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Do you recommend going to a luau on your Hawaii vacation?
Readers often ask for my thoughts about luaus. Are they worth the time, money and effort? Are they touristy? Are luaus authentic? Those are all great questions, but there’s probably not a one-size-fits-all answer. What’s worth it to me might not be worth it to you. In my opinion, I think going to a luau is definitely worth planning into your Hawaii vacation. For around $90, you get to sample Polynesian food and watch a colorful Polynesian dance show. Luaus feature traditional Polynesian and Hawaiian food that you might not find on a resort menu. For example, many luaus include lau lau which is pork or fish wrapped in a taro or ti leaf and cooked in an imu (underground oven). Kalua pork is another luau staple that’s cooked in an imu. Of course no luau is complete without at least sampling a taste of poi. Luaus give you the opportunity to try all these traditional foods. Most luaus serve a buffet dinner, though some high-end luaus will offer table service. A couple of luaus with table service are Maui’s Feast at Lele and the Big Island’s Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Legends of the Pacific . My favorite part of a luau is the Polynesian dance show. Most luaus feature the dances and music from all the major Polynesian Islands. The colorful costumes and graceful dancers capture your attention. I’ve probably been to a dozen or so luaus throughout Hawaii and I’ve not seen a show that’s disappointed yet. Most luaus end with a Samoan fire knife dance that are absolutely thrilling to watch. Are luaus touristy? Yes, they are definitely touristy. At just about every luau, you’ll hear cheesy jokes that will still make you laugh. You’ll also see over the top costumes. For example, you’ll usually see female dancers wearing coconut shell bras. I could do without that glitz and glamour, to be honest. Here’s our video of Fia Fia luau at the JW Marriott Ihilani on Oahu. This video will give you a flavor of a typical luau show – there’s a taste of all the Polynesian islands mixed with a bit of entertaining humor. (Email subscribers: click here to access the Fia Fia video .) As for the authenticity of luaus, I can’t speak to that with authority because I am not Hawaiian. My impression is that there are aspects of luaus that are probably authentic, such as the food and the hula dancing. As a whole, luaus are set up to appeal to tourists and entertain. I guess the best analogy I can use is that if you host a Christmas dinner at your home for your family, that’s your authentic celebration. If you were to invite a large group of strangers to your Christmas dinner, you’re probably going to try to make it more appealing to the masses. In that case, you’d probably try to put on more of a show in order to entertain. If you want to try to attend an authentic luau, I’ll share the same advice I was given — check the local papers for fundraiser luaus. Those luaus are usually put on by locals for locals. If you’re thinking of planning a luau into your Hawaii vacation, check out this article to help you choose the luau that’s right for you – How to choose a Hawaiian luau . In addition, I’ve written a series of posts with luau reviews, costs and schedules organized by island. I do update them periodically. Kauai luaus – schedules, costs, reviews Big Island luaus – prices, reviews, schedules Maui luaus – prices, schedules, reviews Oahu luaus that I’ve reviewed are Ali’I Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center and their amazing Polynesian show HA: Breath of Life Fia Fia at the JW Marriott Ihilani Have you been to a luau in Hawaii? Which one did you go to? Do you think going to a luau is worth the money and time? © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Aloha Friday Photo: The Kahala Edition
Friday, April 20, 2012
Today’s Aloha Friday Photo of the grounds at the Kahala was sent by Dave from Oahu. Here’s what Dave had to say, “This place is almost magical. Very romantic. I proposed to my wife relaxing with her on the hammock (made for two) just after sunset. I couldn’t help it…” Well, who can blame Dave for popping the question at such a romantic location? If you’re not familiar with the Kahala Hotel & Resort , it’s located in Honolulu, but not in Waikiki Beach. Many people are surprised to learn that there are only three resort areas to stay on Oahu outside of Waikiki. The Kahala resort is one of those three. We’ve been there to dine and to swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest . Mahalo to Dave for sharing his romantic Aloha Friday Photo with us. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...2nd Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival – Day 2 Recap
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Ukulele falsetto legend Richard Ho`opi`i performs in the Great Hall Today’s events started early with 9am ukulele performances on the lanai at Coffee Works in Lanai City. It was a great start to this sunny morning. From Lanai City, the events moved onto the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele , where we had a fantastic Hawaiian language lesson taught by the brilliant instructor, Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. After learning pronunciation and basic sentence structure, we wrote a song in Hawaiian. Then, after learning some ukulele cords, the group played and sang this new song. So, in an hours time we went from learning the Hawaiian language to performing a brand new ukulele song in Hawaiian. In the afternoon, the main concert began with four hours of ukulele masters playing in the beautiful Great Hall of the Lodge at Koele. The crowd shouted “hana hou” (encore or one more song) many times today. As you will see from the following short video, the variety of artists was excellent – from kids to “uncles and aunties”. The styles of music varied, too – from classic Hawaiian tunes to jazz and rock. (Ken Burgmaier of Hawaii On TV has done a great job organizing the event.) Today’s performances proved how versatile the ukulele is. (Email subscribers: use this link to access the video .) More than 40 Kalama School children perform in the Great Hall We hope you are enjoying this brief coverage of the 2nd Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival. There’s one more day to go. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Lanai Ukulele Festival– Day 1 Recap
Saturday, April 14, 2012
