Hawaiian Luau Shows and other Kauai, HI Local Custom Tips

Hyatt Regency's 'Drums of Paradise' is a MUST event if you are visiting the island of Kauai. This authentic cultural event is designed to present a fun filled evening with Polynesian entertainment.

First, you hear the live music, then you see the torches are burning bright, and then you smell the wonderful International food.

The preparations for this luau started long before you even dipped your toes into the warm pool this morning. The Polynesians take these preparations very serious -especially for the Imu Ceremony and the traditional pig. A large pit is dug in the sand. Kiawe logs are placed in the bottom of the pit and topped with river rocks. They start the fire and after a few hours..the bottom of the pit is quite hot. The rocks are evenly spread out and moist banana stalks are placed on top. Then banana leaves are placed into the pit to wrap the pig. The Polynesians place wet burlap bags on the top to keep the steam and heat in. The pit is then officially covered and after 8 hours of steaming the feast is ready to begin.

You can watch the Imu Ceremony which is the tradition of unearthing of the pig. The mai tais will flow as well as several other drinks. The feast is open to everyone in attendance. The announcer calls each table to go one at a time through the Polynesian Luau Buffet. Don't worry there is plenty food for all. Try the poi, although we didn't like it, you should try all of the unfamiliar dishes to get the entire experience.

After dinner and dessert, the conch shells will be blown to signal the beginning of the next phase - the entertainment portion. All of the different types of dances and dancers make this a spectacular night. You will be so enchanted with the fire dancers. Becareful or the hula girls may come and get YOU for the stage show.

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Website: www.hyatt regency.com

It is customary to greet new visitors with a lei of some kind (flowers, shells).

Hyatt Regency gave us a flower lei made from white orchids when we arrived at the hotel. What a beautiful gesture.

We saw some of our fellow travelers greeted at the airport by their transproation service and were given leis. This is only done if you have this coordinated in advance with your transportation service.

However, you can bring back leis to your family and friends..we brought back silk flower and shell leis for our family, friends and co-workers. It was pretty cheap at the local souvenir shops. I think it was a dollar or less for each lei.

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