Luau

Luau is a Hawaiian feast. 
It features Hawaiian food such as kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi, and haupia. It also involves hawaiian entertainment: hula dance and hawaiian music. 

Here is a brief History of Luau:
The Hawaiians are truly delighted in celebrating happy and memorable events. They used a Luau – which use to be called aha ‘aina – to signify the most important feast of celebration. The food served and practices observed are rich with symbolism and designed to unite the participants. The word Luau is actually the name of a taro leaf. Young and small taro leaf is cooked like spinach. It is usually mixed with other foods such as luau chicken, which is served in a Hawaiian feast commonly known today as Luau.
The abundant and delicious Hawaiian food and entertainment definitely represents the Aloha spirits bringing guests and islanders together in a memorable setting. I recommend two places for a Luau: 
Old Lahaina Luau – It is an enjoyable, educational and entertaining Luau. Before the show starts, there are lots of great photo taking opportunities. Beautiful setting.
Feast of Lele – Food is excellent, which makes the Luau celebration a very memorable one. The fire dancer at the end is riveting.
I will be discussing these two places in more details in later posts.
Just a Note: Understanding that everyone has a different taste. Going to a Luau, you need to have an open mind “to try” foods that you’re palette is not accustomed to. Foods could be considered bland or different. Please be considerate as these foods are prepared and served with symbolic meaning and care for your enjoyment. 

Happy Chinese New Year! Maui Style

Gung Hay Fat Choy! 
The celebration of Chinese New Year is one of the most colorful of Maui’s ethnic traditions.
The Chinese Americans in Hawaii constitute about 4.7% of the states population. Being part Chinese, it is good to see ethnic culture celebrated and honored. Chinese New Year is a big festival and is a very uplifting time – a time of change – which brings many people together to celebrate. 

It is always great to celebrate and attend Chinese New Year festivities in Maui. The town of Lahaina has lots of activities to offer. It is a wonderful cultural and educational experience that you will cherish. The most popular activity on this celebration is burst of fireworks accompanied by traditional lion dancers. During the celebration, participants can feed the lion money with red envelopes, called lai see, with money. This is conducted to suppress evil spirits and bring good luck in hope that good fortune will come their way this year! The symbolism of replacing old stagnant energy with renewed energy is represented by the lion dancersduring this special festivity. In addition, bursts of fireworks and high-spirited drumming attract many people to join the fun. 

If you are in Maui during this celebration, check the following for Chinese New Year festival activities and performances: Wo Hing Museum, Lahaina Cannery Mall, Lahaina Gateway, Lahaina Wharf Cinema Center, Maui Mall and several hotels/resorts and restaurants participates on this celebration.