Luau Waikiki For Fun And Food

By Evelyn Walls


Waikiki is the beachfront beach town in Honolulu, located on the third largest island, Oahu. Tourists are attracted to Waikiki for its beautiful white beaches, public parks, volcanoes and waterfalls. There are many luxury resorts and five star hotels. Pampered tourists can have spa treatments and enjoy high end shopping. The hotels are beautiful, but it would be a shame to miss the joy of meeting the people and experiencing some of their traditions. A luau Waikiki is the perfect way to learn about the cultures and traditions of this beautiful paradise.

There are several tourist businesses where you can purchase tickets to a luau. They typically offer round trip transportation from the hotel to the festivities. Guests will not have to worry about getting back to the hotel after they have enjoyed a few mai tais. As soon as you arrive, you will be greeted with a beautiful lei made of flowers, shells or kukua nuts. Most luaus next include the imu ceremony.

An imu is used to cook the pig. It is a large underground oven where the pig is wrapped and steamed for hours. At the imu ceremony, traditionally dressed Hawaiians remove the pig from the oven and transport it to the kitchen where it will be shredded. This simple ceremony shows the value that the Hawaiian people place on customs and culture. The feast you are about to enjoy will include the pulled pork, fresh fish, sweet potatoes, poi and other native dishes.

Next up will be the hukailau, which is a way of fishing done by Hawaiians since ancient times. A big net is placed in the ocean and everyone gets together when it is time to pull the net out of the sea. The net will be filled with fresh fish for dinner. Many simple customs in Hawaii continue to be done much the same as Hawaiian ancestors did them in the past.

Typically the mai tai punch is complimentary, and cocktail mai tais can be purchased by the adult guests. The Hawaiian revue will entertain guests and educate them about more of the culture. There are many traditional dances which will be performed by men and women in full costume. There certainly will be some hulu dancing and guests may be invited to join in, but you will be amazed by the variety of dances and ceremonies.

Finally after all these fun events have taken place, there will be the luau buffet. This may be more food than you ever imagined. In almost all cultures the offering of food is a way of saying welcome and happy you are here. This is certainly true in the Hawaiian culture, and guests will reap the culinary benefits of this warm welcome.

Luau packages are available from basic to deluxe. Most places offer three different prices. If you choose the deluxe one, you may receive a traditional Hawaiian gift at the end of the evening. Whatever package you choose, the prices are affordable.

As wonderful as the luau will be, it is only a small slice of Hawaiian culture. In 1959 Hawaii became a state when it officially joined the United States. The citizens of the Hawaiian islands continue to welcome people from the continental United States and from all over the world. Make the most of your visit to this island paradise that is part of our country.




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