14 December 2015

Welcome To The Hawaii Luau

By Evelyn Walls


Hawaii is comprised of eight major islands and many smaller islands and atolls. These islands all cater to tourists, yet each island has its own character. You can participate in a Hawaii luau on any of the islands. The collection of islands is known as Hawaii, and the largest island is also called Hawaii. It is by far the largest in size, but not in population.

Hawaii is called the Big Island. This nickname may be to eliminate confusion of the outsiders and to help them distinguish the Hawaii island from the state of the same name. Kona coffee plantations are big on the island and an important source of revenue. The five volcanoes alone would be worth the trip. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is home to vibrant coral reefs and dolphins and whales.

You should plan for your evening to last three to four hours, depending which package you decide to purchase. Many of the luaus offered on the Big Island are associated with one of the major hotels located there. Each has its own unique theme.

At the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel you will discover the Island Breeze Luau. Guests are greeted by being adorned with a shell lei. They are given some free time to explore the array of arts and crafts presented. The evening would not be complete without a pig cooked in an underground oven called an imu. Retrieving the pig from the imu is a ceremony that shows the ancient way food was and still is prepared. The main attraction for this event is the Royal Court making a grand entrance dressed in traditional royal garb. The excitement mounts as the outrigger canoe approaches. Finally, the buffet is spread out and guests are entertained with a Polynesian revue.

The Fairmont Orchid Hotel proudly presents the Gathering of the Kings Luau. The entire event is a fusion of Polynesian and Hawaiian cuisine and culture. The dinner menu is on the exotic side, so they offer simple macaroni and cheese for children and the less adventurous guests. A fusion of modern and Polynesian dance will relay the stories of Hawaiian kings and the meaning of the star that guided each king. Hula dancers and the flamboyant knife and fire dance round out the evening.

If you are looking for a history lesson the Haleo Luau presented by the Sheraton Kona Resort is the one for you. The feast is held under the hala trees. The revue tells guests about significant events in the Hawaiian history. Through song and dance, the birth of King Kamehameha III is told and the stories of legendary surfing by King Kalakaua. Most westerners are not familiar with the fact that Hawaii was once a monarchy.

The Royal Kona Resort holds the Royal Kona Luau which has many similarities to the Island Breeze Luau. The Royal Kona is advertised as the best value. The history of ancient Polynesians and their long journey to the shores of Kona is told through song and dance. Their sailing on the Pacific Ocean was a tremendous accomplishment for that time. In keeping with the Polynesian theme, the evening closes with a Samoan fire dance.

Visitors and locals cannot go wrong with any of these selections. Each has a flavor all its own, and each has the all the traditional common elements of this Hawaiian feast. Enjoy your evening in paradise.




About the Author: