Thursday, December 10, 2015

Enjoy The Hawaii Luau And Culture

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 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.

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.

Each of these luaus is wonderful in its own unique way. You cannot make a bad choice. With fine dining steeped in culture you will learn something about the Hawaiian people. This feast will round out your time in paradise.




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