Royal Lahaina Luau begins at 5pm. When we arrived at 4:30pm, there was already a short line forming outside the luau grounds to get in. A small table with a fountain of tropical drink was set up on one side, and a local in full native regalia making straw hats for extra entertainment. Beware, the hats are not free; price varies depending on the complexity of the design. At 5pm, the doors to the outdoor dinner theater opened and two aloha hostesses welcomed everyone with leis made of shells. There were photo sessions offered as we entered the gate, because this luau would have been our 5th, we graciously declined.

The luau grounds were supposedly one of the best because of its proximity to the beach. However, I was not impressed with the cattle run style of seating arrangements. The long tables were arranged to maximize the number of people it can occupy. The white picnic plastic chairs were jammed together so tightly, I was in fear our table would be one of those towards the back. Luckily, we have been assigned a hibiscus table and relieved to see that it was one of the best tables right in front. We got the 1st 3 seating in the very front. It could not have been fun for those sitting jammed in the middle, especially at those tables in the back. I wondered if they saw how beautiful the performances were.

Free drinks so diluted with water were served. There were no worries about getting drunk on free drinks here. The food was served cafeteria style under Nipa huts. The all-you-can-eat-buffet food was fairly good and had varieties including the standard Kalua pig cooked in the imu(underground oven), shredded and served with an array of side dishes. There was the standard fare of poi, teriyaki chicken, beef, lomi-lomi salmon, full salad bar, and different desserts. And children's food including hot dogs, French fries, and meatballs were also available.

The Royal Lahaina had an outstanding Polynesian revue, complete with the sound of a conch shell, lighting of the torches, beat of the pahu drum, and the presentation of the Kalua pig on the stage. There are Tahitian, Samoan, and Hawaiian performances from past to present. Stories and local Hawaiian legends were presented with dynamic performances. The mistress of the ceremony was very entertaining and took us on a mini tour of Hawaii and the Polynesian Islands. The grand finale was an awesome, spectacular fire dance.

The show ends at 8:30pm. Tickets are normally $72. however, if you get them through Activity World (808-667-7777), it is discounted at $49.95 and children under 12 are free 1 per paying adult. They also have the best front-and-center table seating reserved.

The luau starts at 5pm; however, people begin forming a line around 4:30 so that they could get the best seats. We arrived to the line at approximately 4:45pm and still managed to get a good seat though.

Once they open the doors to the outdoor dinner theatre, which also, by the way, has a great view of the Pacific Ocean, you are greeted by two local girls in aloha wear who are giving out shell leis. Plus at this time you also have the opportunity to get your picture taken, so you may want to plan for that, as we did not. Once you get through this part you are led to your table which is just simply wooden picnic tables where you are sitting with many other people. Your drink order is taken and then later served in hollowed-out coconuts, which is somewhat fun, but if you have been living as a local you tend to think of this as rather touristy.

When everyone is seated a small show commences and then it is announced that you may get up and get in line to get your food. The food here is really excellent! Local favorites such as Kailua pig, teriyaki chicken, poi and lomi lomi salmon are served as well as the coconut pudding Hapia. As a teenager and then later as an adult I attended many luaus thrown by friends and the food at this luau definitely rivaled those luaus. By the time the sun is just beginning to set everyone is just about done eating, the plates and silverware are collected and the area is cleaned up. This is when the real excitement begins!

The many men and women who perform in this show do an outstanding job telling stories about their ancestors' history as well as local Hawaiian legends by dancing, singing and pounding rhythms that make you want to dance along with them. Not only is this show fun to watch but you also walk away with a bit of history as well. This is a great show for just about all ages, however I would not bring very little ones as the show comes to an end at about 8:30pm.

The first time we went to Maui we went to the 'Old LaHaina' luau. Outdoor seating, ocean view, delicious smelling real flowers lea, all you can drink, great food, and performers! It was an evening I won't soon forget.

This trip we went to the 'Outrigger' luau in Wailea. It was indoor, but with the fire-dancer and interactive ambience, it, too, was great!