You are free to walk around and patronize a few of the vendors they have on the grounds. The grounds are kept immaculate. The vendors usually sell local trinkets and carvings, and you have about 1 hour before the show starts to walk around the beautiful grounds, take pictures, and drink cocktails while the sun sets.

They have an extensive buffet, and by the way, the bar never closes. When we were there, the menu included roasted pork (made in the ground), poi (green-tinted gooey gravy), ahi poke, sweet potato, pulehu steak, chicken long rice, island-style chicken, mahimahi, stir-fry veggies, local-style rice, crab salad, taro salad (coconut and spinach), salmon, and plenty of desserts and fresh fruit. They have traditional seating on the floor and regular seating at a picnic-style tables (the floor seating is obviously closer to the stage).

The show begins before 5pm, but that includes watching them dig up your food and talk about tradition, how the hot rocks and palm/banana leaves work in the cooking process, etc. You eat around 6-ish and then the real show begins around 7-ish. I am giving these times in an "ish" form because people in Hawaii are not in a rush and don’t keep to a tight schedule. The show is very well done and includes four performances (Ote'a, Kahiko, Missionaries & The Merry Monarch, and Auana) and a finale. There is hula dancing, fire shows, and more throughout. The performers take the show very seriously, and they are energetic and all about the performance throughout. It is great for kids, families, groups of people, or just you and your favorite person.

http://www.oldlahainaluau.com or 800/248-5825.

A visit to Old Lahaina Town is a great idea if you are waiting for a sunset dinner cruise. However, don't cut yourself too short on time at the harbor. There are wonderful boats to see, and the harbor itself is neat. It feels old and the docks are still wood, not concrete like so many modern harbors. There are people all over the town and docks waiting to take your picture. They aren't as expensive as you'd think, and may be worth it to ensure that you get a picture worth saving and it won't be like the one that the guy standing behind you in line cut your head off in.