Visitors to the ocean front Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island enjoy a lavish luau review and all-you-can-eat buffet.
No one goes to Hawaii without taking in at least one luau, which is synonymous with fun, food, and fabulous, Hawaiian and Polynesian style entertainment. Each of the main Hawaiian Islands offers luau productions that will delight the entire family and add a truly memorable element to any vacation.
Ancient Hawaiian religious practices originally forbade men and women from eating together, but, in 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished the traditional taboo and feasted with women as a declaration of the change. Everyone sat on floor mats and ate with their fingers, being particularly fond of a dish that featured taro plant leaves combined with baked chicken in coconut milk, which was called “luau.”
Historic Polynesia comes alive nightly with traditional song, dance, music, and scrumptious luau buffet at the ocean front Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui.
When tourists began coming to Hawaii in greater numbers in the 1930s, the luau gained popularity and became a favorite event for visitors yearning for all things Hawaiian. Today, two of the most popular luaus are at the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui and the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s “Big Island.”
The amazing fire dance is the highlight of the luaus and both the Royal Lahaina Resort and Royal Kona Resort.
The ocean front Royal Lahaina Resort is the site of a spectacular “Myths of Maui Luau.” The nightly, all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and show all begins with a shell lei and, perhaps, a Mai Tai from its open bar. There is also a special menu for the kids or “keikis.” You will find a mouth-watering spread of such traditional Hawaiian foods as Kalua pork, poi and lomi lomi salmon, as well as, fresh fish, Island chicken, assorted salads, side dishes and desserts. Then, it’s time for the fantastic Polynesian Revue, weaving the legends of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and Maui into music and dance, ending with a spectacular fire dance that will take your breath away. Check it out at www.mythsofmaui.com.
At the oceanfront Royal Kona Resort, the call of the conch shell, lighting of the torches, and the beat of native drums beckon you to another amazing luau and island-style show. Tihati Productions presents the dynamic “Voyagers of the Pacific,” a celebration of historic Hawaii and lore of the South Pacific. After experiencing a delicious, all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet with open bar, you’ll enjoy the acclaimed cast of musicians and dancers, who will take you on an authentic journey through islands of the South Pacific. You will share the travels and romance of Holomoana (the voyager) and Kalua (Hawaiian princess) through songs and dances rarely seen in luau shows, culminating in a Samoan “fire knife” dance that will enthrall you. See more details at www.konaluau.com.
Today, luaus are a must for any visitor to Hawaii and still feature many of the traditional foods of the first feasts in this paradise. But, nowadays, guests don’t need to sit on mats or eat with their fingers (unless they want to). The music, dance and marvelous foods are a cultural celebration that will be remembered long after the return home.
For more information on the award winning luaus at the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui and the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s “Big Island,” go to www.hawaiianhotels.com.