We enjoyed a beautiful start to the Lanai Ukulele Festival with performances by Benny Uyetake and 45 of his ukulele students from Kalama School Ukulele Band, Richard Ho`opi`i, Kawaika Kahiapo, , CJ “Boom” Helekahi, Hula Honeys, and Byron Yasui. The first day’s events were held on the lovely luau grounds of the Four Seasons Lanai Resort at Manele. The performances were enhanced by being under stars and with blazing tiki torches lining the grounds. With a picnic basket setting, delicious food was available for purchase. Special festival-inspired cocktails were available with $5 of the proceeds going to the Lanai Cancer Association. Andy created this brief video with short clips of almost all of the artists and performers. (Email subscribers: use this link to view the Lanai Ukulele Festival Video ) Day two of the festival moves upcountry to Lanai City and the Four Seasons Lanai
Continue reading...Lanai – More to Love Than Meets the Eye
Thursday, April 12, 2012
During our visit to Lanai in February, we met another couple visiting Lanai for the first time. The wife asked, “There’s not much to do on this island, is there?” I almost gasped in surprise. You see, we’re now on Lanai for our fifth visit and I know we’ll leave with a to-do list for next time. I suppose that it’s natural to assume that there’s not much to do on Lanai, given that it’s the smallest Hawaiian Island that you can visit. Honestly, there is more than meets the eye. Over the years, I’ve covered many exciting Lanai adventures, like horseback riding , outstanding snorkeling , mammal watching , excellent hikes, clay shooting and off-road adventures in a Jeep to remote, untouched places . On this visit, we plan to try the brand new UTV adventure and if possible, we’d like to check out the kayaking near Shipwreck Beach. Eventually, we’d also like to try archery . We’ve rented a Jeep twice for off-roading, but we’d love to rent one again to go as far as we can go along the east coast of the island. Outstanding golfing , scuba diving (one of Hawaii’s top dive spots), surfing and hunting are other major activities to try on Lanai, though they’re not our cup of tea. Of course, we feel it’s a good idea to take some time to get to know Lanai’s culture , enjoy some great beach time at Hulopo’e Bay , and get some pampering with an oceanside massage . Then, in the evening, catch some live entertainment and enjoy excellent farm-to-table Hawaii cuisine. So, I hope you can see that there’s lots of fun activities and adventures to try on Lanai. I’ve not even mentioned the opportunities to learn to play the ukulele, try hula and lei making at the Four Seasons Resorts of Lanai . Even if someday, we accomplish all the activities Lanai has to offer, we’ll still be drawn back to try some of our favorites again. Plus, there’s always something new or different to try on the island. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...Allegiant Air To Begin Hawaii Service in June 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
At the end of June, US Mainlanders will have a new option for getting to Hawaii. Low cost airline, Allegiant Air, just announced new nonstop air service from both Fresno and Las Vegas to Honolulu. Service and introductory fares are being offered as follows: Fresno, California — begins June 30 with fares as low as $174 each way ($348 roundtrip) including taxes and fees Las Vegas, Nevada — begins June 29 with fares as low as $174 each way ($348 roundtrip) including taxes and fees Seats at the introductory fares are limited and you must book by April 30, 2012 for travel by November 13, 2012. Even if you don’t live near Fresno or Las Vegas, check out Allegiant’s route map so see if you might be able to make connections from your home airport.
Continue reading...Wailua Falls off the Road to Hana
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall to see from the Road to Hana . It’s easy to see from the road, plus there’s usually plenty of parking nearby so you can stop for a good look. You’ll find Wailua Falls Between mile markers 45 and 44, past the town of Hana but before you get to the Oheo Gulch on Highway 31. The waterfall will be on the mauka (mountain) side of the road. Parking will be on the makai (ocean) side of the road. I took a quick 14-second video of Wailua Falls for you to see. (Email subscribers, click here to access the Wailua Falls video .) Please note that the flow of water varies based on rainfall. Have you seen Wailua Falls from your adventures on the Road to Hana?
Continue reading...Wailua Falls off the Road to Hana
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall to see from the Road to Hana . It’s easy to see from the road, plus there’s usually plenty of parking nearby so you can stop for a good look. You’ll find Wailua Falls Between mile markers 45 and 44, past the town of Hana but before you get to the Oheo Gulch on Highway 31. The waterfall will be on the mauka (mountain) side of the road. Parking will be on the makai (ocean) side of the road. I took a quick 14-second video of Wailua Falls for you to see. (Email subscribers, click here to access the Wailua Falls video .) Please note that the flow of water varies based on rainfall. Have you seen Wailua Falls from your adventures on the Road to Hana?
Continue reading...It’s Our Fifth Blogaversary
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Can you believe Go Visit Hawaii is five years old? I can’t! Though we’re thrilled and honored to win awards and be the leading independent Hawaii travel blog, it’s the comments from readers like these that we cherish: Your website is awesome!
Continue reading...Should You Look For An All-Inclusive Hawaii Vacation?
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
If your tropical vacations normally take you to the Caribbean or Mexico, you probably stay in an all-inclusive resort. So, when you start to look at Hawaii as your next tropical destination, you may wonder where you find the all-inclusive resorts. You might be surprised to learn that Hawaii doesn’t have many all-inclusives. Hawaii’s all-inclusive resorts are: Travaasa Hana is located in a remote area of Maui. This rustic luxury resort includes high end activities and spa treatments as well as meals for Sea Cottage guests. (Travaasa Hana also provides guest rooms that are not all-inclusive.) Kona Village Resort is located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Unfortunately, this resort was significantly damaged by the March 2011 tsunami. The resort hopes/plans to reopen, possibly in 2013. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this Polynesian resort can reopen. Occasionally, a resort will offer all-inclusive packages. For example, Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island currently offers an all-inclusive stay .
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012
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