Photo: Veronica Marie Lanier
Photo: Julien Marchand
Photo: Steve Murdoch
'Ulalena at Maui Theatre
★4.7(55 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 75 minutes (no intermission), plus 20-30 minutes for arrival and browsing👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The visual spectacle, acrobatics, and music keep grade-schoolers and teens thoroughly engaged, while the lack of dialogue makes it accessible for younger children. Kids under 3 may find it challenging to sit through the full 75 minutes, though the vibrant costumes and movement can hold their attention.🧡 Saved by 23 families
About
'Ulalena at Maui Theatre delivers a mesmerizing 75-minute journey through Hawaiian mythology and history that captivates children and adults alike. With stunning acrobatics, traditional hula, fire dancing, and a powerful original score, this award-winning show brings Hawaii's culture to life without dialogue,making it perfect for families with young children who might struggle with traditional theater.
Highlights
- ✓Breathtaking aerial acrobatics and traditional fire knife dancing that leave kids wide-eyed
- ✓Stunning costumes featuring hundreds of vibrant colors and traditional Hawaiian designs
- ✓Live percussive music and original score that resonates through the intimate 680-seat theater
- ✓Educational storytelling about Hawaiian history from ancient Polynesian voyagers to modern day
- ✓No dialogue barrier,the story unfolds through movement, music, and visual storytelling
Pro Tips
- 1.Book seats in the center orchestra section for the best views of the aerial acrobatics and stage effects,worth the upgrade with kids who want to see everything
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get settled and browse the lobby, which features Hawaiian cultural displays that provide context for the show
- 3.Use the restroom before the show starts as it runs continuously without intermission for 75 minutes
- 4.The theater is air-conditioned, so bring a light sweater for kids who get cold easily
- 5.Evening shows (typically 6:30 PM) work well for families, ending before late-night bedtime but after beach time
Best Time to Visit
Evening performances are ideal for families, allowing you to spend the day at the beach and catch the show before dinner. Tuesday through Saturday typically have shows, with darker Sunday-Monday. Book tickets in advance during peak tourist season (summer and winter holidays) as performances often sell out.
What to Know
Tickets typically range from $60-90 for adults and $40-60 for children (ages vary by season). The theater is located in the heart of Lahaina on Front Street with nearby public parking lots and street parking (arrive early for easier parking). Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the lobby.
Seasonal Notes
The show typically runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings year-round, though schedules may vary during holidays. The indoor theater provides a perfect rainy-day activity or evening option after beach days. Special performances may be added during peak winter and summer vacation periods.
Nearby Eats
Cool Cat Cafe (just steps away on Front Street) offers burgers, sandwiches, and a kids menu in a rock-n-roll themed atmosphere. Cheeseburger in Paradise (nearby on Front Street) is another family favorite with a fun tropical vibe, kids menu, and casual beachfront dining perfect for pre- or post-show meals.
More Activities Near Maui
Adventure
Hana Highway
$
The legendary Hana Highway is a thrilling full-day adventure that takes families along 64 miles of winding coastal road past jungle waterfalls, hidden swimming holes, and black sand beaches. Kids will be mesmerized by the 600+ curves, one-lane bridges, and countless stops for banana bread, fresh fruit stands, and incredible photo opportunities at panoramic ocean viewpoints.
Adventure
Haleakalā National Park
★4.9$$❤️250
Haleakalā National Park offers families an unforgettable adventure exploring one of the world's largest dormant volcanoes, with otherworldly crater landscapes that kids describe as 'visiting Mars.' From easy nature walks perfect for little legs to the awe-inspiring summit sunrise experience, this park provides unique opportunities for children to learn about Hawaiian culture, geology, and ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.
Farm
Maui Pineapple Tour
★4.9$$❤️126
This working pineapple plantation offers families an authentic taste of Hawaiian agriculture with guided tours that combine education and delicious sampling. Kids get hands-on learning about how pineapples grow, the chance to taste fresh-picked fruit straight from the field, and scenic views of Maui's upcountry that make for fantastic family photos.
Park
Mākena State Park
★4.8Free❤️137
Mākena State Park, often called 'Big Beach,' offers families over two-thirds of a mile of golden sand and calm, gentle waves perfect for little ones learning to splash and play. The wide-open beach gives kids plenty of room to build sandcastles, try bodyboarding, and explore tide pools, while parents can relax knowing the gradual slope into the water is ideal for young swimmers.