Old Lahaina Luau: Traditional Hula and Feast
My Sister Pattie and I could not think of a more appropriate way to end our Hawaiian adventures than to go to the Old Lahaina Luau. It was amazing. Not only was the buffet meal incredible, it was really a theater presentation about many of the Hawaiian traditions that come from historical events or their faith lives. We arrived early and made our way around the exhibitions. Some young men and women were learning to Hula, while others clustered around the pig that was roasting underground in a "imu" - the Hawaiian underground beachside oven. (Clint and Syd, your hog at Colin's graduation party was WAY better!) They also served Laulau, which are described as "succulent bundles of pork wrapped in taro leaf", Poi, Ahi (yellow fin tuna), Ogo (seaweed), He'e (octopus), rice, stir fry vegetables, and lots of salads: crab, taro, pohole and salmon.
"Traditionally Hawaiians had many occasions for feasts and celebrations. Whether centered around a seasonal event or a victorious battle, there were often days of preparation for such events. 'Kalo' or 'taro' has always been the staple of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the plant is mashed to make 'poi' and the spinach like leaves are used in the wrapping and steaming of fish and vegetables. The leaves are referred to as 'lu'au' and are used in popular dishes such as 'squid lu'au' and 'chicken lu'au'. Today 'lu'au' has come to mean an informal gathering of people for food and entertainment. The Hawaiian values of laulima - many hands working together, and ho'okipa - hospitality, are important aspects describing the work of the preparation for a lu'au and the importance of 'welcoming guests' in the Hawaiian culture. Indeed, these ingredients are important parts of the Old Lahaina Lu'au experience as well" (www.oldlahainaluau.com).
The evening's performances were riveting! First, it began with Ote'a, a tribute to the drum. Next came Kahiko, which all relate to stories from Hawaiian mythology. Next came a testament to the missionary era in Hawaii's history. "After being 'banned' by the missionaries, hula was performed publicly for the first time in more than half a century at the King's coronation ceremony in 1883" (www.oldlahainaluau.com). Next came the Auana which focused on the more modern aspects of hula... BeachBoys' style. This would have been my husband's favorite part. The finale was a fast-paced dance off which had dancers showcasing their amazing talents. I was moved by the beauty and faith that corresponded with this art form and communication style.
Love and hospitality permeated this island for us. Wherever we wandered when we were on Maui, people said and showed aloha. "Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy. Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. Currently, it is mostly used in the sense of hello; however, it is used as the above. It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, the 'Aloha State'" (wikipedia).
What an inspirational place, a gracious people and a magical time in our lives. By the time we left, Maui had become a part of us. The warm sunny beaches will be in our hearts and minds during our blinding Nebraska blizzards. The humble hospitality is what I hope to embody the most someday. Peaceful, gentle, yet so very happy... and that brings me back to our precious, little Addie, and her miraculous birth on July 4, 2010.
As the finale was unwinding at the Luau, the narrator said that it is a Hawaiian tradition for a family to have a luau on a baby's first birthday. I think that would be a wonderful way to celebrate Addie's first birthday along with her parents Brian and Katrina, Ben and Caitlin's first anniversary and the legacy of my Mom and Dad's anniversary of July 4th. Addie missed Uncle Ben and Aunt Cait's wedding in Hawaii, but she scored big time by being born on her great Grandparents' anniversary date. The story of her birth will forever be merged with the lore of their love!
"Traditionally Hawaiians had many occasions for feasts and celebrations. Whether centered around a seasonal event or a victorious battle, there were often days of preparation for such events. 'Kalo' or 'taro' has always been the staple of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the plant is mashed to make 'poi' and the spinach like leaves are used in the wrapping and steaming of fish and vegetables. The leaves are referred to as 'lu'au' and are used in popular dishes such as 'squid lu'au' and 'chicken lu'au'. Today 'lu'au' has come to mean an informal gathering of people for food and entertainment. The Hawaiian values of laulima - many hands working together, and ho'okipa - hospitality, are important aspects describing the work of the preparation for a lu'au and the importance of 'welcoming guests' in the Hawaiian culture. Indeed, these ingredients are important parts of the Old Lahaina Lu'au experience as well" (www.oldlahainaluau.com).
The evening's performances were riveting! First, it began with Ote'a, a tribute to the drum. Next came Kahiko, which all relate to stories from Hawaiian mythology. Next came a testament to the missionary era in Hawaii's history. "After being 'banned' by the missionaries, hula was performed publicly for the first time in more than half a century at the King's coronation ceremony in 1883" (www.oldlahainaluau.com). Next came the Auana which focused on the more modern aspects of hula... BeachBoys' style. This would have been my husband's favorite part. The finale was a fast-paced dance off which had dancers showcasing their amazing talents. I was moved by the beauty and faith that corresponded with this art form and communication style.
Love and hospitality permeated this island for us. Wherever we wandered when we were on Maui, people said and showed aloha. "Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy. Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. Currently, it is mostly used in the sense of hello; however, it is used as the above. It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, the 'Aloha State'" (wikipedia).
What an inspirational place, a gracious people and a magical time in our lives. By the time we left, Maui had become a part of us. The warm sunny beaches will be in our hearts and minds during our blinding Nebraska blizzards. The humble hospitality is what I hope to embody the most someday. Peaceful, gentle, yet so very happy... and that brings me back to our precious, little Addie, and her miraculous birth on July 4, 2010.
As the finale was unwinding at the Luau, the narrator said that it is a Hawaiian tradition for a family to have a luau on a baby's first birthday. I think that would be a wonderful way to celebrate Addie's first birthday along with her parents Brian and Katrina, Ben and Caitlin's first anniversary and the legacy of my Mom and Dad's anniversary of July 4th. Addie missed Uncle Ben and Aunt Cait's wedding in Hawaii, but she scored big time by being born on her great Grandparents' anniversary date. The story of her birth will forever be merged with the lore of their love!
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