"No, we don’t have reservations," I said, realizing I didn't make plans to attend the popular Old Lahaina Luau. Our concierge, after figuring out that we love food, suggested the Feast at Lele luau. The food was reportedly terrific. But alas, it was fully booked, too. But we wanted food and a fun show, and found it in the Drums of the Pacific luau at the Hyatt.

We arrived 30 minutes early and were greeted with a shell lei. We posed for the photographer for a luau picture (available for an additional fee) and proceeded to some tables, strewn with items for purchase. The "swap meet" atmosphere reeked of tackiness, which we could do without. As we rounded the corner, a long line of about 300 people waiting to be seated greeted us.

The stone-covered stage at one end of the dining area resembled a cave where the entertainers would later perform. To pass the time as hosts seated us, the MC invited members of the audience onstage for a hula lesson. Shortly, one performer blew a conch shell to begin the Imu ceremony, or time to pull the Kalua Pua’a (luau pig) from the roasting pit. Two men ran past the stage to deliver the main course to the buffet tables and guests were excused for dinner.

The menu included the Kalua Pork, Huli Huli Chicken, Mahi Mahi, Ulupalakua Beef, Lomi Lomi Salmon, various salads, the requisite poi (which is grey and tasteless--no food should ever be grey), and steak. Don’t fill up on open bar if you want to save room for the bread pudding and pineapple cake, but it all depends on your priorities.

The show started almost as soon as I started digesting. It depicted different dances of the South Pacific. One highlight was the mini fashion show in the middle of the program where models demonstrated multiple ways to tie a sarong. It inspired me to run right out and purchase one later in the week.

The finale featured a fire dance by Chief Fa’a. Between twirling the batons and clenching the blazing torches in his teeth, he found time to swallow fire and spit it back out.

How is this weather-proof? The Hyatt’s contingency plan is to move the luau to their ballroom space. Large drops fell on us during the show, but fortunately, the cloud passed and we were spared moving inside. Granted, the outside atmosphere lends to the overall show experience, but the alternative would not change the quality of the food or the show.

The Hyatt charged the following for the luau: $78 for adult guests, $58 for guests aged 13 to 20, $45 for kids aged 6 to 12, and children ages 6 and younger enjoy the dinner and show at no cost.
We enjoyed the luau, despite a crowded start. While we have not been to the Old Lahaina Luau or the Feast at Lele, the Hyatt’s provided enough entertainment and a satisfying meal.

For something you’d never expect to find in Maui, head to the Hyatt.

Enter the Hyatt Kaanapali grounds through the back lot near the spa, where free parking is almost always available, and stroll into the Japanese Gardens. Enormous koi swam in the tranquil pool below the waterfall. Notice the flock of fluffy, feathered long-legged birds strutting and preening across the way. The flamingoes roam freely on the tidy grounds amid ancient-looking statuary and tropical blooms. Approached stealthily, the birds are undaunted by the face to face encounters with little tourists. But keep walking, there’s more.

Stroll over the bridge that spans two ponds where black and white swans huddle in their separate ends of the water and proceed over a traditional Japanese footbridge. In the garden, waterfalls spill down a lava boulder collection and a sprawling tree begs for climbing. Kids enjoy straddling the spreading branches situated at the ideal height for little people. How long has it been since you sat in a tree? A path leading up a hill toward a little lookout point becomes a momentary secret hideout. But there‘s more.

Swans, flamingoes and parrots, not indigenous to Hawaii, could have been the "special thing" on your treasure hunt, but there something else waiting. Continue on past the towering sculpture of the acrobats, an impressive bronze navigational globe, the swim-under waterfall and reflective grotto caves of the hotel pool and sailboats. Look around. You found the surprise!

Penguins! In a shady, cozy nook adjacent to the Banyan Tree Café, your kids will be delighted to happen upon the troop of teeny, little African penguins who waddle about merrily posing for pictures. An educational placard explains that all penguins are from the southern hemisphere, but many live in climates not unlike Hawaii.

The Hyatt’s bird collection is so extensive that full time employees care for them. With luck, you might happen upon feeding time. Watch as the handlers take the macaws, parrots and toucan from their cages. More often, there are birds on display in the lobby where pictures ops are free, unlike what you’ll find on Front Street.

At the pool level there is a food court selling a grand assortment of beachside snacks, but beware! Soda here is $2.50 a can and two Goodhumor bars rang up at over $6. Instead, head to the ABC store at Whaler’s Village just a short walk from here, where the same soda is $.79.

That is, unless the free menagerie visit is leaving you feeling a bit flush. If so, splurge on a smoothie or shave ice and linger on the beach until sundown. The kids will love you for it.

There are three primary luaus on Maui. There is one at the Hyatt, one at the Marriott, and Old Lahaina Luau. The Old Lahaina luau is the most authentic as far as luaus go. After spending lots of time in Mexico, we decided that authentic luaus are probably like authentic Mexican food...not as romantic as it sounds. We opted for the Hyatt.

You are seated with 300 of your closest friends, and if you get there early enough you can sit near the stage. This is a good thing. There are long tables with a waiter assigned to each table. She/He brings you free drinks (alcoholic or not). The food is served as a buffet and is very good. The ambience is better after the sun goes down.

The show is the star of the evening. It's a high energy show featuring scenes from various Polynesian cultures. It's very interesting. Is it authentic? Who knows! But it's fun. The entire production lasts no longer than three hours at the most which is just about right.

Also, they uncovered the roasted pig, climbed a palm tree, split a coconut, taught a hula dance to volunteers, and just generally had a good time. The show was written up in the Hawaiian Airlines magazine.

If you've never been to a luau, forget about 20 friends sitting around a circle eating. Go to one of the luaus in Maui and have a good time. It's just fun.