Te Au Moana Luau, explained

Te Au Moana, “the ocean tide”, is the luau at the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) and the most booked show in Wailea. It is big, warm and family-friendly, with a stage set so the sun goes down right behind the dancers. Here is what the evening includes, what it costs in 2026 and how to get the best seat.

The evening

Grounds open in the late afternoon (table assignments from 4:30 PM in autumn and winter, 5 PM in summer), and you get a text with your table and check-in time. A fresh flower lei, kukui nut lei or carved necklace greets you, then there is live music, crafts and time by the water before dinner. The three-course dinner arrives at your table family-style: kalua pig from the imu, shoyu chicken, grilled teriyaki steak, seafood pasta, lomi lomi salad, poi, Molokai sweet potato and coconut haupia. The open bar pours tropical cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks all night. The show, produced by Tihati, tells the stories of Polynesia through dance and music and ends with a Samoan fire knife finale. Plan on 3 to 4 hours in total. See the evening step by step.

2026 prices and seating

Direct from the luau, standard seats cost $225 per adult (13+) and $90 per child (3 to 12), and premium seats $325 and $209; toddlers 2 and under are free. Festive nights (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve) cost more. Premium puts you in the first two rows by the stage with earlier entry and oceanfront views. On Viator the same standard seat starts at $225 with free cancellation up to 24 hours, which is the safer buy if the weather might turn. Compare it with the other Wailea luaus in our price guide.

What reviewers wish they had known

Te Au Moana holds a 4.6 rating from 1,428 Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. The praise is for family-style service (“not on a buffet style as some do”), the sunset staging and friendly servers. The complaints are practical: the walk from the parking structure to the lawn is long, and the first hour sits in hot sun. Ask about a golf-cart ride when you book if anyone needs it, bring sunglasses, and wear flat shoes. Self-parking is free; validate your ticket if you leave after 8:30 PM, or use valet for $55. Dress is smart casual; our outfit guide has specifics.