Listen for the blowing of the conch shell and the pounding of the drums, and you will know you are about to experience an unforgettable Hawaiian tradition at teh Grand Hyatt kauai Luau. Join us each week for a fantastic journey through the rich cultural history of the Hawaiian people. Discover the stories of the land and its inhabitants throughout the centuries as the dancers take you around the world through ancestral dances, from Hawaii to Polynesia to New Zealand. From the tantalizing aromas of the elaborate feast to the intricate dance steps of the hula, you will be entertained and amazed throughout the entire evening.

Aloha! E Komo Mai
The most significant celebration in Hawaii is a lu'au, held in ancient Hawaii to honor Kings, Gods, and honored guests. The Grand Hyatt Kaua'i welcomes both malihini (newcomers) and kama'aina (long time residents) to join us for this exciting island tradition under Kaua'i stars.

The Tradition
The tradition of the lu'au has withstood generations. As in ancient days, the imu is still dug for preparing the pig. While the lu'au menu has evolved somewhat to embrace the many cultures of modern day Hawaii, the basic staples remain. And hula will always be the expected accompaniment to the sumptuous feast.

The Imu
The Hawaiians used an underground oven called an imu when preparing food for a pa'ina or (feast). A hole 3 to 5 feet deep was dug and lined with sand or mats. A fire was started and smooth, dense rocks were added. When the rocks turned white with the heat, they were arranged to line the bottom of the imu. A few were removed and placed inside the body cavity of the pig (pua'a). Split lengths of banana stalks were then layered along with damp mats over the rocks then the pig was placed in the imu and covered with damp banana leaves. The mound is then covered with yet another damp mat and the whole thing sealed by several inches of sand. The steam from the rocks, mats, stalks and leaves would slow cook the meat in 9-11 hours. Upon unveiling, the imu yields the most mouthwatering morsels of cooked pork you can imagine. In modern times, other meat products have been used in an imu. Kalua (cooked underground) pork, turkey and chicken have become island favorites. Oftentimes today, especially during the holidays, communities will gather together and dig a large imu where everyone can add their own personal favorites.

The Feast
The word 'aha'aina, translated, means "to gather for a meal". This is the basis of the modern day lu'au. In ancient times, food was often scarce and therefore quite precious. By partaking in the feast, the people shared a certain rapport and good will with one another. It was also believed that by offering the 'aha'aina to the gods, the gap between the mortal and spiritual worlds would be lessened and the gods would be more amenable to man. Thus, the 'aha'aina was the way the Hawaiians chose to pay tribute. Families and communities came together to celebrate momentous occasions such as victory in war, the birth of a child or other personal milestones. Today, the tradition continues. Families of all nationalities, living in Hawaii, prepare a lu'au in celebration of a child's first birthday, a wedding or graduation celebration.

The Dance
The art of hula in Hawaii arrived with the Polynesian voyagers that inhabited the Hawaiian Islands. Legend has it that Hi'iaka, danced to favor her sister, Pele, the goddess of the volcano and thus the hula was born. Regardless of the history, hula has definite ties to religious practices and is steeped in ritual and prayer. With the coming of the Missionaries and their Western value system, the hula was viewed as a heathen practice and was banned. King David Kalakaua is credited with the rebirth of this traditional art form when, in the late 19th century, he encouraged hula practitioners to resume the custom. The hula became glamorized in the 1930s and 40s and the dance evolved from its sacred beginnings to the more seductive adaptation portrayed by Hollywood. The ancient form continued to be practiced by traditionalists. Today, the hula is divided into two areas: the hula kahiko, an ancient form relying on the chant for accompaniment and the hula 'auana, a more contemporary style choreographed to song rather than chant. Whether it is danced to the rhythmic beat of the pahu (drum), the rich tones of the chant or the strumming of the ukulele, the beauty of the hula is at the heart of Hawaii.