How can I describe the Ulalena show at the Maui Theatre in Lahaina - Cirque du Soleil? Luau? Theatrical Show? Musical?
This show is so original and unique that it defies description, but all of us rated this show outstanding.
Like other theatrical shows, they don't permit pictures or videos during the show, so we can only display pictures we purchased (they morphed us in front of a background of their show) or took after the show.
But the Ulalena video at the bottom of this page gives you a good seat to view a sample of the show.
Ulalena Show
Ulalena is an ancient Hawaiian word for a twilight wind and rain that occurs in Maui myth.
The show combines ancient Hawaiian cultural stories with lots of movement and action, such as dancing, with sounds and rythm, such as percussion and drums.
The performance progresses through nine scenes - each one stimulating our senses in a different way - some quiet and mystical, and others loud and fast.
Even though we often didn't follow the storyline (we found the story to be pretty abstract to absorb during the show), we enjoyed the graceful movement and music for every scene.
The staff and cast were very personable the entire evening - the Maui theatre experience is intimate and much less 'touristy' than a lot of Maui.
Some of the props, such as this fish that seems similar to props we have seen in Chinese New Years parades, are displayed in the theatre so you can view them up close after the show.
Ulalena Cost & Schedule
The Ulalena schedule is at 6:30pm two weeknights and the weekend - Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ulalena cost is about $60-$80 for adults and $40-60 for children 3-15 years old.
There are opportunities to spend more.
The Dinner package includes dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse on Front Street in Lahaina Center with the Ulalena show.
We chose the VIP ticket option, so that we could stay after the show while some of the cast remained on stage to answer questions and mingle with the audience.
The Maui Theatre also sells Ulalena show programs and items such as Ulalena hats and tee shirts.
Ulalena Tickets & Reservations
If you want to view exact pricing and schedule, or to get tickets or make reservations for Ulalena, click here to go to the Barefoot Tours website.
Click on Maui, then Theatres and Shows, then select Maui Theatre - Ulalena from the box like the graphic on the right.
You can also call 888-820-2097 to call Maui and talk to an Ulalena expert at Barefoot Tours right now (they're on Hawaii time).
Even if you are on Maui or Hawaii now, they can get your tickets to you by email, fax, mail, or even delivered to the Maui Theatre for last minute Ulalena ticket reservations.
Tell them Randy Willis sent you and recommended that you ask about their low price guarantee.
Ulalena Location in Lahaina
The Ulalena show is held at the Maui Theatre at 878 Front Street at the north end of Lahaina.
This is an inside theatre show at the Maui Myth and Magic Theatre in Lahaina.
We enjoyed the plush theater chairs, air conditioning, surround sound system, and no high winds (like we sometimes have at luaus).
Ulalena Reviews
This show is not widely known, but it became a favorite for us.
We are not the only ones that love this show - read what the press says:
National GeographicA Spectacular Theatrical Sensation
Condé Nast TravelerBringing Down The House
San Francisco ChronicleWow!
New York TimesBeautiful depiction of hawaii's history
Honolulu Star BulletinUlalena is one of the most brilliant pieces of theater I’ve seen in Hawai‘i in more than 40 years
Expedia.comMaui’s Hottest Tickets
Honolulu AdvertiserIn the annals of Island show business, Ulalena will be the buzz of the millennium
The Maui NewsUlalena is to Maui what the 'Follies Bergere' is to Paris or the 'Phantom of the Opera' is to New York – a must see
The Maui News OpinionI was mesmerized by the production and by the choreography that went into the making of this show. An authentic Must-see
Spirit of AlohaUlalena is Visual Poetry
Hawaii Visitors & Convention BureauAwarded 'Best Show' & 'Best Attraction'
The Best PublishingUlalena is a must-see – simply dazzling
TravelAge WestPerhaps the Most Stirring Theatrical Experience in all the Islands
Ulalena Video
This 60 second promotional Ulalena video gives a good overview (they don't allow video taping during the show). The background music is the Ulalena theme song. Click on the PLAY button in the image below to watch the Ulalena video.
To get the current exact cost and schedule for the Ulalena show, or to make reservations, click here to go to the barefoot tours website. Click on Maui, then Theatres and Shows, then select Maui Theatre - Ulalena.
Or call 888-820-2097 to call Maui and talk to a Maui luau expert at Barefoot Tours right now (they're on Hawaii time). Tell them Randy Willis sent you.