Tuesday 22 December 2015

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. 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 menu is combination of Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine. Most of the dishes are fairly exotic, but the menu includes some kid dishes like macaroni and cheese. Guests will be entertained with choreography that combines modern and Polynesian dance. The show also presents hula dancers and a grand finale of the knife and fire dance.

You might select the Haleo Luau at the Sheraton Kona Resort. This particular one focuses strongly on the history of the culture and is most educational for the guests. The events are held under the hala trees where guests are immersed in the Hawaiian culture and history. The show will tell the stories of significant events in history, like the birth of King Kamehameha III and the surfing stories from another king, King Kalakaua. Many westerns do not realize that Hawaii was a monarchy for most of its history.

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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