In February 2014, I was invited to attend this particular luau for the Grand Re-opening. The Hyatt organization spent over 3 million dollars for the upgrades they did. Theyve been doing this luau for many years and it was a nice breath of fresh air! New decking, lighting, gardening, costumes, and a few new changes in personnel. Everything had a new feel to it, but the amazing sunsets on Kaanapali beach never grow old.
There are actually 11 parts to this luau now, beginning with Otea, the festival of drum dancing of Tahiti. Next is Kahiko, using the sacred art of hula to tell the story of ancient times in Hawaii. Aparima tells the story of the skills of the great fisherman that have been passed down through the generations. Then the story continues as the white tipped Tavake bird flies to the drum beats of Rarotonga. Tiare is a tale of romance from French Polynesia, followed by Tonga, the last reigning monarchy in the Pacific. Haleakala Hula uses the traditional ti leaf skirt called the lai and is a song for Mauis great mountain peak Haleakala. Maori dance features the dance and costumes of New Zealand with intense face paintings and music. Maori is still practiced in the military of New Zealand today! Maui Moonlight Medley will feature the traditional dress of the Hawaiian Monarchy. Drums of the Pacifics last major performance is a Multi-man Fireknife Dance, rooted in the traditional Samoan Ailao” or battle dance. The evening finally comes to an end with a musical drum and farewell to their guests.
Be prepared to be with a big party in this luau, and dont be shy to go back to the buffet line over and over because its a feast, Hawaiian style! They might even come by and ask you to join them on stage to see if you might have some hidden Hawaiian in you, and have you tried the hula?! Dont be shy, its a party!
Also know that given enough notice, they can serve gluten-free, and vegan meals! Just let us know when youre ordering, well take care of the rest.
Fresh flower leis are included for VIP seating.
At the end of the night, no one was left hungry, everyone had a great time and the sounds of the Drums of the Pacific beat on into the stars and sky of the beautiful Maui evening.