Let’s be honest, a vacation to Hawaii doesn’t feel complete until you have taken in the sights, sounds, and tastes of a traditional luau. With tourism slowly returning to the island, some of the luaus reopened this past month and we were more than happy to show our support by making an evening of it!

After much research (too much…I overthought it!) I finally settled on Haleo Luau in Kona. With a beautiful setting on the lawn of the Sheraton Hotel facing Keahou Bay, and only five minutes from our rental home, it was the perfect choice. Despite Covid restrictions and social distancing, the luau still felt warm and welcoming. Parties sat at their own private tables, which personally I enjoyed. ***That’s the one thing I don’t like about Japanese Steakhouses. I don’t want to sit with strangers (because admittedly, I’m socially awkward). Luckily we usually have enough kids at the table to take up all the chairs, leaving no room for extras! Downside is all those kiddos can be expensive to feed! ***

After following the tiki-torch-lit pathway to our table, we were served fresh Hawaiian fruit punch, which may I just say, was delicious. While we waited for dinner and the entertainment to begin, we helped ourselves to the array of appetizers sprawled out in front of us. There was potato and taro chips, Lomi Lomi Salmon, and Shoyu Poke. To my surprise, everyone (but Dave) tried the Poke (pronounced poh-Kay, rhymes with okay). Poke is a traditional Hawaiian salad made of cubes of raw fish and seasoned with soy sauce, onions, and other flavorings. My understanding is you either love it or you hate it and well, like I said…we all tried it, once.

As the sun sank lower in the sky, the peaceful rhythms and poetic lyrics of Hawaiian melodies filled the evening air. Having a few moments before the main course was to be served, we enjoyed a quick stroll to the water’s edge. We were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale, even if only for a moment. As we arrived back to our table, entree after entree and side after side began being set before us: taro rolls, Waimea mixed greens with papaya dressing, Teriyaki steak, Kalua pork, coconut scented Jasmine rice, purple sweet potatoes, and more. My favorite quote from the night came from the host who said, “Don’t eat until you are full. Eat until you are tired!” And so we did!

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When we were sufficiently stuffed, the entertainment began. The history and legends of the Big Island came to life as men and women performed customary Polynesian dances, celebrating their rich heritage. And although a little cliche and corny, all couples were encouraged to stand up and slow dance to the soft rhythms of Hawaiian folk music in between one of the performances. As Dave and I danced, Sam pretended to be deeply disturbed, having to tie his dinner napkin around his eyes, so he wouldn’t have to be subjected to a little bit of cheesy romance. As the show came to a close, the best was saved for last and everyone’s favorite part was, of course, the Samoan fireknife performance. After all, how can you not be “wowed” as you watch someone twirl and juggle flames without catching anything else on fire in the process? I’d be “fired” my first day on the job, for sure!

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