Visiting Maui's Authentic Old Lahaina Lu'au

Let's pretend you've never been to an authentic Hawaiian Lu'au. You've seen them on television or the movies. You know that guests eat and dance and girls do the hula. But that's not all there is to the authentic lu'au experience.

When we were planning our vacation to Maui, Hawaii, I really did my homework. Having never been to Hawaii, I researched and dug up everything I could to better acquaint myself with the islands. First, we had to decide on which island to visit. Every one of the six major islands has something wonderful and exotic to offer. But we could only afford to spend our nine days at one of them. Maui seemed to have the best that all these tropical paradises had to offer, so that is the island we settled on. We often heard the phrase, "Maui No Ka Oi," meaning, Maui is the best. We found this to be true.

Naturally, things that come to mind while you sit dreaming of your Hawaiian adventure are luscious flower leis, white sand beaches, fresh seafood and yes, the traditional Hawaiian lu'au. I have to say that from everything I had read or seen, the Old Lahaina Lu'au, in Lahaina, Maui, went beyond our expectations. Lahaina sits on the leeward coast of Maui. This quaint little town was originally a plantation town, teaming with crops of pineapple and sugar cane. It was also once a hub for the Pacific whaling industry. The lu'au property looks to the west, where each golden sunset dresses the stage for a most memorable evening of food and entertainment. The traditional Hula and Feast was more than just dancing and food.

Arriving early, as suggested, you are individually and warmly greeted by wahine and kane (women and men) hostesses and hosts, saying, "Aloha," a personalized souvenir program, a fragrant orchid and plumeria lei, and a Mai Tai that is to die for. You will then be escorted by your host, dressed in a brilliant yellow and green kikepa (sarong) to your seat. Once you have familiarized yourself with your seating arrangement, you are free to roam the grounds. As you arrive, you will hear a Hawaiian band will be playing and singing. Hospitality is the name of the game. For lu'au truly means feast.