The Old Lahaina Luau

We Taste Maui's Most Famous Luau

Having heard the raves about the Old Lahaina Luau--known for its island food and hula spectacular--we strolled up to the venue with its stunning beachfront setting surrounded by tropical gardens.

The ten-foot "Old Lahaina Luau" sign carved in wood welcomed us and and we made reservations for that evening's entertainment.

Later, we took a cab from our hotel (Ka'anapali Beach) to the event, and Clarence, our friendly island driver, promised to pick us up afterwards.

The O.L.L. is the most famous of Maui luaus, known for its spectacular hula show blending song, dance and legend with a lavish feast of traditional Hawaiian food. The location is perfect--on the beach encircled by palms and tiki torches, with seating on a green grass terraced knoll.

We strolled through the tropical gardens to our places at long wooden tables arranged in tiers around a level grass stage and performance area. Drinks were ordered as we chatted with fellow travelers.  The hostess explained the tradition of wearing a flower tucked behind the ear.  Left ear for married women; right for singles.  Made everything so much easier, no questions asked.

Before the food arrived, guests stroll along the beach and look at crafts demonstrations, poi-pounding and pig roasting. The sky and beach are a blend of exquisite colors as the light changed with sunset.

Island beverages in hand, we got acquainted with our table mates, and the festivities begin. The food is an elaborate production, with course after course of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, including:
 Kalua Puaʻa Pork, roasted in the beachside Imu--Hawaiian oven, Laulau Pork wrapped in Lūʻau leaf and steamed, Maui-style Mahi Mahi; Pulehu Steak; Island-style Chicken marinated with guava sauce, garnished with fresh pineapples and toasted sesame seeds; Chicken Long Rice; stir-fried vegetables; sweet potato in coconut milk; and fried rice.

Salads are tossed Kula Greens with Papaya seed or Maui onion dressing, Pohole salad, Taro salad, tropical fruits, or a shrimp and crab salad. Other dishes include: Ahi Poke (marinated raw Ahi tuna), Lomi Lomi salmon (Salmon pieces with tomatoes and onions), the staple poi and taro, banana, and haupio bread.

Desserts include Guava Chiffon, Chocolate Mac Nut Brownie, Maui Macadamia Nut Tart and Lilikoi Mousse. Guests are free to return to the buffet tables for refills--if, by some coincidence, you still happen to be hungry--or the bar for more drinks.

This extravaganza is a delight to ear and eye - the dancers are graceful, beautifully trained in the art of hula, song-story, and Hawaiian traditions - and the show exceeded all expectations.  Guests are serenely enveloped in the rhythms, sounds, tastes of Aloha Spirit and the pleasures and legends of ancient Hawaii.

By then, we were radiating the inner joy of Aloha happiness and knew we would not want to leave.

Given The Old Lahaina Luau's great popularity, it is advisable to call ahead for reservations at: 1-800-248-5828

For further information, email me at contentink [at] yahoo.com


Old Lahaina Luau
The Aloha Spirit

The Island of Lana'i

In the morning, we board the Lahaina-Lana'i Passenger ferry.

A fuschia bougainvillea blooms lavishly at the boat dock, and we are excited to be heading out to Manele Bay.

In the near distance, Lana'i is visible, shrouded by mist and cloud. The day is perfect - sunny and beautiful - with just-right temperatures.

The whale population is alive around us. It is the season of new birth, and a mother whale gently nudges her baby away from our boat.

In view of Lana'i, a pod of dolphins leaps up from the water in silvery arcs, seemingly for our enjoyment. Squeals of delight from the passengers encourage them to continue the performance and they show off with mid-air spins, much to our delight.

The private island of Lana'i was the site of the wedding of Bill Gates, and its history and tradition ensure that it is relatively unspoiled.

Formerly a center of the Dole Pineapple industry, the island today is known for its world-class resort, the Four Seasons at Manele Bay; The Lodge at Koele; and the world-famous Challenge Golf Course designed in part by Jack Nicholas.

Lana'i City, curiously named, is in fact a quiet village arranged around Dole Park, a gift to the local community for its contributions to pineapple production in its heyday.

Art galleries flourish here, along with friendly cafes and small shops. An historic hotel, known for its cuisine and cozy graciousness, sits in the village center. More about this later.

Coming up--We arrive at Four Seasons, Manele Bay

The Island of Lana'i

Lahaina and The Plantation Inn

Back on Maui, we set out for Lahaina, the famous old whaling village and capitol of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845 during the reigns of Kamehameha II and III--just a short drive from the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, where we were hosted with authentic Hawaiian hospitality.

We'd been invited to breakfast at the highly-recommended Plantation Inn, a gem of a hidden-away bed and breakfast, actually in the center of the town, but seemingly remote and away from traffic, too.

A southern-style manse with Deep South architecture, the Plantation Inn at first sight reminded us of a gracious New Orleans home. A photogenic giant palm appearing to be a work of art from nature caught our attention in the front courtyard. Up the steps, the interior of the inn was as cozy as you might expect a perfect honeymoon destination to be.

The Plantation Inn has another distinction: a gifted French Chef in the person of Gerard Reversade, a continental treasure who brings a French flair to island cuisine. Dinners, served indoors and outdoors feature such entrees as Medallion of Duck Foie Gras Seared in Spice Crust, French Toast with Pohà Berry Compote, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Smoked Salmon Carpaccio with Fennel and Lemon Chantilly.

