Oahu - Germaine's Luau

So it felt like it would be wrong to go to Hawaii and not go to a luau to get a good insight to traditional culture, entertainment and food.

There were several different luau that we could choose from. ranging from around $75 - $140. Listening to advice from others and reading online, event though cost wise it is at the lower end of the spectrum, Germaine's was still one of the most highly rated events to attend. We were not disappointed!

We got all dressed up in colourful dresses which we felt would help to reflect the mood for the evening and set off for the coach. Seeing everyone else in line we felt slightly undressed as despite them being sold EVERYWHERE we did not buy any flowers for our hair. Feeling energetic I sprinted to the nearest corner shop where I bought a selection for our group of lovely ladies and a flower each which we dutifully put in our hair after instruction from our tour guide as to which side they should be depending on whether or not you were in a relationship or available.

So first things first, you have to grab a seat. Coaches of people pile out, you have your photo taken then it is a dash and grab to get a prime viewing spot. We couldn't have done any better as we ended up with a front row centre table with an excellent view of the nights entertainment activities.

Biggest Grin Competition - having
such a fabulous night, it was really
 hard to choose between the two! :)

Once positioning is established, next on the agenda is assuring that you are catered up a a suitable beverage of choice. Now, up until Hawaii, I can't say I was a fan of pineapple drinks, but out here, the Mai Tai's converted me, and now and again will now be a tipple of choice! We even had suitable Tiki beakers which yes may be slightly cheesy, but we loved them!

Next, the drama continued with the food. First of all, everything served is traditional island fare, and the main event was the roasted pig which is cooked in the ground in a pit. The retrieving of the pig was part of the show as we all moved to the cooking area where we were given an insight into how traditional local life used to be. The pig is slow cooked in the ground for about eight hours and by the time it is done the meat is falling off the bone. I must admit, that when it was removed from the ground, it didn't really look that appetising, however it tasted amazing! If I could eat this once a week for the rest of my life I would not be complaining!

Next came the dancing - wow can those girls move their hips! Wanting to join in with the spirit, me and another friend joined the dancers up on stage to wiggle our hips, although I don't think we did the hula dancing any justice! Unfortunately due to user error, I can't upload the video footage of the girls, but they did take us on a tour of the pacific islands through native dance which you can view some of them below (obviously, my titles for the dances are not official, but they work for me so I am good with that!)

New Zealand Haka

Pom Pom Ladies

Fire Dancing

I had a great night! I would really recommend that you visit Germaine's Luau if you get the chance! :)

Yes I am grinning like a loon - and thanks go to Laura for not being able to get the camera to work
so we had to stay like this for quite a while which I can't say I was complaining about.