LUAU SHOWDOWN:

Sheraton Maui Nui Luau vs. Royal Lahaina Myths of Maui Luau

If two of Maui’s most popular luaus went head-to-head, which would be deemed the winner? Let’s compare two of Kaʻanapali’s most sought-after events: the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton and the Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort. We’ll be comparing big-ticket items like food, drinks, and performances, as well as details like parking, location, and schedule. Place your bets. Get ready for the Sheraton vs Royal Lahaina Luau showdown. Ready, set, go!

Food and Drink

Royal Lahaina: The Royal Lahaina’s buffet runs the gauntlet of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian eats. Think imu roasted kalua pig, poi, teriyaki chicken, and freshly caught fish. There is also a host of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. About a third of the menu is vegetarian and gluten-free, and guests can also order a tofu veggie stir fry with 24 hours advance notice.

Royal Lahaina also has some kid-pleasing options, like chicken nuggets and baked mac and cheese. It’s not Hawaiian, but certainly a crowd-pleaser for the young picky eaters.

Guests can imbibe complimentary beer, wine, and spirits from the open bar, but premium alcohol and blended drinks cost $5.

Sheraton: The Sheraton’s menu strictly sticks to island-style eats. All the traditional favorites are available, like kalua pork, poi, steamed island fish, and poke. Likewise, guests can chow down on contemporary island fares like potato mac salad, fried rice, vegetable chow mein, and POG BBQ chicken.

Few menu items are both vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free – but if you are just one or the other, you’ll still have plenty of options. Picky eaters, on the other hand, will have better luck at Royal Lahaina Luau.

The Sheraton Luau also offers an open bar with beer, wine, and tropical cocktails. Drink up.

…and the winner is: Sheraton!

Despite having fewer gluten-free and vegan options, and a more adult-oriented menu, the quality of food is just a tad bit higher at the Sheraton. You can still stuff yourself silly at the Royal Lahaina Luau and be pleased at the end of the night, but Sheraton takes things to a higher level.

Location

Royal Lahaina: The Myths of Maui Luau is located just steps from the sand at North Kaanapali/Kahekili Beach. Prepare for epic sunset views. The event space is enclosed by areca palms and naupaka hedges, which gives the luau an intimate, tropical feel.

Sheraton: The Maui Nui Luau is set just steps from Kaanapali Beach, presenting excellent views of Lanai, Black Rock, and the sunset. The festivities take place on the Sheraton’s ocean lawn amid swaying palms.

…and the winner is: Tie!

Too close to call. The Sheraton scores major points for ease of access. It’s an easy walk from other hotels on Kaanapali’s strip. However, the Royal Lahaina Luau is set on a quiet beach, and the intimate ambiance is hard to beat.

Schedule

Royal Lahaina: The Myths of Maui Luau runs every day. Check-in begins at 5:15 or 5:30, depending on the season.

Sheraton: The Maui Nui Luau is held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Check-in begins at 4:30.

…and the winner is: Royal Lahaina!

Royal Lahaina’s everyday schedule makes it easy for guests to fit the luau into their itinerary.

Performances

Royal Lahaina: The Royal Lahaina Luau is the oldest running luau on Maui, and they have their show down pat. The luau showcases some of the myths and legends of Maui and features exciting dances from around the Pacific. The grand finale includes a showstopping Samoan fire knife dance.

Sheraton: Produced by Tihati Productions – one of the most esteemed entertainment companies on Maui – the Maui Nui Luau tells the story of the demigod Maui and the creation of Maui Nui, which spans the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. This luau also highlights the time-honored cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock, as well as dances from Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand. This performance also concludes with an epic fire dance.

…and the winner is: Sheraton!

Any show produced by Tihati Productions is bound to have an edge. The dancers, the costumes, and the storytelling are impeccable, but the cliff-diving ceremony is the icing on the cake.

Kid-Friendly

Royal Lahaina: The keiki buffet at the Royal Lahaina Luau is unique and sure to please kids and parents alike.

Sheraton: The large lawn area is great for keiki to run around and expel some energy.

…and the winner is: Royal Lahaina!

You can’t beat that kid’s buffet!

Service

Royal Lahaina: Service is usually great at Myths of Maui. The staff is friendly and prompt when getting everyone checked in. The food is buffet style, but servers take drink orders and deliver it to your table.

Sheraton: The Sheraton Luau also delivers fantastic service. The staff goes out of their way to welcome you like old friends and is very accommodating of any requests.

…and the winner is: Tie!

Both luaus have exemplary customer service.

Parking

Royal Lahaina: Guests can park on-site at the Royal Lahaina Resort – but they’ll be expected to fork over $10.

Sheraton: Self-parking is available in the parking structure and is free with validation. Otherwise, you can valet your car for $5 (but you’ll need validation for that too).

…and the winner is: Sheraton!

Parking at the Maui Nui Luau is cheaper, with more options, so the Sheraton prevails.

And the overall winner is:

Sheraton Maui Nui Luau

Don’t get us wrong, the Royal Lahaina Luau is a great choice – but the Sheraton Luau just has a bit of an edge over Myths of Maui. The food is tasty, the views are great, and the performance isn’t one you’ll forget anytime soon. Overall, the Maui Nui Luau is the winner, and we hope you enjoyed this Sheraton vs Royal Lahaina Luau showdown!

But don’t take our word for it; check out the Maui Nui Luau for yourself and tell us what you think.