Description: The guide book we had, suggested that the Kona Village Resort had the best food of any luaus on the islands. True, but I’m also inclined to say that over all it was the
best luau we’ve been to period (as compared to Kilohana Plantation and Smith’s Luau, both on Kauai).
First there are the grounds of the resort, which feature a large area of ancient petroglyphs (images carved into the lava rock). You walk over them thanks to a boardwalk, so as not to damage them.
Pre-dinner entertainment features a music trio that obviously enjoys performing, along with a few cultural demonstrations. Who knew that you could enjoy a demonstration on opening a coconut good be so entertaining?
Then there is the imu ceremony, which will be informative as well. If you’re not already hungry by that time, the aroma of the kalua pig will get you salivating for sure.
Then there is the dining setting, outdoors at long tables, but not cramped at all (a problem at Kilohana). Somewhere along the line, I’m sure I did something to offend the banquet gods as anyone dining with me will likely discover that we are to be one of the last tables served or ushered to the buffet (wedding, charity event, political fundraiser… you name it, chances are we’ll be last or near the last). Sadly, this proved true again, but that gives me the opportunity to note that even near the end of the line, the food was still plentiful and incredibly tasty.
I mentioned the kalua pig, and it was just as delicious as it’s aroma suggested. Then my favorite lomi lomi salmon along with a ton of both modern and traditional fare. Yeah, you can try the poi. Usually you can recognize the mainlanders that have had it before, they are the ones
not reaching for some this time.
You also get a "complimentary libation"… as in one. My one complaint is that given this is a fairly pricey event ($98 per person) one might expect more than just
one drink. That said however, the drink (in my case a Lava Flow) was not your standard freebie-style quality. So maybe that’s better.
The show was excellent, although I got the impression that some of the performers were new to the ensemble. Nothing specific mind you, just a little misstep here or there.
So if you’re into comparisons with the Kauai luaus, here’s a quick set from me:
-- Best food of
all the luaus we’ve been to, by far!
-- Good cultural demos, although not quite as good as those at Kilohana
-- Not nearly as crowded as Kilohana and
far fewer people than Smith’s
-- Performance quality better than the others, although I have to give a nod to Smith’s for their almost Vega-style production quality.
All in all, a little pricey but worth every dime.
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