Luau Waikiki For A Feast To Remember

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.

Luaus tend to have a sequence of events, so here is what takes place at a typical luau. You can get round trip transportation so your ride to and from the luau will be worry free. As soon as guests arrive a beautiful lei is draped around their necks. Leis are often made of flowers, but they can also be made of shells and kukua nuts. The imu ceremony will be the next item on the agenda.

An imu is the underground oven used to cook the the pork for the feast. At the ceremony native Hawaiians dressed in traditional costume, prepare the cooked pork for shredding. There is not a lot of ceremony involved, but it does give the guests a chance to see the traditional way of preparing food. The shredded pork, poi, sweet potatoes, and fresh fish are some of the staples of the local diet and are likely to be on the menu.

Next on the agenda may be a hukailau, where everyone gets together to pull the net from the ocean to gather the fish. Many years ago, ancient Hawaiians developed this way of fishing. Again, the simplest things are steeped in tradition. You know your fish for the evening will be fresh, since you just helped catch it.

Mai tai punch will be served to all. For adults, there will be mai tais with alcohol for purchase. The fun really gets started with the Hawaiian revue. This entertainment includes native ceremonies and dances done in full traditional costume. The hulu may be one of these dances, and some guests may want to attempt to hulu. The revue showcases some of the culture and customs of Hawaiian life.

After all these festivities, it will be time to eat. The buffet will have more food than you thought possible. Cultures around the world share the custom of offering food to guests as a warm welcome. This is also true for Hawaiians. Everyone present will share in this welcoming feast.

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.

The luscious luau is only one of the many traditions to experience in Hawaii. The United State welcomed Hawaii to the Union in 1959. In return, the breathtaking state and its gracious people continue to welcome visitors to their islands. The beauty of nature is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Have a wonderful visit to this island paradise.




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