Luau

I've never been to a luau before but I've attended a few luau themed parties; grass skirts, leis, pork, etc. There are several different places to attend a luau on the island but we picked the Kilohana Plantation as our destination. A bus picked us up at 3:45 at the condo and then we took an hour long ride to the plantation. Jeff and I thought that was a little early, especially considering that the meal didn't start until 6pm but the time really flew by. We arrived and got to walk around the grounds a little; then got leid and had a professional picture taken with some of the dancers (we actually purchased this picture but now that I look at it in clear daylight it's not the best picture of us); then we looked at some local crafts (for sale of course); and walked around the plantation and took pictures before returning to our designated table.

Jeff and I both took pictures next to this gigantic anchor. One craft table had a necklace that was perfect for Jeff. He doesn't even wear jewelry but this was a uniquely-Jeff necklace. I wish we had bought it or at least taken a picture. It was $45 which we both thought was a little steep. There were hundreds of people there and the building was huge. 

I had two drinks which were both pretty awful. A few dancers got the crowd going before the meal was served. It was buffet style and we were sent as a table to the line. Here's my plate (I know it's blurry--sorry).

The poi was the worst! Disgusting stuff. A lady at our table kept saying, "Why do they even put that out? Why would they serve that to tourists?" She and I were the only ones brave enough to even try it at our table of 10. The taro mash wasn't so bad (the purple stuff). We also had taro rolls before the buffet started and it was probably the best part of the meal. The pork was good but too salty and my favorite thing was the salmon and tomato salad (no mayo). The best part of the whole experience was the show. It was spectacular. Jeff and I were both very impressed and the fire dancing was incredible. All my pictures are very poor and I could only fit my iPhone into my itty-bitty purse.

The lighting was dim for dramatic effect anyway so I don't think it would have mattered. As the show ended we headed back outside to find our bus. I snapped this shot of the pig pit. 

I didn't see them pull the pig out so I wonder if this was just for show. The luau was supposed to be authentic but there were just so many people there, some corners were probably cut. We had a great time and I would recommend that anyone visiting any of the islands attend one luau. Our bus driver took this picture of us. I love Jeff's model pose.