Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a shell lei greeting that makes a memorable keepsake. As you are served tropical drinks, make your way to the luau gardens for a photo with the dancers, visit artisan crafters with their handmade cultural pieces or ‘talk story’ with the wood carver as he designs and crafts unique pieces.
Amidst a spectacular sunset, the show opens with a conch shell blowing ceremony, followed by the traditional torch lighting ritual. Show host Atunaisa Laqeretabua or Chief Atu, as he is reverently called, invites guests to learn about the Polynesian way of life, including the art of husking a coconut and sampling the fresh coconut water. The interactive activity has everyone in much laughter, as Chief Atu invites a guest or two to join him on stage.
Dinner is served buffet style with a lavish spread of traditional favorites such as Lomi Lomi Salmon with Kula tomatoes, Maui onion and scallions, Pipi Kaula Poke (peppered-dry beef) with sesame and soy sauce and Island Poi. Fresh salads with papaya seed, kula lavender and coconut ranch dressing accompany the main entrees that include Kalua Pua’a which is a slow-roasted pork dish, Huli Huli Chicken with guava barbeque sauce, Steamed I’a (fish) with ginger and tomato relish, Pa’ia Dry Mein Noodles plantation-style, Upcountry Maui vegetables and Moloka’i Sweet Potatoes. Desserts such as Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Guava Chiffon, Chocolate Chantilly Cake and Hawaiian Haupia coconut cake are served with coffee and tea.
“What is unique with this show is that you can still enjoy your meal during the performances and return to the buffet spread for more helpings. It is very family-friendly too,” said resort executive sous chef Ikaika Manaku. Drinks and cocktails, locally-brewed beers, sodas, and fruit juices are all inclusive with the meal.
The show itself boasts Maui’s most extreme fire knife dance called “Siva Afi”. The spell-bound performance includes agile Samoan dancers spinning and twirling fire knives between one another and from different elevations. If you are lucky, you may even catch a dancer climb a palm tree and perch midway as he begins twirling in thin air. As fire knife dancer Desmond Sula says, “You will never see a performance like ours anywhere and it will far exceed any of your expectations.”
The exciting Polynesian revue also includes dances and songs from Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand (Maori), Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii. From Kahiko chants symbolizing old Hawaii where dancers perform in traditional Pa’u skirts to the modern interpretation of Hawaii through Hapa Haole Implements dance with a vivacious feel, each dance is truly extraordinary.
Another distinctive feature that sets Wailele Polynesian Luau apart is the Fijian Warrior Dance known as “Meke Wesi”. Led by Chief Atu who is a real Fijian chief, the performance uses clubs and spears depicting scenes where warriors get ready and perform war tactics. The attire including neckpieces were designed by Chief Atu for an authentic appearance.
If you are seeking an exhilarating cultural performance during your visit to the Hawaiian islands, catch the Wailele Polynesian Luau held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. A Sunday show is added during holiday seasons.
For reservations, call the resort at 808-661-2992 or visit concierge desks at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. More information is also available online at www.westinmaui.com
Award Winning Recognitions
MNKO ‘Aipono Silver Award for
Best Luau
TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence
