About Us:
The Old Lahaina Luau is owned and operated by Hoaloha Na Eha , Ltd. (four friends) Michael Moore, Robert Aguiar, Kevin Butler and Tim Moore formed the partnership in 1986.
Robert and Michael actually developed and opened the Luau for a large ocean recreation company, which had leased the land fronting 505 Front Street in Lahaina. The small shopping complex on the southern edge of Lahaina town had recently reopened after the bankruptcy. The recreation company operated the Luau for about five month when it was decided that it was not in their best interest to continue the operation. Though naturally it would take time, Robert and Michael were convinced that the old Lahaina Luau was a great opportunity. Rather than see it close down, they recruited the support of Tim and Kevin gathered their limited savings and presented the owners with an offer to purchase the Luau. It actually took many more meetings and a lot of “pencil sharpening” for an acceptable deal to be made, but eventually the young partners purchased the Old Lahaina Luau.
After Many years in the visitor and entertainment industry, the partners felt there was a need for more culturally sensitive entertainment than was then available though the hotel Luau. There was no Luau on Maui strictly showcasing traditional Hawaiian music, dance and food. The Luau operated on lovely oceanfront grounds at 505 Front in Lahaina with a local family catering the food, no liquor license (BYOB) and lots of great comments form the 100 or so guest who attended the three-times-a week show. From the beginning, Hawaiian values of aloha, hookipa (hospitality), and pookela (excellence) have been important ingredients in the business philosophy of Hoaloha Na Eha and the old Lahaina Luau.
The Old Lahaina Luau was most definitely a passion for the four partners, but with limited revenue from the operation it was basically a part-time job. All of the partners held other jobs as well as running the Luau. Monthly billing was done by hand, sitting in a circle on the floor of Tim’s rented house. It would be a while before the business could afford an office of office equipment. Funds for advertising were limited at the beginning so marketing consisted of physically going out and inviting activity desks, concierge, bellmen and poll attendants to attend the Luau. The response from the community and guest was very enthusiastic. Soon the Luau was averaging 200 guests per evening.
