How can we 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.
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.
Ulalena Show
Ulalena is an ancient Hawaiian word for a twilight wind and rain that occurs in Maui myth.
The performance progresses through nine scenes - each one stimulating our senses in a different way - some quiet and mystical, and others loud and fast.
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).
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.
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 shows we have attended. After the show, some of the cast remain on stage to answer questions and mingle with the audience.
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.
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:
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
They don't allow video taping during the show, but this promotional Ulalena video gives a good overview. The background music is the Ulalena theme song. Click on the PLAY button in the image below to watch the video.
Other Maui Luau Pages
Watch some freeMaui hula shows, or find the right luau for you without blowing your budget.