The most authentic Luau

[Cdn Gal]

Where have you gone for the most authentic luau in Hawaii? It is very important to us that it is as authentic as possible and not just some tourist trap. Thank you! (By the way, it doesn't matter what island it is on)

 

[DeniseM]

The most "authentic" luaus are held by clubs, social groups, and churches. You can some times find them listed in the newspaper.

All of the commericial luaus are touristy - they are for the tourists.

 

[Luanne]

Supposedly, one of the best, most authentic, was the one at Kona Village Resort on the Big Island. Unfortunately the resort was damaged in the March 2011 earthquake and has yet to reopen.

 

[daventrina]

The most "authentic" luaus are held by clubs, social groups, and churches.

Or familys

As for the other kind ... the new Ulalena Luau may be the best...

"A Luau Unlike Any Other In Hawaii
The Ulalena Luau At Maui's Makena Beach & Golf Resort is a cultural experience unlike any other Luau you'll ever experience anywhere in the world. Go beyond the usual Polynesian Dances like the fire knife and tahitiion you'd find at other Luaus and experience Hawaiian culture as told by the cast of Maui's famed theatre production Ulalena.

Offered at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort every Wednesday & Sunday, 6:00 PM - 8:30 pM"​

Appetizer
Ahi Poke
Hawaiian Vegetable Summer Roll (with sweet chile lime sesame sauce)
Tropical Shrimp Poke

Entrée
Portuguese Sweet Bread & Butter
Flavors of Hawaii Mahimahi Lau Lau (wrapped in ti leaf with Molokaʻi sweet potato)
Kalua Pork & Butter Braised Cabbage (in a wonton bowl)
Kalbi Style Barbeque Short Ribs
White rice (infused with lemongrass & vanilla)

Dessert
Makena Made Haupia (coconut pudding on buttery shortbread crust)
Mango Cheesecake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake

 

[BocaBoy]

Old Lahaina Luau on Maui.

 

[chellej]

We really enjoyed the one at the Mediterranean Gourmet on the north shore of Kauai

http://www.kauaimedgourmet.com/entertainment.html

 

[AKE]

I doubt that anything commercial is really authentic as the food served is almost always touristy and what people think that luau food should be because if it was only traditional Hawaiian food, most people probably would not eat much (e.g. poi, smoked fish with the heads still on, etc). Out of curiosity I googled 'traditional Hawaiian luau food' and here is an example.

Shaka Luau Menu:
Kalua Pig
Chicken Long Rice
Lomi Salmon
Squid Luau
Pipikaula
Ahi Poke
Tako Poke
Raw Crab
Poi or Rice
Sweet Potato
Haupia

 

[shoeie]

Where have you gone for the most authentic luau in Hawaii? It is very important to us that it is as authentic as possible and not just some tourist trap. Thank you! (By the way, it doesn't matter what island it is on)

I was born in HI and have been to many old style (neighborhood, softball leagues, etc.) luau's. However, the best "tourist" luau I ever went to was at the the Hale Koa Hotel on Fort DeRussy.

You might need to be a service member, or family of a service member to get tickets, not sure, but I would check that one out.