The Best Hawaiian Luau: Kona, Big Island Cultural Adventures

When it comes to the best Hawaiian luau Kona really does have it all. It is on the sunny side of the Big Island that you’ll find such wonders as Samoan Fire-Knife Dancing and the Royal Court processional arriving in a traditional outrigger canoe to start off the night’s entertainment.

It is also on this side of the island that you’ll find the perfect way to fill you day with activities before you actually attend the evening’s luau event – it seems you can’t turn a corner in Kona without being tantalized by a flurry of activities just waiting to whisk you away for some fun.

For one thing, Kona is renowned for its premier fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving waters. It is here that you’ll not only find some of the clearest waters but the biggest fish too. The record blue marlin caught off Kona’s coast, for example, was weighed in at a whopping 1,805 lbs!

The Big Island itself is, of course, also renowned for its behemoth volcanoes and the active lava flows emitted by them. Additionally, there are plenty of dolphins, sea turtles and whales to spot all along the coast, leaving no shortage of options if you’re trying to figure out what to do with yourself while you’re there.

Furthermore, all of these activities can be combined with a luau feast to round off your day’s excitement, making it easy to tickle everyone’s fancy during your stay.

What happens at a luau, anyway?
A luau is a word sometimes used interchangeably with “party” but it’s more than just a gathering of friends. A luau includes a giant feast, often augmented by a kalua pork roasted in a traditional imu oven.

An imu oven is an underground cook space, most often lined with rocks, coals, leaves and/or mats to steam the meat to a delicious level of succulence. It is well deserving of the Imu ceremony – which is a moment of true appreciation held as the feast is unwrapped and pulled from the ground just before the luau kicks off.

Holding a luau also means a night of dance, music and entertainment, so if you are attending a luau in Kona, you’ve signed yourself up for a real treat.

The Polynesian performers will tantalize your senses with traditional drums, music, and dance stemming from a diversity of island cultures spread all over the Pacific.

Weather permitting; you’ll likely also be able to enjoy your luau outdoors, allowing the Hawaiian sunset to add an extra level of ambiance to your luau experience.

There is nothing quite like taking in a luau, Kona-style, so if you’re visiting the Big Island, it’s an event you’ll not want to miss!