May 3rd, 2007
NCL offers new Luau at Gaylords on Kauai
NCL America (NCLA), in partnership with Kilohana Plantation and NH Productions, hosted a grand opening of its brand new lu‘au and dinner show for the community on Friday, April 27. Lu‘au Kalamaku promises to be one of Hawai‘i’s most exciting and entertaining experiences offered nowhere else in the islands. The experience will offer traditional Hawaiian games, arts and craft lessons, a hula show and a theatrical production. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample popular island favorites lomi lomi salmon, poi, taro bread and kalua pig catered by Gaylord’s Restaurant. A train ride on Kaua‘i Plantation Railway or a vintage Clydesdale carriage ride through the plantation’s 35-acre estate will also be available as additional featured activities.
“Hawai‘i is a very special place and passengers cruising NCL America ships are here to experience Hawaiian culture and learn about Hawai‘i’s heritage,” said Robert Kritzman NCL America Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Hawai‘i Operations. “Lu‘au Kalamaku tells a tale about Hawaiian culture and values through a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance which weaves in ancient and modern dances from the Tahitian, Hawaiian and American traditions.”
Lu‘au Kalamaku is a heartwarming story created by well-known director, producer and performer Haunani Asing Marston and Nanea Tuttle of NH Productions. Marston, a former Miss Hawai‘i, recently returned to Kaua‘i after working for four years in Washington D.C. with the Congress on Homeland Security issues. Marston produced, directed and starred in the Princeville Hotel Lu‘au, “Nani Hanalei o ke kai,” for five years and prior to that produced, directed and starred in Tahiti Nui Family Style Lu‘au, “Aloha Kaua‘i,” for 14 years. Her credits also include stage productions of “South Pacific” at Kilohana Plantation, “Monarchy Nights,” “Some Enchanted Evenings,” and “After Eight” from Big Band Productions/Lionman Records.
The original storyline, which will feature an all Kaua‘i cast, tells the tale of one family’s journey from Tahiti to Kaua‘i. Original music for the production was created by Marston, Halani Boshard and Michael Ruff and choreographed in a collaborative effort by some of Kaua‘i’s top talent, including Kathleen and Alani Woodward, former Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula and Kumu Hula Healani Youn, Kumu Hula Doric Yarvis, Pualani Avaeoru, and Stephania Zenato.