is a hearty comedy with amazing sleight of hand. Magician Warren Gibson entices guests into his swank nightclub with a gleaming mahogany bar, a grand piano, and a resident ghost named Annabelle who tickles the ivories. Servers efficiently ply you with appetizers (coconut shrimp, crab cakes), desserts (chocolate pots de crème, assorted pies and cheesecakes, crème brûlée), and cocktails, while obliging a few impromptu song requests. Then, guests are ushered into a small theater where magic hilariously ensues. Because this is a nightclub act, no one under 21 is allowed. | Lahaina Center, 900 Front St. | Lahaina | 808/667-6244 | www.warrenandannabelles.com | $64 ($104.50 with food and drinks) | Mon.-Sat. at 5 and 7:30 | Reservations essential .