

The night wears on, and the entertainment never wanes as the luau transitions from interactive Hawaiian hula lessons to the dances of Tahiti, coming to a captivating close with the electrifying Samoan fire knife dance. Amid the captivating entertainment, I immediately respect the unique way chef Eric Faivre incorporates kalo, an integral Hawaiian food staple, into a dish other than poi. Swaying dancers tell ancestral tales, and sweet Hawaiian music floats through the air as I indulge in the plate of sweet potato rolls with macadamia nut butter and kalo hummus, Lomi Lomi dip, and sweet potato chips before me. The show kicks off, and the audience is instantly transported to the Hawaii of the past- via stories, songs, and traditional fares. A thoughtful benefit of choosing this luau. Individual parties sat at their own table, no more than 8 people per party. Once settled in for the two-hour performance, the rest of the guests and I are afforded a front-row seat, and I start to appreciate the small size of the luau. The sun begins to fade, and guests start to mosey to their tables in anticipation of the show’s commencement.

A few other guests enter with their teenage family members, graciously included in the welcome by receiving tropical mocktails. Upon arrival, a smiling staff member hands me a Mai Tai, made with a selection of fruit-forward rum- a perfect concoction for sipping in the Hawaiian sunset.

Montage Kapalua Bay is consistently praised for its elegance, service, and location- and the Sunset Luau proves to be no different. So, lured by the promise of a personal experience and an individually plated, chef-curated menu, I find myself at The Sunset Luau. While Maui is known to have some real gems, some luaus can be, for lack of a better word, too touristy, cramming hundreds of guests into venues for mediocre shows and sub-par buffets. However, I don’t typically go out of my way to attend luaus. Having grown up in Hawaii, I am well versed in these traditional Hawaiian celebrations. The Sunset Luau at Kapalua Bay is not my first rodeo. Held every Tuesday, the luau takes place on the oceanfront lawn of the resort, offering up striking views of the Pacific, the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai, and the sunset. I am at The Sunset Luau at Montage Kapalua Bay. The deep hollow sound of a conch shell cuts through the yellow evening as I sip my complimentary Mai Tai. The sun is almost through with its daily westward march across the sky, and it is illuminating the small crowd I’m mingling with, in golden light. In addition to the stunning tropical grounds, opulent accommodations, and high-end service, one of the Montage’s biggest allures is undoubtedly its location steps from the sand at Kapalua Bay.NEW! Also see: Maui Bike Tours Comparison This striking luxury resort features 1-4 bedroom high-end condos, award-winning restaurants like Cane and Canoe, a spa boasting tranquil facilities and countless therapies, outdoor infinity pool, among other amenities. Perched on a bluff at the northern end of Kapalua Resort is the Montage Kapalua By. While there are many accommodation options in the Kapalua Resort area, one of the most luxurious resorts on Maui sits just a stone’s throw away from Kapalua Bay. See more of the best beaches in Maui, Hawaii.Parking available in front of beach path, back rows of Tennis Club or lot at end of Kapalua Place.Public restroom facilities at top of trail.Nearby beach shack with snacks and drinks.Lots of unique underwater life – corals, tropical fish, turtles.

