A present and a feast, luau are cultural occasions which are enjoyable for the entire ohana—listed here are a few of the greatest on Hawaii Island.
Previously generally known as 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 fireplace knife dancing and mesmerizing hula performances are enjoyable to look at, the most effective lūʻau makes certain to combine these performances with storytelling of the Islands, instructing visitors extra concerning the land they’re visiting. And with a lot tradition on Hawaiʻi Island, it’s no shock that a few of the greatest lūʻau within the state name the Large Island—a well-liked moniker for Hawaiʻi Island—dwelling. Listed here are our 5 favorites, positioned throughout the island from Kona to Waikoloa.
1. Legends of Hawaiʻi Lūʻau
Among the many high rated lūʻau within the state, the Legends of Hawaiʻi Lūʻau at Hilton Waikoloa Village is a very beautiful expertise. Beginning with reside 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 boys of Tihati Productions mild the torches of Kamehameha Courtroom to the pulsating beat of polynesian drums. From there, guests can eat and chill out as the principle 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 outdoors on a ravishing 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 regionally 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 historical Hawaiian and Polynesian tradition, which in the end culminates in an awe-inspiring Polynesian fireplace knife dance.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Voyagers of the Pacific’s website.
3. Pilikana Waterfront Native Hawaiian-Fashion Luau
Within the coronary heart of Kona city is the Pilikana Waterfront Native Hawaiian-Fashion Luau, placed on by Kona Inn Village. Pre-show actions embody keiki (child)-friendly Polynesian-style tattoos, hula classes and Polynesian drumming. Via music and track, the present tells tales of Hawaiʻi, whereas the buffet meal—catered by native favourite Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill—offered 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 govt 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 way of Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaiʻi and Sāmoa by way of track and dance.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Waikoloa Sunset Luau’s website here.
5. Luau at Mauna Kea Seaside Resort
Simply one of many nicest properties and resorts on island, the Mauna Kea Seaside Resort’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 regionally sourced fruit. Via music, tradition and Hawaiian legends, the parents at Mauna Kea Seaside Resort intention to dazzle its visitors with magnificent hula performances and dazzling fireplace knife dances.
For tickets and extra data, go to the Luau at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s website here.
