May 15th, 2007
Maui’s Old Lahaina Luau
The aloha flows freely seven nights a week at Hawai‘i’s most authentic and most award-winning lu‘au, the Old Lahaina Lu‘au. It’s an evening of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music, cultural dances and island crafts. Guests will appreciate a genuine reflection of Hawaii’s rich history while enjoying an ocean view and sunset.
The evening begins with a flower lei greeting and cocktails. There is an open bar throughout the evening. All drinks are included in your fee. During this part of the evening you can wander the grounds, watch Hawaiian craft demonstrations and take in a beautiful sunset.
Guests may choose from traditional seating on the grass with cushions directly in front of the stage or at regular tables and chairs. Seating is limited and all seats are reserved so…please make your reservations as far in advance as possible for the best seating.
At around 6:30 the imu presentation is held where the Kalua Pua`a is unearthed from its underground oven. The pork has been cooking since morning in this traditional Hawaiian method of preparation.
As you return to your seat, your host escorts your table to the hale a`i (eating house) where many traditional Hawaiian and western foods are served buffet style. Traditional luau favorites include chicken long rice, mahi mahi, poke (marinated raw ahi tuna), lomi lomi salmon (salmon bits with tomatoes and onions), haupia (coconut pudding) and of course, the Kalua Pua`a.
Following dinner you are entertained by a program featuring the dances of Polynesia with particular emphasis on the traditional Hawaiian hula, both the hula kahiko or ancient hula as well as the hula `auana or modern hula. You also learn the history of hula from its origins, through the missionary era until today. The grand finale features the Tahitian hula with individual dancers performing their art.
The Scoop:
Old Lahaina Luau - Where: Oceanfront at 1251 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761; When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Phone: (808) 667-2998 or (800) 248-5828; Rates: Adults, $90; children, $60.
Old Lahaina Luau - Where: Oceanfront at 1251 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761; When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Phone: (808) 667-2998 or (800) 248-5828; Rates: Adults, $90; children, $60.