Etiquette Guide · Updated November 2026
Luau Etiquette and Tipping Guide
Last updated: November 2026
Reviewed by Maui Luau Company Editorial Team. Independent Hawaii travel reviewers.
Yes, you tip at a Maui luau when your seating includes table-side service. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the ticket price for premium and VIP tiers with a dedicated server. Tipping is not expected at buffet-only or general-admission tiers where there is no assigned server. Performers and the imu crew do not accept individual tips.
Who do you tip at a luau?
Your assigned server if you have one. Bar staff when ordering off-menu upgrades. Valet parking attendants. The luau operations team, front-of-house managers, and performers are salaried and do not receive individual tips.
How much should you tip?
- Standard seating with no dedicated server: tipping is not expected.
- Premium or VIP seating with a server: 18 to 20 percent of the ticket total, or a flat $15 to $25 per adult.
- Open bar with a bartender: $1 to $2 per round.
- Valet: $3 to $5 at pickup.
What about the resort service charge?
Some Wailea luaus, including The Lū'au at Grand Wailea, add a 22 to 24 percent service charge to the ticket. This is a resort operations fee, not a distributed tip. If your server provides exceptional table-side service on top of that, an additional 10 to 15 percent gratuity is appropriate.
Cultural etiquette every guest should follow
- Arrive on time. The imu ceremony starts within 15 minutes of doors and cannot be paused.
- Stand quietly during the oli (chant) at the opening. Applause comes at the end.
- Photograph the imu ceremony from the perimeter, not by stepping in.
- Accept a lei on arrival with both hands. Do not remove it in front of the giver.
- Say mahalo (thank you) rather than tipping the imu crew directly.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip at a luau?
Yes if you have table-side service. A 15 to 20 percent tip on the pre-tax bill is standard when servers refill drinks or clear plates at your table. Tipping is not expected at a buffet-only luau with no dedicated server.
How much do you tip at a luau?
For table-service luaus, tip $10 to $20 per adult on top of the ticket. For premium and VIP tiers with a dedicated server, tip 18 to 20 percent of the equivalent food and drink bill.
Do you tip performers at a luau?
No. Hula dancers, fire knife performers, and the imu crew are salaried employees and do not accept individual tips. A meal-time compliment to the staff or a positive online review is more appropriate.
Is a luau service charge the same as a tip?
No. The 22 to 24 percent service charge added at some Wailea resort luaus covers operations and is not distributed as a tip to your server. Ask the venue if you are unsure, and tip an additional 10 to 15 percent for exceptional service.