Four Seasons Luau??

Question

I saw when we were there in October that the FS has a Luau. Has anyone done this? It is $375 pp so it is pricier than the one at the Marriott but we did not care for the quality of the food at the Marriott Luau (but loved the entertainment). There are 5 of us and I was going to purchase this for everyone as one of their Christmas gifts but that extra $100 more than the Marriot Luau really adds up!!! We will have a car and could drive to Lahaina if that would be better?

ages 50,48,22,20, 10

Thanks!

Answer

The Four Seasons Luau is indeed a higher-end experience, and it’s known for being quite luxurious, with a strong emphasis on quality food and a more intimate, upscale setting. The cost of $375 per person is a significant price difference compared to other luaus like the one at the Marriott, so it's understandable to be weighing whether it's worth the extra cost, especially considering the quality of food at the Marriott Luau wasn't up to your expectations.

Here’s what you can expect from the Four Seasons Luau:

Food: The Four Seasons offers an exceptional dining experience. The food is described as being more refined and flavorful, often with a gourmet touch compared to typical luau fare. They focus on offering local and seasonal ingredients, and the buffet tends to be high quality with a variety of options, including more elaborate dishes. If food quality is a priority for you, this is where the Four Seasons sets itself apart.
Entertainment: While the entertainment at the Four Seasons is still culturally rich, traditional, and vibrant, it’s on a more intimate scale, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your expectations. The performances are spectacular but might not have the same "big production" feel as some of the other, larger luaus.
Atmosphere: The setting at the Four Seasons is beautiful, often taking place on the lawn overlooking the ocean, which provides a stunning backdrop for the evening. It’s a smaller, more elegant affair compared to the larger luaus at other resorts.

That said, if you're on a budget and want to get more value for your money, driving to Lahaina for a different luau could be a great option. You would still get a fantastic experience but at a more affordable price point. Here are some alternatives you could consider:

The Old Lahaina Luau: This is one of the most popular luaus on the island, offering a highly authentic Hawaiian experience with traditional food and storytelling. It’s often considered one of the best luaus on Maui in terms of authenticity. The food quality is very good, and it’s a lively, fun experience. Prices tend to be lower than the Four Seasons, typically ranging from $125 to $150 per person depending on the seating choice.
The Feast at Lele: Another great option in Lahaina. This luau has a more intimate, seated, multi-course dinner, which focuses on the different regions of Polynesia. The entertainment is excellent, and you get a very high-quality dining experience. It’s a bit pricier than the Old Lahaina Luau, but still generally less expensive than the Four Seasons.
Marriott Luau (Wailea): While you didn’t love the food at the Marriott Luau, it’s still one of the more affordable luaus in the area, and it does have excellent entertainment. The value for the price is generally considered good, so if food quality is less important and you just want a fun experience, this could be a solid option.

Since you have a car, driving to Lahaina opens up a few more options for you without sacrificing the experience of a great luau. If food quality is the most important factor, the Four Seasons will likely provide the best experience, but if you want to balance cost and value, one of the Lahaina luaus might be a better fit.

Ultimately, if you're willing to splurge for a more upscale experience, the Four Seasons is an excellent choice, but you might be able to enjoy a more affordable yet still memorable experience at a Lahaina luau. If you’d like, you could even do one luau at the Four Seasons and one at a more affordable spot to compare!