Drums of the Pacific Luau

The Hawaiian Luau is a feast of the senses, a celebration of the beauty, music, culture, and food of the islands. The Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency Kaanapali Maui is a feast and much more, showcasing an engaging show of the many dances and delicacies of Polynesia. All hosted on the ocean front grounds of the Hyatt, in a custom built outdoor theater under broad shade trees with ocean views toward sunset.

Highlights:
Great food and entertainment have been a staple of this oceanfront luau now celebrating 31 years of performances at their custom show area at the Hyatt Regency Kaanapali.

Location:
Ka'anapali, Maui

Offered daily, allow 3 hours for festivities and meal.

Showtime:
Check-in 5:30pm April 1-Sept. 30
Check-in 5:00pm Oct. 1-Mar. 31

Costs:
General Seating: 

• Adult - $95.00 (21 & older)
• Child - $65.00 (ages 6-12 years)
• Infant - Free (5 and under)   

VIP seating:

• Adult - $145.00 (21 & older)
• Child - $65.00 (ages 6-12 years)
• Infant - Free (5 and under)

There are many accolades bestowed on this Luau, and for good reason. The dynamic performances woven together by the talented group of dancers, and musicians match the quality of service and culinary mastery that you would expect from a world-class resort. Held outdoors on the beachfront, this Luau has you seated under broad reaching trees with simultaneous stage and ocean views revealing the transition of colors from sunset to night. The festivities never stop from the moment you arrive you are greeted and served with "Aloha" (the caring spirit of the islands). After being given a proper greeting of lei necklace you are offered complimentary Mai Tai rum drinks and taken to your seat.

Classic Hawaiian hula and slack key guitar set the ambiance for the evening as guests arrive and find their tables. Be ready to make some new friends, as you will be seated amongst guests from all over the world. As the sun begins to set, the action really begins. Conch shells blowing, muscular Polynesian men run with torches to light the many gas lamps about the grounds and the 'Imu or pit-fired pork is uncovered and paraded to the chefs to prepare for the all-you-can eat-buffet. Your host for the evenings' festivities begins narration, introducing the island style and invoking connection and enthusiasm amongst the crowd. Tables are led one at a time by the staff to an abundant spread of foods from Polynesia.

This buffet is formidable, prepared by the Hyatt chefs with heaping portions laid out on banquet tables under the stars for your self-service sampling. Beware of over stuffing your plate, this spread is laid out for many tastes. Some of the best dishes to try are the fresh ahi poke, poi, lau lau, macnut encrusted fish, and the imu pork. Drinks are served to your table, and flow endlessly through the nights' festivities. The dessert is amazing and is served at the end of the meal via a separate buffet, so you may want to save a little room for later.

The service line slowly dwindles as everyone returns to the seating and eating, and a fashion show with live music entertains the masses. As the meals conclude, the show takes you on a cultural voyage through dance and music, the performance features authentic dances and music of the old Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rarotonga island cultures. A company of 11 dancers, and 5 live musicians, delivers an awesome performance with repeated mood shifts and costume changes making for colorful evening to remember.

Website:
http://www.drumsofthepacificmaui.com/en/DrumsofthePacific.html

Phone:
808-667-4727

Local's Tip:
You have to try the "poi", don't believe the negative hype, this is the staple crop of Hawaii's people best tried in this environment with some fish on the side. Show up early around 4 p.m. and drive to the back of the resort (left fork just past the entry loop) where you will find "beach access" parking stalls available directly outside the side entrance to the luau. Then you can enjoy a walk on the beach before your feast and show.

Directions:
Located in Kaanapali and reachable by HI-route 30, aka Honoapiilani Highway.

• Traveling North from Lahaina driving route 30 for approximately 3 miles, look for signs for Kaanapali Parkway and get in the left turn lane. Turning left onto Kaanapali Parkway drive 0.3 miles, then turn left onto Nohea Kai Drive. Follow this road to the very end, parking is either self park or valet at the resort entrance.
  
• From Napili/Kapalua area: head south on route 30 and after passing underpass bridge look for turning lane on the right at Kaanapali Parkway. Follow Kaanapali Parkway for 0.3 of a mile and turn onto Nohea Kai Drive. Follow this road to the very end, parking is either self park or valet at the resort entrance.