Located at the exquisite Marriott Resort on Wailea Beach in south Maui, travelers looking for a memorable luau experience that goes above and beyond the standard offerings will be thrilled with the Marriott Luau called Te Au Moana, a well-loved local luau set conveniently in a stunning beachfront location in one of Maui’s most pristine areas.

Translating to ‘the ocean tide’ in Hawaiian, Te Au Moana occurs every Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, and is open to guests and residents of all ages. 

In consideration of Hawaii’s rich and intertwined history with that of Oceania, and especially its mastery and reliance upon the ocean, Te Au Moana focuses on sharing the ancestral stories of not only the people of Maui, but those throughout the Pacific who are connected by culture, island living and generations of explorers who held earth and its elements in high regard. With centuries of experience and mastery in the art of fishing, gathering, and voyaging. You can learn more about the people of Hawaii and Polynesia, and witness cultural traditions like dancing and live music performances, authentic cuisine, games, crafts and plenty more throughout the evening.

With assistance from Tihati Productions, who help bring these stories to life as the largest and longest-running entertainment company in Hawaii – they now have 10 different shows throughout Hawaii and are in their 50th year of business – guests can expect nothing less than high caliber Polynesian entertainment in a tropical oceanfront setting.

Arrive early to browse various Polynesian crafts, get your photo taken with the performers, receive your complimentary fresh flower lei or carved wooden necklace and participate in one of many pre-show activities, and grab a seat to order drinks from your server. Guests will enjoy a full open bar, including multiple options for local cocktails – we’re partial to the mai tais – as well as Maui Brewing Co. beers and wine, and get ready for a spectacular luau experience and direct view of the setting Maui sun in the distance. 

Watch the ceremony of the Hawaiian Imu, or traditional underground oven used to prepare kalua pork, and feast on an array of delectable menu items like teriyaki steak, seafood pasta, shoyu chicken, Hawaiian fried rice, Molokai sweet potatoes, lomi lomi salad, poi, mac salad, chuka soba noodle salad, pineapple coleslaw and tossed local Kula greens as part of the all-you-can-eat buffet style dining offerings. For dessert, head back to grab some authentic coconut haupia, coconut macaroons, brownies, double chocolate cake, pecan chocolate chip cookies, key lime squares and carrot cake.  

Then, sit back and be treated to amazing dance performances, expert narration and storytelling, and last but not least, fire dancing beneath the stars with waves breaking in the distance. The Te Au Moana truly makes for an unforgettable evening on The Valley Isle, and is something we recommend to first-timers and returning visitors.