Old Lahaina Luau is a luau located in Maui, Hawaii. The luau offers a beachside eatery that serves an authentic Hawaiian dinner and show amid tiki torches. The luau was founded in 1986 by Michael Moore, Robert Aguiar, Kevin Butler, and Tim Moore. As of 2023, Old Lahaina Luau seats approximately 340 guests seven evenings a week, with a staff of more than 200 employees.[1]
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Old Lahaina Luau made its first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance in 2000, debuting a three-story tall float that sought to replicate an authentic version of Polynesia. Michael Moore, marketing director of the luau, said the company decided to enter a float in the annual event for two reasons; to promote vacations to Old Lahaina Luau and Maui, and because they had been “really fortunate.” “We have a successful business,” Moore said, “why not do some things that are sort of on the fantasy level?”[2]
The majestic float, which was built by the Macy’s Parade Studio in consultation with the dinner-show company,[3] featured a 26-foot tall volcano that erupted with shots of colorful confetti, and measured 34 feet in length and 20 feet in width. Decorated with grass hale, tiki statues, and palm trees, giant dam shells, and other island motifs, the lush island paradise float captured the aloha spirit and romance of the 50th state. Adding to the Maui moment were 24 Old Lahaina Luau dancers who performed an authentic Hawaiian hula in traditional costumes.[4]
In the float’s debut year, the dancers performed “Haleakala Hula” for the two million spectators who lined the streets. For their television appearance, the hula dancers performed a number choreographed to a rendition of the Hawaiian War Chant. The luau’s entertainment director, Robert Aguiar, said that they “wanted to do something traditional yet give a nice upbeat performance since the float will be fun and colorful.”[2]
The Old Lahaina Luau float made three consecutive Parade appearances, and was retired after the 2002 Parade.
Guest Stars[]
- 2000 - Old Lahaina Luau Hula Dancers, performed "Hawaiian War Chant," with appearance by Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio
- 2001 - Old Lahaina Luau Hula Dancers, performed "Auana Hula"
- 2002 - Old Lahaina Luau Hula Dancers, performed "Kumukahi"