By Evelyn Walls
The beautiful island of Oahu is not to be missed. This island is home to the state capital, Honolulu. With over nine hundred thousand residents, Oahu has the largest population of all the islands. The remarkable sights of nature include the sunsets, the beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls and exquisite flora and fauna. What better way to celebrate this bounty of beauty than with a luau Oahu rich in Polynesian tradition.
The island is strong in the tourism business. You would not want to miss the chance to partake in a private luau. Barring an invitation to a private event, tourists can book luaus with various businesses that serve the tourists or with the Polynesian Culture Center. There are packages to suit the family on a budget up to deluxe packages for those with more money to spend.
Packages come with different agendas. The basic package will strictly be the luau, but still complete with leis, hula dancers and native foods. Other packages are all inclusive day trips that offer various tours and the traditional feast. One of the most fascinating tours is to spend the day in a village reminiscent of what the culture once was generations ago.
If you have never experienced this traditional island party, here is what you can expect. There will be Polynesian food like poi, fish, bananas and pork. Meat and fish are cooked underground in keeping with tradition. The festivities will include Hawaiian music and entertainment. Hula dancers in traditional grass skirts, leis and flowers in their long hair will perform. Some of the guests may want to join in the hula dancing. There will be non alcoholic punch for the underage set and exotic cocktails for the adults.
The feeling is one of togetherness and celebration. Historically, luaus were held to honor some milestone in the lives of islanders. They have never been considered as just a gathering for mealtime. Luaus have always been held in the spirit of unity, gathering friends and family to participate as one group. Long ago all the guests sat on the ground on a mat made of lauhala leaves from the hala tree.
The number one attraction on this island is the Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center. The Center has packages that include the traditional island feast. Luaus are one of many ways for tourists to really learn something about this land that for many is heaven on earth. There are iconic sights that you will not want to miss. Take a tour to Diamond Head, visit Pearl Harbor, or reserve one of the guided tours to a volcano. Stay as long as you can because there is so much to see and do.
Doing some research about the island will make the trip and your luau more meaningful. Many did not know that originally Hawaii was a monarchy. Traditions and taboos were an integral part of the culture. When the Christian missionaries came in the 1800s, they sought to make changes to the culture they did not deem Christian. To this day, the Christian influence remains.
In 1959 the Hawaiians islands became a part of the United States. Even though your travel to Ohau will not require a passport, you will feel like you are in an exotic island paradise. The beauty of the islands and the beaches is remarkable. Enjoy this paradise with the traditional island feast.
The island is strong in the tourism business. You would not want to miss the chance to partake in a private luau. Barring an invitation to a private event, tourists can book luaus with various businesses that serve the tourists or with the Polynesian Culture Center. There are packages to suit the family on a budget up to deluxe packages for those with more money to spend.
Packages come with different agendas. The basic package will strictly be the luau, but still complete with leis, hula dancers and native foods. Other packages are all inclusive day trips that offer various tours and the traditional feast. One of the most fascinating tours is to spend the day in a village reminiscent of what the culture once was generations ago.
If you have never experienced this traditional island party, here is what you can expect. There will be Polynesian food like poi, fish, bananas and pork. Meat and fish are cooked underground in keeping with tradition. The festivities will include Hawaiian music and entertainment. Hula dancers in traditional grass skirts, leis and flowers in their long hair will perform. Some of the guests may want to join in the hula dancing. There will be non alcoholic punch for the underage set and exotic cocktails for the adults.
The feeling is one of togetherness and celebration. Historically, luaus were held to honor some milestone in the lives of islanders. They have never been considered as just a gathering for mealtime. Luaus have always been held in the spirit of unity, gathering friends and family to participate as one group. Long ago all the guests sat on the ground on a mat made of lauhala leaves from the hala tree.
The number one attraction on this island is the Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center. The Center has packages that include the traditional island feast. Luaus are one of many ways for tourists to really learn something about this land that for many is heaven on earth. There are iconic sights that you will not want to miss. Take a tour to Diamond Head, visit Pearl Harbor, or reserve one of the guided tours to a volcano. Stay as long as you can because there is so much to see and do.
Doing some research about the island will make the trip and your luau more meaningful. Many did not know that originally Hawaii was a monarchy. Traditions and taboos were an integral part of the culture. When the Christian missionaries came in the 1800s, they sought to make changes to the culture they did not deem Christian. To this day, the Christian influence remains.
In 1959 the Hawaiians islands became a part of the United States. Even though your travel to Ohau will not require a passport, you will feel like you are in an exotic island paradise. The beauty of the islands and the beaches is remarkable. Enjoy this paradise with the traditional island feast.
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