Thursday, December 17, 2015

Luau Oahu For A Traditional Feast

By Evelyn Walls


Oahu is one of the eight major Hawaiian islands. Geographically it is the third largest, but it is by far the most densely populated. Well known for its hospitality, Oahu is commonly called the gathering place. What better way to gather friends and family than with a luau Oahu. Thanks to the welcoming nature of the native islanders, you will feel right at home.

The island is strong in the tourism business. You would not want to miss the chance to partake in a private luau. Barring an invitation to a private event, tourists can book luaus with various businesses that serve the tourists or with the Polynesian Culture Center. There are packages to suit the family on a budget up to deluxe packages for those with more money to spend.

Some packages are for the party, feast and entertainment. Others include so much more, so guests and tourists have the chance to immerse themselves in the Polynesian culture and history. This type of planned event lasts all day long, from noon to nine pm, and is priced comparably to the luau only package.

This traditional food festival is not like anything you have experienced before. The menu sticks to Polynesian foods. Poi, sweet potatoes, fish and pork are normally included on the menu. The pork comes from a pig cooked in the ground, which is the native way. You will be entertained with Hawaiian musicians and native hula dancers. If guests want to give the hula a try, they are welcome to do that. It helps to have had a few exotic drinks before attempting the hula.

Luaus began before any Westerners came to the island. The structure was based on the societal culture of the day. They were held only as special occasions to mark a milestone or celebrate an important family event. Traditionally, guests sat on a mat made of leaves from the local hala tree. A sense of unity and family underscore the unique social event.

The Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center is a wonderful resource for tourists. Their luaus are rich with the history and culture of the island. You can book tours of Diamond Head, have a guided tour of a volcano or visit Pearl Harbor. Be sure to visit their website to discover everything the Center offers.

Take some time to do some research and read what Oahu was like before and after the Westerners arrived. Oahu was a monarchy, and King Kamehameha the Great is possibly the most well known. In the 1800s the Christian missionaries came to convert the islanders. For better or worse, their mark is left to this day with the Christian churches and the melding of cultures.

The Hawaiian Islands joined the United States on August 21, 1959. The islands are officially a State, but they remain their own cultural experience. Certainly tourism and western business left their impression, but with any luck the fascinating culture of Oahu and the other Hawaiian islands will remain.




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