Luau Etiquette and Tipping Guide: Do You Tip? (2026)

Last updated: November 2026

Reviewed by Maui Luau Company Editorial Team. Hawaii travel and luau industry 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.