Saturday, December 19, 2015

Welcome To The Hawaii Luau

By Evelyn Walls


There is Hawaii the state, and there is Hawaii the island, commonly known as the Big Island. The state is made up of eight main islands and numerous smaller islands. If the Big Island is your destination, you can enjoy a Hawaii luau to learn about the cuisine and the culture.

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.

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.

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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