Te Au Moana Luau: The Best Luau for Kids in Maui
Experiencing a traditional luau is a must when visiting Hawaii, so we were on the hunt for the best luau for kids in Maui when we recently visited. Our family found the Te Au Moana Luau and decided to give it a try for my birthday celebration. It offers a cultural experience with elements that interest both adults and children, among other benefits that helped make it an easy “yes” for us. In this blog post, I’ll dive into why we chose this luau, what made it special, and practical tips for families who want to share this magical island experience.
Why We Chose Te Au Moana Luau
Celebrating a Special Occasion
We decided to attend Te Au Moana Luau on my birthday, making the event even more meaningful. A luau had always been on my bucket list, so it seemed like the perfect way to mark the day. The atmosphere of celebration, complete with Maui sunset views and live music, made it an unforgettable family memory.
Location Near Our Accommodation
One of the key reasons we chose this luau was its location. It was close to where we were staying: Wailea Ekahi Village. I highly recommend Wailea Ekahi Village for families. We stayed in a two-bedroom condo, with easy beach access, pool, and parking! Being close to the luau meant we didn’t have to worry about long drives with the kids, especially since it ends after dark. The luau is on the property of the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott.
The Best Luau for Kids: Free Admission
Luaus can be pricey, especially for families, but Te Au Moana Luau offers a significant advantage: free admission for kids ages 5 and under. This was a big draw for us since our children were 3 and 5 at the time. We decided to opt for premium seating since we didn’t have to pay for the kids, and the upgrade made the experience even more memorable.
Huge Variety on the Menu
One of our concerns when choosing a luau was the food, as many luaus focus on a traditional roasted pig. Since our family doesn’t eat pork, we needed a menu that offered variety. Te Au Moana Luau’s buffet featured a range of options, from seafood to vegetarian dishes, ensuring that both adults and kids found something we enjoyed. It made dinner time stress-free and allowed us to focus on the evening’s entertainment.
You can see the whole menu here.
Highlights of Te Au Moana Luau
Scenic Oceanfront Location
The setting of Te Au Moana Luau is stunning, with the show taking place right by the ocean. The backdrop of waves and sunset views added a magical element to the evening. Watching the Maui sunset over the ocean while enjoying traditional Polynesian music and dancing was truly unforgettable.
Small Table Settings
The tables at the Te Au Moana Luau seat around eight people, creating an intimate setting that allowed for easy conversation, if desired. We were fortunate to be seated with a friendly Canadian family with teenagers. Throughout the evening, each table had a dedicated server, who took care of us for the entire evening ensuring that our needs were met promptly.
Interactive Cultural Demonstrations
Before the main performance, guests are invited to explore various cultural activities around the grounds. Our kids especially loved the temporary Hawaiian tattoo station, where they learned about the meanings behind different designs. These hands-on activities kept the kids engaged while waiting for dinner to start.
Personal Touches and Friendly Service
The staff at Te Au Moana Luau go above and beyond to make each guest feel welcome. For my birthday, they brought out a special dessert and even sang to me, which was a nice surprise. They also offered to take pictures of everyone with the sunset as a backdrop. They even took some photos of just just husband and me, which was really nice. It’s so hard to get those with kiddos around! These small yet thoughtful touches made the evening even more enjoyable.
The Performance at Te Au Moana Luau
The show features a variety of traditional music and dance styles, from the powerful drum beats of Samoan fire dancers to the graceful hula of Hawaiian performers. Each segment is introduced with a narration that explains its significance, adding cultural context to the performance.
What sets Te Au Moana Luau apart is its focus on the broader Polynesian culture, not just Hawaiian. The performance takes guests on a journey through the history and traditions of various islands, including Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, and Tahiti. This diversity of storytelling helps illustrate the shared heritage of these cultures. Since my husband and I visited New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji on our honeymoon, this nod to those islands was really special for us.
Kid-Friendly Performances
Our kids had the opportunity to participate in the show. They were invited on stage to freestyle dance, giving them a chance to be a part of the evening’s entertainment. Additionally, there was a hula lesson that kids and adults could join, it was super fun for everyone!
Preparing your visit
Do you need to stay at the resort to attend Te Au Moana Luau?
You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to attend the Te Au Moana Luau. It’s open to everyone.
Which days do the performances take place?
Te Au Moana performances take place on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and seasonal Tuesday evenings.
Location and Parking
Te Moana Luau is located at Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui. 3700 Wailea Alanui. Wailea – Maui, HI 96753
There is free self-parking available on-site. The parking gate will be open for one hour after the luau ends. Valet parking is available for $55.
Contact Information
Telephone: 877-827-2740; Email: wailealuau@tihati.com
This is the luau’s official website.
Ticket Options
There are two ticket options to choose from:
Premium Luau Seating
The Premium seating option offers the closest access to the stage, providing the best views of the performances. This option is ideal for those who want to be right up front and enjoy an immersive experience. It’s perfect for capturing detailed photos and seeing the intricate movements of the dancers.
Standard Luau Seating
Standard seating is positioned further back on the outer perimeter of the luau grounds. While it’s behind the premium section, it still offers good views of the stage and allows guests to enjoy the full atmosphere of the show at a slightly lower price point. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the event but don’t mind being a bit farther from the action.
Tips from a Parent
Arrive Early
Arriving early is key to making the most of the Te Au Moana Luau. The extra time allows families to explore the grounds, enjoy the pre-show activities, and get settled at your table. There is a bit of a walk from the parking to the luau grounds, so allow some time for little ones to get there if you’re going without a stroller.
Packing Essentials
- Light Jackets: The ocean breeze can get cool after sunset, so bring light layers for the kids to stay comfortable.
- Camera: Don’t miss the opportunity to capture the stunning sunset family photos. A good camera or smartphone is a must.
Prepare Your Kids for the Experience
It is always a good idea to help your kids prepare by telling what they are going to see and experience. Read my post on how to prepare kids for new experiences for some tips on how to do that.
Additional Resources on Hawaii
If you are planning a Hawaii vacation, be sure to check out our other blog posts:
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: The Best Spot for First-Timers in Oahu
- Waimea Falls Hike: A Family Adventure in Oahu, Hawaii
- Visiting Pearl Harbor with Kids: Our Memorable Day & How to Plan Yours
- Diamond Head Hike with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Experience
Final Thoughts
Te Au Moana Luau was without doubt one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip. It was an incredible experience that I’m thrilled to have finally crossed off my bucket list. The stunning oceanfront setting and welcoming atmosphere made it ideal for families visiting Maui.
What truly made it special were the personal moments—the warmth of the staff, watching our kids dance on stage, and sharing in the rich stories of Polynesian culture. It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever.
If you’re considering attending the Luau, I absolutely recommend it. It’s truly an experience that shouldn’t be missed!
If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you improve your family’s adventures.
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