Chef Gerard's trademark, though, is a secret ingredient French toast which had been highly recommended to us before the trip, and as guests for breakfast, we were not disappointed!

Marinated in a house blend of special ingredients, the toast is served with an indescribably delicious filling and is the best we've ever eaten anywhere!

The lilikoi (passionfruit) juice, Kona coffee and best quality island fruit topped with toasted coconut made for the perfect breakfast--not to mention the idyllic setting of the sort you want to stay and relax in--with attentive service besides.

We lingered over our breakfast in the intimate courtyard setting at the back of the inn, a perfect, small and romantic Mediterranean-style pool and an attentive waitperson with an island blossom tucked behind her ear. The Inn and its courtyards were quiet, graceful, comfortable and away from crowds--perfect for honeymooners, or those who just want an ideal getaway.

After breakfast we walked to the nearby shops for film, postcards, and gallery viewing, finding in the process friendly shop owners who had migrated from Somewhere Else and were glad to tell us their stories.

We Find the Famous Banyan Tree --

Strolling along the main street near the wharf, we suddenly saw it--the famous gigantic Banyan tree that looks like its own forest - thriving right in Courtyard Square.

Brought from India to Lahaina as a mere 8-foot-high sapling in 1873, the tree now has 17 major trunks and encompasses 2/3 of an acre! Maui Sheriff William O. Smith planted it back then in honor of the 50th anniversary of Lahaina's first Christian mission.

This incredible tree has sprouted its own progeny of "sub-trees" with hanging Spanish moss-like fronds, all of which are potential new tree offshoots which can take root when they reach the ground!

Lahaina Visitor's Center information states that the tree must be pruned at regular intervals to prevent jungle-like density from taking over the site!

After we'd thoroughly inspected and photographed this living marvel, which attracts visitors from all over the world, my traveling companion wanted to tour the nearby Baldwin Museum, with its authentic and original nineteenth century furnishings.

Baldwin House was home and hearth for the missionary and Harvard-trained physician Rev. Dwight Baldwin of Durham, Connecticut who, with his bride, sailed from New England for Hawaii in 1830 and served as pastor of Lahaina's old Wainee Church. The Baldwins lived at this historic location from 1838 until 1871.

Lahaina Harbor is directly across the street and the point of our departure the following day.

(Next - We head out to Lana'i)..

The Maui Visitor
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Maui--The Magical Isle

The Maui Visitor

Also see:

The Aloha Spirit
The Hawaiian Diet

Maui--the Magical Isle--can change your life.

A friend and I just proved that fact as new Maui visitors this year.

The spectacular beauty of the place, perfect climate and Hawaiian hospitality combine to create a paradise that is like a dream.

Wherever you go after that, you take the beauty and serenity of Maui with you. The experience stays in your head; you try to replicate the native Hawaiian lifestyle and live the Aloha Spirit.

The approach to the island with glimpses of the misty green mountain ridges leaves a lasting magical impression.

We had no preconceived ideas about being there, and the reality exceeded all expectations.

The contrast, on arrival, from our snowy northern climate, to this sunny paradise, chattering mynah birds, swaying palms and the vivid, fire-y color of bougainvillea along the road to our hotel couldn't have been more welcome.

My foodie friend reveled in the fresh and innovative native Hawaiian cuisine and deliciously healthy meals We were spoiled in every possible way, from the cuisine to the amenities, the gorgeous views and the sweetness of the people everywhere we went.

Our first two nights on Maui were at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, called "The Most Hawaiian Hotel, with welcoming smiles, lei's and friendly service.

Treating guests like family is the philosophy of KBH,  a culturally authentic hotel committed to preserving native Hawaiian traditions. Employees treat guests as members of their own extended family with the result that visitors return year after year.

The mynah birds chattered away on the lawns of the hotel with their plumeria trees dropping fragrant blossoms on the lawn like bestowals from heaven.

Our upstairs room and its lanai at the KBH soon contained vases of the exotic pink and white blossoms, while the fridge held our lei's and the sumptuous fruit platter and blue ribbon pineapple present on arrival.

The employees of KBH, who are exceptionally welcoming, seem to be a true " 'Ohana" (family). The hotel offers classes in Hawaiian culture and customs, including lei-making. For the children ("keiki" pronounced "kay-key"), there is a "Passport for Kids" program with plenty of activities to keep them busy and having fun.

The view from our lanai was spectacular, overlooking the lawns and plumeria trees and lawns, the whale-shaped pool and deck chairs, the Tiki Terrace Restaurant--where the food is "ono" (delicious)--and the ocean, beach and palm trees beyond.

An invitation promptly arrived to meet our gracious hostess for dinner, so we hurriedly changed in time for the sundown torch-lighting ceremony on the beach, with a cliff diver who hurled himself off of Black Rock, the famous promontory nearby, into the waters near the beach.

Then we were treated to a fascinating guided tour of the tropical gardens, along with information about the early Hawaiians' use of the kukui nuts, growing in nearby trees, for light--and their oil--for light.

Hence, the origin of the polished brown kukui nut lei's with which guests receive, symbolizing friendship, enlightenment and wisdom.

A guest returning for a subsequent visit, receives a light-color kukui nut added to the lei--one for each visit.

(Next time...We visit historic Lahaina and attend an island Luau.)

Maui Visitor

Copyright 2006 - The Maui Visitor. All rights reserved.
----to be continued next time----