Hawaii-living Series: Savor the Feast, Dance the Hula, Watch the Fire Dance
* A Luau should be on one’s bucket list when visiting Hawaii. This is a ‘must’ for any vacation, group R&R, and especially for a couple’s getaway. The island’s pristine beaches are certainly to die for, but there’s more to Hawaii than its beaches. The culture on the island is very diverse and immersive. You will have a great experience if you’re not afraid to explore the islands (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, or the Big Island). Just open yourself to a culture different from your own. There are smaller islands in Hawaii that are not very popular with visitors, though, like Niihau, Kahoolawe, and Molokai. These islands are either military restricted or limited to the natives’ access.
Luau is a Hawaiian feast that celebrates Polynesian culture, music, dance, and food. It includes a communal feast, often in a buffet style. The feast features authentic cuisine such as Kalua pork, Poi, and Haupia. I have tried the Kalua pork and haupia, but not yet the poi. Aside from the feast, there is the most celebrated Hula dancing, alongside fire dancing. Fire dancing is a traditional warrior dance, while Hula is a sacred traditional dance. Both tell stories and preserve the island’s history.
Luau is called ‘aha’aina, which means gathering for a meal. Native Hawaiians do a Luau to celebrate victories, harvests, or special occasions. Some big hotels on Oahu offer only Hula and fire-dancing performances without the communal feast. I recommend going to Luau for a completely immersive experience of the whole tradition and celebration. It will cost some bucks, but the experience is so worthwhile.
Most of the big hotels in Waikiki, for instance, charge guests an additional fee for events. These events include attending a Luau or even just the hula or fire dancing. Other establishments include these performances as part of their accommodation packages. For prices, you can search the internet and compare prices.
We attended a Luau at Sea Life Park on Kalaniana’ole Hwy, Waimanalo Beach during our first (couple’s) vacation in 2024. We googled the one closest to our hotel. If I were to do it again, I would have started by checking the Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center website: https://www.polynesia.com/, which is an agency of the local government. Taking this route would have given us more choices for the island’s other cultural traditions.
This site also shows other places on the island worth checking out. This state agency website also offers visitors some Luau packages at comparatively priced rates. I don’t promote any sites mentioned in this post. I’m simply giving you an idea of where to start. Visiting Hawaii is quite costly. To make the most of your budget, do your research. Plan your logistics carefully.
If you’re on a budget vacation, there is no judgment. The ocean and beaches are all around the island. They are free to enjoy!
However, the locals have only one caution for tourists and visitors: leave the sea creatures alone, especially turtles. Do not touch or disturb them. Simply watch and enjoy their presence. Observe with joy and grace. Be thankful we get to experience one of the island’s amazing wonders.
Six Tastes Kitchen 