Oahu's Luaus - A Celebration of Culture
A luau is a pleasurable way to experience a little of the ancient Hawaiian culture while on your vacation on Oahu. A luau is a classic Hawaiian feast featuring traditional food, entertainment and customs. The name luau is taken from a favorite dish of these feats. Young and tender leaves of the taro plant were combined with chicken, baked in coconut milk and called 'luau'.
Traditionally, the luau feast is eaten whilst sitting on the floor, without the aid of utensils. Lauhala mats were rolled out and a beautiful centerpiece of native plants and flowers was laid along the length of the mat. The grandest and most famous Luaus were hosted by the Hawaiian royal family in the 1800's. Today, the luaus on offer on Oahu are not as big and flamboyant as the past; however they can be just as enjoyable.
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Authentic Hawaiian luaus are difficult to find these days. Most of them are commercial and cater for the masses. However, they are still a lot of fun and the specialty dishes can be a real treat.
Oahu's luaus offer the opportunity to sample such dishes as Kalua Pork which is an entire pig wrapped in ti leaves and baked all day in an underground oven known as an imu. Poi is a purple-gray paste produced by pounding the root of a taro plant. Poke is raw fish marinaded with soy and Oriental seasonings and lami-lami is made with raw salmon. These dishes, and many more, can be tested at one of the many luaus on offer on Oahu.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Luau (931-7194) is as close to the classic feats as you will get. It is complete with authentic foods, entertainment, featuring a hula show and a Samoan fire dance. This feast embodies the spirit of aloha. Authenticity is added by optional seating on laukala mats (although table seats are available). You are presented with fresh flower lei on arrival and are invited to share mai tais at the cocktail bar to get the party started.
Germaine's Luau (949-6626) is held on a private beach at Barber's Point and is known as the most 'down-home' Hawaiian feast of them all. There is a free shuttle bus service from Waikiki area hotels.
Other luaus include: Paradise Cove Luau (842-5911) on the leeward coast. This luau offers a wonderful dinner with art and craft displays, games and other activities along a private beach. Ali'I Luau (293-3333) is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and includes a reenactment of a royal court procession before the show begins.
For most travelers, a luau is on their 'must do' list. Is it on yours?The other islands of Hawaii - Big Island - Kauai - Lanai - Maui - Molokai - Cruises
Oahu Travel Guide
