Whether or not to book a lu‘au — it’s the Hawaiian vacation dilemma. Some travelers wouldn’t dream of it. Too cheesy. Too touristy. But it may be one of the most Hawaiian things you do, in spite of the fact that you’ll be sitting with a few hundred other people and the entertainers are professionals. Hawaiian families hold lu‘aus to...

Maui Arts & Cultural Center, a hub for arts and cultural performances, largely attracts locals, but visitors will find much to enjoy at the impressive center. Two theaters, an outdoor performing space and a spacious gallery provide venues for varied events. Center programming leans to Hawaiian and Pacific Island dance and music, though mainstream artists are part of the lineup....

Maui and Lana‘i have some excellent petroglyphs, pictorial messages left by the ancient Hawaiians. These incised images, made about 150-600 years ago, appear in the form of stylized humans, animals and birds. Some seem to be standing with a canoe paddle raised high, as if saluting. Canoes with the characteristic claw-shaped sail, appear on some rocks and, on Lana‘i, axis...

It’s hard to top the spectacle that begins Sheraton Maui Lu‘au. Bearing a flaming torch, a runner lights the tikis on the Sheraton grounds and then, barefoot, strides up Black Rock.  He lights a final torch, then plunges into the ocean. The crowd sits awestruck, and then the luau begins. Throughout the dinner and show, Black Rock, or Pu‘u Keka‘a,...

Wailele means waterfalls, an apt name for the Westin Maui Lu‘au. It’s held on the Westin Maui grounds amidst waterfalls, streams and ponds.  Its theme gets back to basics. The show emphasizes elements of earth, fire and water as imagined by the Polynesians. Performance highlights include a dramatic segment devoted to Pele’s story. Besides the Hawaiian hula, you’ll enjoy dances...

The Wailea Beach Marriott lu‘au bears the poetic name, Te Au Moana, the ocean tide. It fits like a pareo. An ocean expanse, painted with the sunset, forms its backdrop. It’s set on the Wailea Beaches most prominent point.  The program and menu are similar to other Maui lu‘aus, but the setting rates AAA. Bring your sunglasses for the brilliant...