Go Visit Hawaii

I think every first time Hawaii visitor should spend one evening at a luau. It’s a great way to try traditional Hawaiian foods, see graceful hula dances, and hear Hawaiian music. When you are trying to choose a luau, you’ll probably be overwhelmed with the choices. Not all luaus are created equal. So, how do you choose a luau? Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Research your options before you go on vacation.
If you take some time determining your options before you go, you’ll save yourself the time of having to research luaus while you’re on vacation. While you are at home, you’ll have more time and resources for research. A luau can be an expensive evening with prices starting at about $60 and many of them costing quite a bit more, so wouldn’t you want to chose the best luau possible?

Sites like TripAdvisor.com and igugo.com have reviews that are worth your time to read. Often you’ll learn tips and tricks of how to book, where to sit, when to arrive, etc. Your time will not be wasted, so do invest a half hour or so at home to comparison shop and find the best luau for you.

Not only should you research your luau before you arrive, but you should also book it ahead of time. Some luaus sell out fast, particularly around holidays. So book your seats ahead of time to make sure you get to go to the luau you want.

2. Know the seating arrangement.
Choosing a luau by the seating arrangement might be the single most important selection you’ll make. One of the biggest highlights of a luau is the Polynesian dance show. So, you will definitely want a good view of the stage. Try to find out how tables are arranged around the stage. Ask if there are seating upgrades. You may have the option to pay another $5 to $20 to get a better view and earlier seating. I’ve seen luaus with tables that seat six to ten people. I’ve seen other luaus that seat 50 people per table. The longer bigger tables had more of a cattle herding feeling to them rather than festive environment that you would prefer. Obviously smaller tables will give you better stage viewing opportunities.

3. Know the food options.
Be prepared that the food you will taste might be a bit unexpected. Open your mind and taste buds to experience the new flavors. Most luaus will include such Hawaiian specialties as kalua shreaded pork (pig cooked in an underground oven), island fish, poke (marinated raw fish), lomilomi salmon, and pipi kaula (seasoned beef). For children, many luaus also offer more recognizable kid-friendly foods like chicken fingers. Most luaus are served buffet style, so you can try as many different dishes as you like.

Of course no luau is complete without poi which is a thick sauce made from taro. Taro is a purple vegetable that is probably closest in taste to a potato. Poi is a mixture of water and taro that has been mixed and mashed until it becomes similar to a paste consistency. Most people cringe and make all kinds of ugly faces when they try poi for the first time. Hawaiians are quite proud of poi, so please be respectful when you try this Hawaiian staple.

If you see a purple dinner rolls, don’t be put off by the color. They are made with taro which gives them the purple color. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love them.

4. Know the agenda for the evening.
Find out when the doors open and arrive as close to that time as possible. Many luaus offer a nice lei greeting and a free bar, so if you arrive early, you can grab a drink and walk around the grounds and take photos. I like to go to a luau that has a imu ceremony. (The photo on the left is of an imu ceremony.) This ceremony involves watching the pig being uncovered from the underground oven and lifted to the kitchen. Usually you’ll have nice live Hawaiian music playing while you eat and then the dancing show starts. If possible find a show that includes Samoan fire knife dancing.

5. Know the days the luau operates.
A few luaus operate every day of the week, but the majority don’t. Make sure you choose a luau that fits with your vacation schedule.

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I’ll be beginning a series of luaus by island beginning next week. So stay tuned for more information to help you choose your luau for the island you’ll be visiting.

If you’ve been to a Hawaiian luau what methods did you use to select your luau? What worked well? What do you wish you had done differently?

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