Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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 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 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 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 Luau at the Royal Kona Resort is most like the Island Breeze at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel but is described as the best value. The show tells the story of the ancient Polynesian journey traveling thousands of miles by way of the Pacific Ocean to make their home in Kona. The evening ends with a 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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