Welcome To The Hawaii Luau

By Evelyn Walls


The state of Hawaii is made of eight major islands and many, many smaller islands. While all the islands are tourist attractions, each is different from the other. A Hawaii luau will give you some insight into the culture and history of the islands. The largest of the eight islands is the island of Hawaii. It dwarfs the other seven major islands, yet it does not have the largest population. That distinction goes to Oahu.

Hawaii is called the Big Island because it far surpasses the other islands in size. However, the island of Oahu is the most densely populated. The Big Island boasts five volcanoes and its beautiful surrounding waters have whales and dolphins and colorful coral reefs. Hotel guests lunching on the patios frequently enjoy whale sightings. The traditional luau is a wonderful way to experience some Hawaiian culture.

The festivities usually last about three and a half hours. Most luaus held here are presented by a high end hotel located on the Big Island. Each luau follows a different theme, but maintains the traditions of the feast.

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 Gathering of the Kings Luau is at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. The food is a fusion of Polynesian and Hawaiian. The full menu includes exotic foods and simpler items such as macaroni and cheese for the kids. A mixture of Polynesian and modern dance will tell the stories of the kings and how each king is forever linked to the one star that guided him. The revue includes hula dancers and a knife and fire dance. Breathe taking from beginning to end.

If your interests lie in history, the Haleo Luau presented by the Sheraton Kona Resort should be your choice. It is centered around the island history and tradition. The guests sit under the stars and the hala trees and become completely drawn into the culture and history of Hawaii. The revue tells historical stories, such as depicting the birth of one of the most well known kings, King Kamehameha III. King Kalakaua magical surfing stories are also presented. Many people are not aware that for most of its history Hawaii was a monarchy.

The Royal Kona Resort offers the Royal Kona Luau, which is similar to the Island Breeze. This one is billed as the best value. The revue uses dance and song to describe the story of ancient Polynesians making an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean and finally settling in Kona. True to the Polynesian theme, the last dance is the impressive Samoan fire dance.

All of these luaus would make an excellent choice. You cannot go wrong. Each share the traditional elements, yet each theme is unique and exceptionally interesting. If your stay is long enough, you might want to try them all.




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