Hawaiians are famous for their elaborate feasts that aren't limited to food, but are a combination of music, dancing and other entertainment. At the Paradise Cove lu`au in Kapolei on the West Side of Oahu, you'll do a lot more than eat, although you'll definitely do a ton of that. A traditional Hawaiian dinner includes dishes such as poi, taro, lomi lomi salmon, and coconut haupia. A night spent along the shores of Kapolei in full view of the Hawaiian sunset encompasses many other areas of fun.
Hukilau ceremony — Photo courtesy of Paradise Cove Luau
Roughly a half hour drive from the busy streets of Honolulu, Kapolei is a mellow resort area where guests escape from the city life in Waikiki to live in the lap of luxury in the newly developed area. Paradise Cove is one of the biggest draws in the area, and is known to many as the best lu`au on the island. Games and crafts at the lu`au are available for guests to participate in and include traditional wooden spear throwing, an ancient version of bowling, making a lei and getting a temporary Polynesian tattoo.
Dancing the hula — Photo courtesy of Paradise Cove Luau
You'll revel in a rainstorm of flowers showering down upon the crowd, take a ride on the water in an outrigger canoe and even role-play while dressing as villagers and pulling a giant fishing net out of the ocean. A peak into the old days is offered while watching "royalty" hold court during the imu ceremony, and finally unearth the roasted pig from the underground oven. Post-feast entertainment is a Samoan fire knife dance and hula, the latter of which guests are invited to learn.
So head out to Kapolei, and collect your three premium drink tickets, your souvenir arrival photograph and a surprise gift before embarking on an adventure back in time.
