I’m not trying to be coy with my post title, there is a reason why I worded it that way. My family, along with our best friends, the Hargraves family, attended a luau in Lahaina where the hosts made a point of “leiing” (if that is a word) all of their guests as they arrived. I can appreciate that because there is no better way to say, “welcome” than with flowers!

 

Check out Shirley’s “Old Lahaina Luau” video clip!

The Bovshow family (left- the “darker” family) with our best friends, the Hargraves family.

The award winning, Old Lahaina Luau didn’t fake it with plastic flowers but instead offered fresh flower leis that were fragrant, colorful and beautiful. After we were leied, our gracious hosts escorted us to a generous open bar where the afterglow effect was extended with complimentary Mai Tai’s, Pina Colada’s, Chi Chi’s and other libations to stimulate the appetite for the feast. I opted for a less potent iced tea but had the option of other delicious non alcoholic drinks such as tropical guava, pineapple and orange juice.

Why Attend a Luau?

As a first time visitor to Hawaii, there was no way I was going to miss out on this age-old tradition. We chose the Old Lahaina Luau based on their outstanding reputation for excellent service, delicious food, premium entertainment and above all, the distinction of being “authentic” in their presentation and ceremony. Situated off of the beach, the flickering tiki torches, swaying palms and thatched roofs added to the romance of the oceanside setting. We watched the sunset and basked in the warmth of the tropical summer night.

What is a Luau?

Today, the word “luau” has come to mean “an informal gathering of people to enjoy food and entertainment.” This tradition began with the old Hawaiian custom of getting together to celebrate a victory in battle or any other significant event to the people. Little did I know, my family, the Bovshow’s have been “luauing” for years as we gather to celebrate every little positive event, minus the pig for my Jewish family.

What About the Roasted Pig?

Guests are invited to join the chef at the ocean’s edge and watch the Kalua pig being unearthed from the traditional Hawaiian underground oven called and “Imu.” We missed out on this because we were so busy taking photos of each other and the scenery that we didn’t pay attention to the announcement.

The Feast!

“Feast” is the perfect word to describe the multiple courses of authentic Hawaiian cuisine that are served family-style throughout the evening. The friendly and knowledgeable servers presented each dish while highlighting interesting stories about key ingredients. I liked the fact that I was not only dining, but also learning about the history of foods staples like taro and its significance to the Hawaiian people. I learned that taro tubers are mashed and used like a potato, flour is made from taro and taro leaves are used to wrap and steam the food in. Taro was in everything! Fresh baked taro rolls and macadamia nut butter were served at every table. We were warned to pace ourselves!

What do Vegetarians and Calorie-Phobic People Eat at Luaus?

Fortunately, Hawaiian cuisine also includes fresh fish like Poe, Mahi Mahi and Ahi Poke (marinated raw Ahi Tuna) for those who perfer lighter protein than pork, chicken and steak. I’m one of those people who keeps a running calorie tab of my daily food consumption, so I enjoyed the feast by sampling a couple of bites of each dish. There were plenty of vegetable and “starch” based dishes (as they referred to it) to round out the meal. One of my favorite dishes was the Pahole salad made with fern shoots, Maui onions, tomatoes. Check out the complete Old La Haina menu here.

What About the Dancing Girls?

The crowning jewel of the Old Lahaina Luau is the entertainment, as far as I’m concerned. Body types of every kind were represented in the dance ensemble proving that grace comes in many packages. ( I hate watching perfect bodies, especially when I am stuffing my face). The presentation centered on telling the history of the Hawaiian people through storytelling, dance and song. The fire dancer at the end was especially popular with my kids.

How Much Did it Cost?

The the price of admission per person was on the high side, ($95 dollars for adults and $65 dollars for kids under 12), but the experience was priceless! The luau would have been THE highlight of my trip, but of course, that spot can only go to something nearer and dearer to my heart- exploring the plant life in Maui!

Next Up: “Indoor Plants” Growing Wild in Maui!