Hawaii Travel Update: There’s A Brand New Luau On Maui That Promises A Cultural Experience

24.07.2023 - 15:23 / forbes.com / Brand / On Maui

The island of Maui has a brand-new luau to share with visitors.

Tales of the Kapa Moe debuted last week at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, a short drive north of Kaanapali on the island’s west coast.

Though adding another luau to a Hawaiian Island may not seem like a big deal, Tales of the Kapa Moe is newsworthy for a number of reasons.

While many existing luaus focus on telling the story of the Polynesian Islands and their various interrelated cultures, Tales of the Kapa Moe expands its storyboard to include “a lively depiction of a day in the life of our ancestors” as well as the backstories of a variety of Hawaiian gods and goddesses. The show also includes an aerial performance as well as fire-knife dancing.

If, like many visitors to Maui, you are interested in seeking out the most culturally authentic luau, Tales of the Kapa Moe will instantly be amongst your first choices due to the fact that it takes place at a hotel known for its strict stewardship of Hawaiian culture.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is perhaps the leading luxury hotel when it comes to its implementation and upholding of Hawaiian values.

Each year, it is host of the annual Celebration of the Arts festival and home to the “OG” of cultural ambassadors, Clifford Nae'ole, who goes above and beyond to design local and meaningful programming (you can read more about the cultural wizardry of the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, here).

The luau takes place at the hotel’s new Aloha Garden Pavilion, a covered venue that allows the show to go on, rain or shine.

It runs every Tuesday evening and the menu includes whole roasted pork, braised beef ribs, huli huli chicken, and poke bar. Free parking is included with the ticket, which ranges from $249 (general) to $299 (VIP).