The Polynesian Cultural Center's Ali'i Luau is an immensely enjoyable experience that can be broken into several components
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A flower lei greeting |
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Souvenir picture taking (not included in the price of the package) |
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An optional pineapple smoothie (not included in the price of the package) |
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Live Hawaiian music, including steel guitar styling. |
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The Polynesian Cultural Center's own Ambassador of Aloha master of ceremonies explains the cultural significance of the luau and hosts the program |
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Polynesian Cultural Center performers start the program portion of the Ali'i Luau by singing a pule, or The Queen's Prayer — written by Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani |
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The Royal Court — consisting of representatives of Hawaii's ruling ali'i or chiefs — enter the luau as the emcee explains their relative ranks and the significance of their traditional costumes |
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Two young men uncover the imu or underground oven where a large pig has been cooking throughout the afternoon. Ancient Polynesians essentially devised a steam oven, called an imu in Hawaiian: River rocks are heated over firewood for several hours. When the rocks are sufficiently hot, any remaining firewood is removed and crushed banana stumps containing a lot of water are placed on top of the hot rocks — creating the steam — then the food is added, and everything is covered to seal in the steam. Depending on the amount of food, it may take hours for the feast to cook |
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Multi-lingual hosts and hostesses direct each table to one of the buffet stations. Eat as much of the luau food as you like. Go back several times; or as Cousin Benny, the PCC's Ambassador of Aloha says, "Don't eat until you're full; eat until you're dizzy." |
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While you're eating, the program continues with hula kahiko or hula performed in the ancient style to the accompaniment of chants, drums and other percussion instruments; and hula auana, the graceful modern hula to the sounds of the steel guitar and beautiful Hawaiian music. |
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At some point in the program, the Ambassador of Aloha usually recognizes people who are celebrating their birthdays; and he always invites couples celebrating their wedding or anniversaries to come on stage and dance to the Hawaiian Wedding Song. |
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Did we mention you can go back to the buffet line as often as you like? |
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Keiki, or children, in the audience are invited onstage to join the familiar strains of Aloha 'Oe, which brings the entertainment portion of the Ali'i Luau to a close...but guests are welcome to sit and relax for another half-hour; and, of course, go back for thirds. |
