Friday, December 11, 2015

Choose A Hawaii Luau For Culture And Cuisine

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 commonly referred to as the Big Island. All of the other seven main islands combined do not come close to it in size. The big island is home to five volcanoes, Kona coffee plantations and its surrounding waters are home to whales, dolphins and breathtaking coral reefs. A luau is a great way to experience Hawaiian cuisine and culture.

The luaus typically last three to four hours. Most of the luxurious hotels located on the Big Island hold their own feast, each with a different underlying theme. Any one of these will give you an evening to remember.

King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel has one called the Island Breeze Luau. As guests arrive they are greeted with a shell lei. Guests will have some time to participate in traditional arts and crafts. Then watch as the imu is uncovered and the steamed pig revealed. The imu is the underground oven where the pig is cooked. A special attraction is the arrival of the Royal Court dressed in all its traditional regalia and making its grand entrance on an outrigger canoe. The luau buffet is ready for the guests. The buffet is followed by a Polynesian revue that includes exciting entertainment based on the Hawaiian culture.

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 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.

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.




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