No matter what island you visit in Hawaii, to really experience the culture of ancient Hawaiians, a Luau is a must! Perfect that we stayed at the Marriott (Courtyard Kaua’i) because there was a Luau being held on their premises, which we booked! The Luau Maka’iwa is a family owned and ran event – very friendly and funny enough (this was not planned or known) my mother is actually related to the owner! What a small world it is, especially in Hawaii. My mother grew up on Kaua’i which was a small, tight-nit community back in the day so it’s understandable that she knew someone here during our visit!

Men were greeted with Ti leaf (a very valuable and precious resource for Hawaiians) leis.

Women were greeted with a fresh flower-ear piece that accessorized their luau-themed outfit well.

Our tickets allowed us a front row VIP table. Again, this is not because we ended up being related in some fashion to the owners, it was set up this way prior. Upon entering, an all you can drink (mostly mai-tais) bar was set up so we immediately began our night out right. Luckily, our hotel room was walking distance from the Luau.

While waiting for everyone to arrive for the Luau, they had activities all around the courtyard. Landon enjoyed learning how to do the traditional dance of Tahiti – it incorporates the swinging of ‘poi balls’.

If you haven’t experienced a Luau, it is a buffet style all-you-can-eat different assortments of food, all at your disposal. Pictured above is an example: traditional kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, mac salad, sweet taro roll (bread), chow mien (noodles), and rice.

If you decide to bypass dinner and drinks at least you’re left with dessert from the gods – my personal favorite – Haupia! A type of ‘pudding/jello’ made of coconut milk.

Our seating gave us a great view of the show!

While you enjoy your food, traditional acts and dances from different states of Polynesia provide entertainment. Journey through the major Pacific rim cultures as you’re enticed and enchanted by the flawless movements of local girls.

Located right on the premises of Courtyard Kaua’i (Marriott) also lies coconut trees which were part of a coconut plantation used nearly a hundred years ago. It was a beautiful ambience. Although there are a few Luau’s located throughout the neighborhood, the Luau Maka’iwa was great. Mary has been to quite a few and said she really enjoyed this one as it told a story and had people from those locations (Tahiti, Samoa) that shared about their culture. Usually, other Luaus pretend to be from other parts of Polynesia and dress up as the culture but are all from the same place (Hawaii). I personally thought it was great, mainly because it was the first Luau I’ve been to since I was a child. It was an Incredible experience. It was fun and crowd participation is encouraged and I’d say, after you hit up the all-you-can-drink bar, is a guarantee. If you’re visiting Kaua’i and really want to do the tourist thing such as a Luau, then look no further than the Maka’iwa, which is family owned and operated.