Drums of the Pacific One of the Best Maui Luaus

Located on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Maui on the Sunset Terrace, Drums of the Pacific combines a beautiful location with an entertaining Polynesian luau.  The shores of Ka'anapali Beach create a spectacular backdrop for the luau, especially as the sun sets and the sky turns stunning shades of golds and pinks. During the three hour experience, I enjoyed not only the setting but the show was engaging and the food and drink was plentiful.

My evening at Drums of the Pacific Luau began with a shell lei greeting and fresh mai tai.  Be sure to get to the luau at the 5:30 check-in time so you can get your photo taken with some of the cast.  Afterwards, performers are demonstrating arts and crafts, before lighting the luau torches.  Of course, the traditional Imu ceremony, where they unveil the main dish of the luau – Kalua Pua'a (roasted pork) – was a sight to see.  Soon enough, dinner begins and although there are quite a few people at the luau the buffet service line was expedited rather quickly.  Many choices lined the tables, with traditional Hawaiian flavors apparent in the huli huli chicken (barbecued with flavors like brown sugarcane, ginger, and soy), lomi lomi salmon, poi, taro rolls, and of course, the pork.  Save room for dessert though, as there is a table filled with delights such as macadamia nut luau cream pie and haupia with toasted coconut.  Service at Drums was very attentive.  Our waiter kept the drinks flowing and never hesitated to ask if we needed anything extra. 

After dining on the delicious dinner served at the Drums of the Pacific in Maui, there was a short break which allowed me to stroll the grounds of the Hyatt.  As luck would have it, an impressive sunset was painting the sky and it added to the Maui magic of the moment. 

The show itself began around 7pm.  Featuring aspects of culture from all of Polynesia, the Drums of the Pacific incorporated dances, songs, and stories from all of the Polynesian islands.  My favorite moments of the luau were those based on Polynesian legends, including a story of a man who had to walk backwards home to escape death and be reunited with his true love.  Each group of island dancers was superb.  The cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rarotonga were all highlighted, creating a very authentic Hawaiian Luau.  The fire knife finale was a hot way to end the show, which was engaging and entertaining from start to finish.