Luau

A modern Oahu luau blends two traditions: the Hawaiian imu (underground oven) cooking of kalua pig, sweet potato and lau lau; and a Polynesian revue that covers hula kahiko (ancient), hula auana (modern), and dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori haka) and Fiji, culminating in the Samoan fire-knife. A typical evening runs four hours: check-in and lei greeting at 4:30 p.m., imu unearthing demonstration at 5:00, open bar and craft stations from 5:30, buffet at 6:30, and the stage show from 7:30 to 8:45. Quality varies wildly across the island — the best Oahu luaus are oceanfront, serve real kalua (not chafing-dish pork), and feature graduate dancers from Polynesian Cultural Center or Hawaii Theater.