If you want to experience a luau, then you are best to go with either the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center or this luau. The biggest draw for this luau is the area and the feel of a beachside party. The food is very good and the show is fun stuff. Be sure to try a Germaine's Special Drink!

We have been to several luau's, but Germaine's is the most authentic and inclusive. They have a shuttle service that picks you up at your hotel. We were welcomed imediately by "Cousin" Kay, who gave us a tour of the local sites on our way to the luau, which is on a private island. We learned several Hawaiian words and customs as well, to prepare us for the evening. Upon arrival, we were again welcomed with shell leis and directed to the site/pit where the pig was being roasted. It was a grand ceremony that explained the tradition and methods behind the luau. Becuase the luau is on a beach, we recommend wearing sandals or anything easy to shake the sand out of. Dinner was excellent and featured traditional Hawaiian food - try poi at least once - it looks gross becuase it is grey and pasty, but it really has no taste to it - Asian - our favorite being the chicken long rice, and American food - potato salad and freid chicken. The performance featured several Polynesian cultures and provided a historical explanation of the Hawaiian culture. It was also extremely interactive (my husband got pulled on stage to learn the hula) and exciting (the fire dancer - WOW!). This is a don't miss event!

This luau was fun. As soon as you get there buy the Germaines large glass for $6 because you can refill them for drinks that gets you a two for one deal because of the size. You are able to sit up front, sitting on the floor on short tables. The food was average, but they had a lot of audience participation. In fact, you can kiss all the men and woman that go on stage. After they learn the luau dance.

We went here with a tour. The driver and guide made the ride fun with sing-a-longs and stories. Once we got there, there was someone to greet us and give us a shell leie, then take our picture (which they offered to sell to you on the bus ride back to WAikiki). There was about 30 minutes or so of free time then to wonder around before the ceremony of the luau started. Germaine's luau is an American-Hawaiian buffet. It begins with an interesting ceremonial unearthing of the roasted pig and honoring of the ancient Gods. THen, the pork was added to the buffet and everyone helped themselves. Included in the buffet is: the Kalua Pig (Roasted Pig), Poi (Taro Potato), Haupia (Coconut Pudding), Chicken Long Rice, Lomilomi Salmon, Fresh Pineapple, Island Fish, Rice, Vanilla Coconut Cake, Teriyaki Beef, Pineapple, Coleslaw, Chocolate Cake, Fried Chicken, Three Bean Salad, Tossed Green Salad, and Dinner Rolls. I enjoyed trying the Hawaiian foods. The roasted pig was very good. The poi---well, ... . But there was enough other food that I found plenty that I liked.

The highlight of the evening was watching and learning about the dances of the Pacific. The dances and costumes of the Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti dances were beautiful. Germaine's Luau dancers were outstanding. They also put a lot of humor in the show by drawing people from the audience up to dance.

The only real disappointment to me was that it was advertised as being right on the beach. I was expecting to be able to sit on the beach, but the beach was roped off. But it was still an evening of enjoyment.