Visiting Maui's Authentic Old Lahaina Lu'au

Let's pretend you've never been to an authentic Hawaiian Lu'au. You've seen them on television or the movies. You know that guests eat and dance and girls do the hula. But that's not all there is to the authentic lu'au experience.

When we were planning our vacation to Maui, Hawaii, I really did my homework. Having never been to Hawaii, I researched and dug up everything I could to better acquaint myself with the islands. First, we had to decide on which island to visit. Every one of the six major islands has something wonderful and exotic to offer. But we could only afford to spend our nine days at one of them. Maui seemed to have the best that all these tropical paradises had to offer, so that is the island we settled on. We often heard the phrase, "Maui No Ka Oi," meaning, Maui is the best. We found this to be true.

Naturally, things that come to mind while you sit dreaming of your Hawaiian adventure are luscious flower leis, white sand beaches, fresh seafood and yes, the traditional Hawaiian lu'au. I have to say that from everything I had read or seen, the Old Lahaina Lu'au, in Lahaina, Maui, went beyond our expectations. Lahaina sits on the leeward coast of Maui. This quaint little town was originally a plantation town, teaming with crops of pineapple and sugar cane. It was also once a hub for the Pacific whaling industry. The lu'au property looks to the west, where each golden sunset dresses the stage for a most memorable evening of food and entertainment. The traditional Hula and Feast was more than just dancing and food.

Arriving early, as suggested, you are individually and warmly greeted by wahine and kane (women and men) hostesses and hosts, saying, "Aloha," a personalized souvenir program, a fragrant orchid and plumeria lei, and a Mai Tai that is to die for. You will then be escorted by your host, dressed in a brilliant yellow and green kikepa (sarong) to your seat. Once you have familiarized yourself with your seating arrangement, you are free to roam the grounds. As you arrive, you will hear a Hawaiian band will be playing and singing. Hospitality is the name of the game. For lu'au truly means feast.

From the moment you enter the grounds, the sights and smells envelope you. You'll stroll by islanders displaying their handcrafted treasures, such as tikis and woven baskets. The lu'au ambassadors (that's what I call them) treat each visitor not only as honored guests, but more like ohana (family). Then watch as the islanders explain how the Kalua Pig has been roasting in the underground oven, called an "Imu". They will then unearth the roasted pig, which has cooked for hours being wrapped in banana leaves on hot stones. The aroma is intoxicating. The pig is lifted out and presented, crowd goes wild!

After getting a whiff of that succulent pork, you are ready to chow down. Thus begins the Pa`ina Ahiahi, the feast. Hot, freshly baked purplish rolls are brought to your table. These delicious rolls get their unusual color from the taro plant, which is also used to make poi. Poi has been a food staple for Polynesians for centuries. The taro plant is believed to have been brought to the Hawaiian Islands on double-hulled outrigger canoes around 450 A.D. The correct method of eating poi like an islander is with two fingers. But at this lu'au, it's just up to you whether you eat it at all. Let's just say it's an acquired taste!

Some of the most delectable Polynesian fare you'll ever eat is found right here. Beside the most delicious Kalua pig you'll ever taste, the menu also includes Lomi Lomi Salmon, Ahi Poke, Taro Leaf Salad with Coconut Sauce, Haupia (coconut pudding), Banana Bread, fresh island fruit, Maui Style Mahi Mahi, Island Style Chicken, Assorted Island Desserts, Chicken Long Grain Rice, Island Crab Salad, Lau Lau and so much more. All drinks are also included. I'd suggest you eat light during the day, as you'll want plenty of room to try everything!

The lu'au program begins as you finish feasting, as the sun begins to set. But your hosts do give you time to take plenty of pictures of the most amazing sunsets you'll ever lay your eyes on! And please do take plenty of picture and movies. You'll want to preserve these memories for years to come. Do bring your kieke (children). The evening will as fun as it is educational for them as well.

The program starts out with the telling of the very early settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. Polynesians migrated to a new home. This is done with oli, mele and kahiko (chant, song and dance). Throughout the evening, you will learn through music and song the progression of the Polynesian settlers' sorrows and triumphs. You will see how the ancient hula (kahiko) and the modern hula ('auana) has survived and flourished, overcoming adversity and prejudice. Around 1778, European missionaries banned the hula, but the Hawaiians won back their hula in 1882, thanks to King David Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch.

There is so much to tell, and so much to experience at this world-renowned lu'au, I would hate to give it all away. I guarantee every minute spent on a magical evening in Lahaina will stay in your memory for years to come. And it is worth every penny.

A few of the countless celebrities known to have frequented this authentic Hawaiian lu'au, are Donald Trump, Kelsey Grammar, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Eddie Van Halen. Top notch travel publications consistently offer high marks to the Old Lahaina Lu'au. Including Frommer's Guide to Maui, Fodor's Guide to Maui and New York Times-Travel, just to name a few.

The grounds of the Old Lahaina Lu'au are easy to find. Drive straight west of Maui and find the Old Lahaina Lu'au grounds at the oceanfront at 1251 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui. The luau is open seven nights a week. You can see what the Old Lahaina Lu'au has to offer at online, or call them toll free for reservations and seating at (800) 248-5828. Be prepared to state whether you prefer table seating, or traditional ground pillow seating (I highly recommend this and the view is spectacular). Arrive early in the evening, around 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., depending on the time of year.

I'm looking forward to returning to Lahaina and reliving every delicious minute of the Old Lahaina Lu'au...all over again. I don't know when it will be, but I can dream. I'm anxious to tastes the Kalua Pig, Mahi Mahi and yes, even the poi! I will certainly take a lot of pictures! I have movies but lost all my photos when my computer crashed after returning from our last vacation there! Important lesson learned. Always back up your digital photos while still on your trip!

You may plan on doing nothing more than laying on the beach and maybe doing some shopping while on the island of Maui, but please do not pass up the opportunity to go to the best lu'au in Hawaii. The Hawaiians believe that the spirit of aloha is sometimes best exhibited in the celebration of the lu'au. To this I say, Aloha 'oe and Mahalo. Till we meet again, and thank you!