The Best Hawaiian Luau: Kona, Big Island Cultural Adventures

When it comes to the best Hawaiian luau Konaeveryone’s fancy during your stay.
really does have it all. It is on the sunny side ofWhat happens at a luau, anyway?
the Big Island that you’ll find such wonders asA luau is a word sometimes used interchangeably
Samoan Fire-Knife Dancing and the Royal Courtwith “party” but it’s more than just a
processional arriving in a traditional outrigger canoegathering of friends. A luau includes a giant feast,
to start off the night’s entertainment.often augmented by a kalua pork roasted in a
It is also on this side of the island that you’lltraditional imu oven.
find the perfect way to fill you day with activitiesAn imu oven is an underground cook space, most
before you actually attend the evening’s luauoften lined with rocks, coals, leaves and/or mats
event – it seems you can’t turn a cornerto steam the meat to a delicious level of
in Kona without being tantalized by a flurry ofsucculence. It is well deserving of the Imu
activities just waiting to whisk you away forceremony – which is a moment of true
some fun.appreciation held as the feast is unwrapped and
For one thing, Kona is renowned for its premierpulled from the ground just before the luau kicks
fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving waters. It isoff.
here that you’ll not only find some of theHolding a luau also means a night of dance, music
clearest waters but the biggest fish too. Theand entertainment, so if you are attending a luau
record blue marlin caught off Kona’s coast,in Kona, you’ve signed yourself up for a real
for example, was weighed in at a whopping 1,805treat.
lbs!The Polynesian performers will tantalize your
The Big Island itself is, of course, also renownedsenses with traditional drums, music, and dance
for its behemoth volcanoes and the active lavastemming from a diversity of island cultures
flows emitted by them. Additionally, there arespread all over the Pacific.
plenty of dolphins, sea turtles and whales to spotWeather permitting; you’ll likely also be able to
all along the coast, leaving no shortage of optionsenjoy your luau outdoors, allowing the Hawaiian
if you’re trying to figure out what to do withsunset to add an extra level of ambiance to your
yourself while you’re there.luau experience.
Furthermore, all of these activities can beThere is nothing quite like taking in a luau,
combined with a luau feast to round off yourKona-style, so if you’re visiting the Big Island,
day’s excitement, making it easy to tickleit’s an event you’ll not want to miss!