Old Lahaina Luau in Maui was pure magic.
PHOTO AMANDA PURCELLI had never been to a Luau before, nor did I have any idea of what to expect. But the Old Lahaina Luau in Maui was pure magic. Before I even entered the beautiful outdoor arena, which the luau encompassed, I was offered a flower to put in my hair. According to native Maui traditions, if the flower is resting behind my left ear, it means I am taken, and if I put the flower behind my right ear, it means I am available. With a flower in my right ear, a lei around my neck, and tiki lights illuminating the way, I walked into an enchanting atmosphere.
As I was led to my table (the Old Lahaina Luau allows guests to either sit on traditional mats on the ground or in seats,) someone was serving Hawaiian punch for the kids and Mai Tai’s for the adults. The luau is set up outside with tables overlooking a main stage and the picturesque beach. People were walking around everywhere, and since the buffet-style dinner wasn’t scheduled to start for another half an hour, I was free to roam! Naturally many people flocked around the open bar, which had endless amounts of drinks. Seriously, the options were incredible: Blue Hawaii’s (yes they are actually blue), Lava Flows, Pina Coladas, Chi Chi, Lemonade, authentic Hawaiian beer, and so many more. We were truly excited about the possibility of drinking our weight in smoothies all night for free.
Holding my second Lava Flow, a concoction of coconut, strawberries, and pineapple, I headed towards the water. The timing was utterly perfect. I beheld the sun setting over the mild Maui waves and felt what can only be described as the clichéd happiness that sunsets provoke. On a side note, this was a sublime spot for couple and family photographs.
PHOTO AMANDA PURCELLI wandered along the sidewalk, parallel to the beach, in quite a blissful state when I came upon the Pig. He was cooking inside an Imu, which is an authentic Hawaiian underground oven covered in soil. Eventually, two men raised the cooked Pig out of the Imu and then carried it on a long wooden pole to the carving station. Dinner was officially ready! I piled my plate high with sweet potatoes, pork, steak, taro salad, banana bread and chicken long rice. My brother ate copious amounts of Mahi-Mahi and the island style Poi. Two people in my group had nut allergies, but they were still able to eat quite abundantly and easily. Needless to say, the Hawaiian feast was magnificent. And by the time hula dancers came onto the stage, I was stuffed.
The hula dancers told a story of Maui’s origin, incorporating traditional island legends. Groups of men and women shook their hips to a pounding rhythm. At one point, they invited all couples in the audience to stand up near the beach and dance under the moonlight as they retold a romantic tale.
The Old Lahaina Luau offers enjoyment for all ages. It can be a romantic dinner, time for family bonding, or simply a great Hawaiian meal. As I ate banana bread and watched the sunset over the ocean, I couldn’t believe how blessed I was to be in paradise.
