Local Luau in Kauai (Lihue, Hanapepe: hotel, buy, beach)

[Fast Flying Freddie]

Are there any luau's in Kauai that are more locally oriented, rather than the touristy stuff at the Grand Hyatt and Sheraton. I'm visiting with my family but we're really not into the hyper-touristy stuff.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Fast Flying Freddie

Are there any luau's in Kauai that are more locally oriented

No - luau's on all the islands are geared for tourists.

Google "Kauai Luau" to read reviews on what is available.

[eureka1]

There used to be a good one on the North Shore at the Tahiti Nui. That was a while ago.

[bresdo]

Think the Nui still does something on Wednesday nights if I am not mistaken

[Fast Flying Freddie]

Thanks for the feedback! Maybe we'll just go buy some pork and grill it to the sounds of a Ukulele and slack guitar.

[KauaiPono]

There are a couple that are not attached to or located at a hotel: Smiths Tropical Paradise and Kalamaku; both are good.

Smiths is more traditional and Kalamaku more Vegas

[kauaidooley]

Local residents have what they call a bbq, but to us haoles it would be more like a luau. They cook up a billion tons of all kinds of different meals and food. Including a pig ( wild boar ) that the hubby hunted and dispatched. Hunts them with dogs and a knife ) The booze is flowing, the good aloha feelings are shared and you are well fed after eating all the vafied selections of food, then we got together for kanikapila to play ukes , and guitars and sang along.

It was great and we were the only haoles there.

Your idea of making your own good time is actually pretty much right on . BBQ or just purchase some pulled kalua pig, and what ever else sounds good to you. Suggest a full on CHIFFON LILIKOI PIE from Wongs in Hanapepe $ 20,00...this is to kill for. Or Hamura's in Lihue Town, if you can get in the door of that popular eatery.

You can also pick up a bottle of Koloa Rum, they have Dark ( the best qualty) or Coconut or Spiced. Also gold or light for use in fufu drinks. What ever is good for your family style .

You can mix and match your own hawaiian music that you like, along with your fave tunes from haole land. Have a party.

Maybe get some real leis, and have a warm and aloha filled presentation to each other with heartfelt hugs and honi ( kisses).

Maybe add in a huli chicken from a road side stand or market. Soooooooo ono ( good ). All prepared, seasoned, and cooked. Huli ( means to turn over ) like on a spit or when you really mess up in your two person kayak.

For a Luau presentation, we have heard a lot of good things about the Luau up at the Marriot Courtyard in Lihue...
in case others reading this would gravitate in that direction.

Also, pick up some papaya's . Oh, and another super plan,,,stop by one of the sunshine ( farmers ) markets, you will have a grand time looking, tasting and learning about all kinds of fruits and goodies that you never new exisited that were grown by the locals. Add all that into the mix.

The super markets also have all kinds of local favorites, and dont forget fresh fish from the Koloa Market in Koloa Town or the Fsih Express on the main hwy in Lihue, near the wall mart parking lot and Wilcox Hospital. Fish Express will be on the mauka ( mountain ) side of the main hwy. We liked Opaka paka, Onaga, and Uku ( all in the snapper family). We pretty much passed on Ahi and Mahi-Mahi.

You may wish to invite some new friends and aqauintances to the BBQ ( Luau) and have a pot luck as well. Maybe where you are staying, or at one of the Beach Parks .

Main thing is to bring your own aloha, and share a happy good time, hawaiian style.

Does not have to be a fancy fest.....just good food, good drinks, good music, good friends, and good fun. Simple !

[Fast Flying Freddie]

Thanks Kauaidooley!! Unfortunately I just saw your post, after my family and I returned to the mainland. BUT, fortunately, we actually did a lot of what you suggested. We bought kalua pig and I got some locally smoked pig too. We got Koloa rum, poki and other awesome locally grown fruits and veggies at the Koloa Farmer's Market, like white pineapples, papaya, and more!!

I fell in love with the Big Save in old Koloa Town (we were staying in Poipu). Their homemade deli sandwiches are amazing and only $6.00.

All in all, incredible trip and we definitely embraced the Aloha spirit. Thanks again. We'll be back!