Going
to an authentic Hawaii Luau is a must-see when you visit
Hawaii. Each of the Islands has commercial and non-commercial
Hawaiian luaus that you can attend.
Using the word Luau to describe this centuries old celebration
has only been happening for the past 150 years. Before
then, it was known as an ‘aha'aina. Hawaiians used to
thrown these feasts as celebrations for special occasions
such as the launch of a new canoe. Today, these types
of luaus are still held, for example one to celebrate
the first birthday of an infant. You participation at
a luau makes you ohana, or family. You will love the warm
celebratory nature of these traditional gatherings.
Some of the traditional dishes you might encounter on
a luau besides the requisite roasted pig is poke, which
is raw marinated fish. Some of the dishes you will find
at a luau bear heavy influences of the visitors who first
came to these islands around 150 years ago.
Oahu
The Polynesian cultural center, on the north shore of
Oahu, has a mock Hawaii luau that they put on indoors.
This Alii Luau is great if the weather is not holding
up, or if you're new to the Hula experience, this luau
is set inside the cultural center, and is complete with
all the trappings of a real beachside luau- the lei greeting,
hula dancing, and a sumptuous buffet with tradition Hawaiian
dishes in an all-you-can-eat buffet.
The Royal Hawaiian Luau is the second largest luau on
Oahu Island, the only to take place in Waikiki. This Luau,
which occurs every Monday, is one of the best in Hawaii.
The Paradise Cove Luau takes place near the village of
Paradise Cove. This Luau is the largest in Hawaii and
one of the most respected. Not only will you get to participate
in the three hour long Luau at sunset, you will be able
to learn about the culture of the Hawaiians during the
day through a variety of games and activities.
Maui
The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the most dedicated to
Hawaii tradition on Maui Island. You will be greeted when
you enter the Luau with a real flower Leis and a tropical
beverage of your choice. From there, you will get to witness
the unveiling of the pig from the underground pit, as
well craft exhibitions on the beach. This Luau takes the
time to explain the culture and display the old traditions
of Luaus in Hawaii.
The Feast at Lele is reminiscent of ancient times. By
mimicking the activities of the Royal family of Maui,
this Luau is rich in tradition and good food. Each section
of the Luau is noted with different dishes that show you
the cultural foods of past times. The show starts in Ancient
Maui, and evolves towards the more modern traditions of
the area.
Hawaii
Hawaii Island only has one luau, which takes place in
the Kona village. This Luau celebrates the history of
the island, and goes through many of the ceremonial and
traditional dances and activities of the old times. There
is a 22-dish buffet at this Luau, which lets you sample
many Hawaiian and American cuisines.
No visit to Hawaii would be complete without the Hawaiian
feast that is known as the Luau. After engaging in an
evening of dance, song, food and drink, you will truly
feel the warm nature of the Aloha spirit that is at the
heart of every Hawaii Luau.
