A present and a feast, luau are cultural occasions which are enjoyable for the entire ohana—listed here are a number of the finest on Hawaii Island.
Previously often called a pāʻina or ʻahaʻaina, the lūʻau is among the many islands’ most joyous events for guests and locals alike. Not solely is it a feast for the ages—we’re speaking local-style chow like kālua pig, poi, huli huli rooster and laulau—however it is usually a spot of studying and tradition. Whereas the flashy hearth knife dancing and mesmerizing hula performances are enjoyable to look at, one of the best lūʻau makes certain to combine these performances with storytelling of the Islands, instructing company extra concerning the land they’re visiting. And with a lot tradition on Hawaiʻi Island, it’s no shock that a number of the finest lūʻau within the state name the Massive Island—a well-liked moniker for Hawaiʻi Island—house. Listed here are our 5 favorites, situated throughout the island from Kona to Waikoloa.
1. Legends of Hawaiʻi Lūʻau
Among the many prime rated lūʻau within the state, the Legends of Hawaiʻi Lūʻau at Hilton Waikoloa Village is a really beautiful expertise. Beginning with stay music, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) classes and an intro class to hula dancing for guests, dinner is preceded by a exhilarating torch run, the place the lads of Tihati Productions mild the torches of Kamehameha Courtroom to the pulsating beat of polynesian drums. From there, guests can eat and calm down as the primary occasion begins and gifted performers share moʻolelo (legends) of Hawaiʻi.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Legends of Hawaii Luau’s website.
2. Voyagers of the Pacific
Image this. You’re sitting exterior on an attractive Hawaiian day, watching the solar set over beautiful Kailua Bay. It’s time for the all-you-can-eat Hawaiian feast promised by the Voyagers of the Pacific lūʻau, which incorporates ʻono (scrumptious) native fare like domestically sourced poi, teriyaki beef, contemporary pineapple and haupia pudding. Stuffed to your coronary heart’s content material, it’s time for the present, an epic that tells the story of historic Hawaiian and Polynesian tradition, which in the end culminates in an awe-inspiring Polynesian hearth knife dance.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Voyagers of the Pacific’s website.
3. Pilikana Waterfront Native Hawaiian-Model Luau
Within the coronary heart of Kona city is the Pilikana Waterfront Native Hawaiian-Model Luau, placed on by Kona Inn Village. Pre-show actions embrace keiki (child)-friendly Polynesian-style tattoos, hula classes and Polynesian drumming. By way of music and music, the present tells tales of Hawaiʻi, whereas the buffet meal—catered by native favourite Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill—supplied beforehand provides lūʻau-goers an perception on the native fare produced right here in Hawaiʻi.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Pilikana Waterfront Local Hawaiian-Style Luau’s website.
4. Waikoloa Sundown Lūʻau
Hawaiʻi sunsets and lūʻau go hand-in-hand, combining the islands’ most fiery pure show with a cultural showcase and ʻono meals. A critically contemporary dinner—concocted by government chef Jayson Kanekoa—options J.A. Farms Backyard Salad, Waipi’o Valley poi, Keāhole shrimp, hōʻiʻo fern shoots, Pūlehu steaks and grilled rooster with Hamakua mushrooms. After the solar has set and the meals has been loved, performers will take diners on a journey by means of Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaiʻi and Sāmoa by means of music and dance.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Waikoloa Sunset Luau’s website here.
5. Luau at Mauna Kea Seashore Lodge
Simply one of many nicest properties and resorts on island, the Mauna Kea Seashore Lodge’s lūʻau festivities are as genuine as they’re luxurious. Tables are laden with kālua pig, contemporary island fish, lomi lomi salmon and piles of domestically sourced fruit. By way of music, tradition and Hawaiian legends, the oldsters at Mauna Kea Seashore Lodge intention to dazzle its company with magnificent hula performances and dazzling hearth knife dances.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Luau at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s website here.
