When in Maui, this is a MUST SEE! http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/. Reservations are a definite must. If you know when you are going to be there, click on the site and make your reservation or as soon as you arrive. I kid you not, the venue holds 500 people and it is sold out 7 nights a week, constantly.
Upon arrival, you are met with a nice mai tai while waiting in line. When the time comes and it is your turn to be seated, you are presented with a fresh orchid lei. (The only luau to do this, by the way). Now you can walk around and watch the wood carvers at work, a young man making roses and birds out of reeds. For a small donation, it is yours. Another shows how poi is made.
The host explains the opening of the emu and the significance on the Hawaiian life of old. You can go and see them remove the pig from the oven and then it is time to eat. Try everything they offer. One of Don’s favourite dishes was ” Ahi tuna poke” ( pronounced po-kay). They have salads, poi, fish, chicken, pulled pork, sweet potato (purple in colour). The list is long and delicious. Dessert is presented by youir server and one tray on your tables allows for each person to have 4 different pieces. Macadamia nut tarts, coconut custard squares, triple chocolate brownie-type square and chocolate cup with, I think, a pineapple mousse). Whatever it was, it was certainly yummy-yummy.
The servers (mostly young, handsome men weariong sarongs and big smiles, are at your beck and call. There are a variety of drinks (open bar here) that are beautiful to look at and also to taste. Common sense needed here.
The show is totally breathtaking. This is the 5th time we have seen this show and it has had subtle changes over the years, but is the best we have seen. More explanations to the history of the various dances. Please, you must take an evening and see this. You won’t be sorry.
