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A Hawaii luau vacation is a sizzling experience! Who can resist the haunting sounds of the conch shell at the start of every performance in perfect outdoor settings? Couple that with exceptional island cuisine and dazzling performances, a Hawaii luau vacation is a must!
To the light of tiki torches against a glowing sunset, to chanting, drumming, music and dance, performers narrate stories from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand, as each island has different types of dance and ritual.
- Hawaii – in ancient times, only the men could perform hula which was a ceremonial tribute to the gods. Dancers performed to chanting, drumming and sounds from percussion instruments such as gourds, bamboo rattles and striking sticks. With the influence of western music, hula became more of a woman’s dance
- Fiji – traditional war dances narrate stories of finding a new home across the waters; a fan dance expresses gratitude to the land
- New Zealand – heavily tattooed warriors challenge each other in a spear-fighting dance while men and women spin in complex rhythmic moves in the poi ball dance
- Tahiti – color, excitement and fast-beating drums accompany dancers in the riveting tamure which is characterized by fast hip action
- Tonga – to the pounding of nafa (drums), dancers perform well synchronized and energetic movements
- Samoa - dancers demonstrate courage, strength and dexterity in the thrilling fire knife dance.
In any luau, you are likely to see a combination of these various performances.
The exception is the Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, which showcases only the Hawaiian hula, both ancient and contemporary.
When you are planning your Hawaii luau vacation, make sure you allocate sufficient time for pre-show activities, because the fun begins when you step onto the luau grounds. In most cases, you not only get to look, but you gain hands-on experience in ancient Hawaiian life.
For example, at the Ho'omana'o morning luau in Maui, brought to you by the innovative minds behind Old Lahaina Luau, you can toss a spear, have a temporary warrior tattoo inked onto your hands, understand Hawaiian warfare or learn how to pound poi.
Make it a point to include the big-draw Polynesian Cultural Center in Honolulu in your Hawaii luau vacation.
Here, you can stroll through seven villages to participate in the daily life of the South Pacific cultures. Learn to make fire by rubbing two sticks together at the Samoan village, or crack open a coconut with ease. Try your hand at Tongan lafo, a shuffleboard game, or watch the women make cloth out of bark.
Listen to the Maoris explain the meanings of their intricate facial tattoos and the unique carvings at the entrances of their ceremonial meeting houses, and the ancient reasons behind why they stick out their tongues.
Remember that the Polynesian way finders traveled through uncharted waters, navigating by the stars and relying on their ability to read the meaning of the waves, the colors of the oceans and the flight patterns of birds. A Hawaii luau vacation is an opportunity to understand the courage and ingenuity of these great people.
Take a look at all the fun Luaus that are available as well as things you need to know to host your own luau:
Which luau listed above did you attend?
Please tells us your experience at the Luau you attended. We would love the hear your story.
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