Maui Luau
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If this is your first visit to Maui, more than likely you are looking forward to the famous Maui luau that you’ve heard so much about. You know it is a great feast of food, but don’t really know much more than that. Well you are in for a delightful treat with the understanding of where the luau originated.
The origins of the luau date back to when the early Hawaiian people gathered to celebrate special occasions, such as a victory in a war they would honor a great warrior, a good harvest, the birth of a child, and also to honor their gods. This celebration was called ‘aha’aina meaning gathering (‘aha) for a meal (‘aina). The name of luaus never started until 1856 when food was wrapped in leaves and buried in the ground.
Hawaiian families still gather for special occasions, but these occasions are private. However, almost every hotel offers a luau for the guests. The luau has grown from a small affair to a total night of entertainment starting with the wrapping of food and placing it in the underground oven. You will be exposed to all kinds of music and stage shows in some of these hotels making it a show that you won’t soon forget with some island music and hula dancers.
The food itself varies, but it is all good and basically consists of the same foods that were used years ago. A luau would not be a luau without the famous roasted pig, which is cooked all day in an underground oven. The opening of the oven is part of the dinner’s entertainment. Other foods that are served include Hawaiian fish, salmon, chicken, sweet potato, coconut pudding, and the traditional poi, which is made from the root of the taro plant.
So go ahead and enjoy your first luau. You will remember it forever as you are surrounded by friendly Hawaiian people and entertainment that will keep you dazzled. It may be your first luau, but it probably won’t be your last with the thrill you will get from tasting this feast of foods that lay before you.
For more information on Maui please visit our Maui Guide
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