Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [117]
The mainstay of the feast is the imu, a hot earthen pit in which the pig and other items are cooked. The preparations for the feast actually begin in the morning, when the luau master layers hot stones and banana stalks in the pit to get the temperature up to 400°F (204°C). The pig, vegetables, and other items are lowered into the pit and cooked all day. The water in the leaves steams the pig and roasts the meat to a tender texture.
One of the larger commercial luau in the island is Smith’s Tropical Paradise Garden Lu’au, in the Tropical Paradise Gardens on the Wailua River ( 80 8/821-6895 or 80 8/821-6896; www.smithskauai.com), every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5pm (during the popular summer months it is 5 days a week Mon–Fri). Luau prices are $78 for adults, $30 for children 7 to 13, and $19 for children 3 to 6; or you can come for just the entertainment at 7:15pm and pay $15 for adults, $7.50 for children under 12.
Recently the Sheraton Kauai, Poipu Beach ( 80 8/742-8200;www.sheratonkauai.com), launched the south shore’s only oceanfront luau. The Surf to Sunset Luau is held on Friday, beginning at 5pm with a shell lei greeting and a mai tai. Photos with Poipu Beach serving as the background are offered, and guests can wander among the local artisans who teach lei making, lauhala weaving, and coconut frond weaving. After the feast, Pilah’s Royal Polynesian Revue begins the entertainment. Cost for adults ranges from $75 for the buffet dinner and entertainment to $99 for premier seating, table service, and professional photos. Cost for children ages 6 to 12 years is $37 to $49.
The luau Kalamaku, Kilohana ( 80 8/245-9593; Tues and Fri) begins at 5:30pm with an imu ceremony where the pig is removed from the pit, followed by a very entertaining performance of the story of how Polynesians came to Hawaii featuring ancient and modern hula performances. The cost is $95 for adults, $65 for teenagers 12 to 18, $45 for children 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under. The train ride with the luau is an additional $18.
On the south coast, check out Tihati Production’s “Havaiki Nui,” in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, 1571 Poipu Rd., Poipu ( 80 0/55-HYATT or 80 8/742-1234; www.kauai-hyatt.com), every Sunday and Thursday. They offer an elaborate buffet and a very professional Polynesian show. The cost is $94 for adults, $84 for teens 13 to 20, and $57 for children 6 to 12.
On the North Shore, award-winning Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant in the Hanalei Colony Resort has the Ocean Front Luau (5-7132 Kuhio Hwy, Haena, 80 8/826-9875) with excellent cuisine and wonderful entertainment at very reasonable prices of $69 for adults, $56 for teenagers ages 12 to 17, and $25 for kids ages 3 to 11 (free for children under 3).
MODERATE
Bar Acuda TAPAS After launching two successful restaurants in San Francisco (The Slow Club and 42°), chef/owner Jim Moffat up and moved to the tiny town of Hanalei and opened this sleek, romantic restaurant. Candles light the room and exotic mouthwatering aromas waft from the open exhibition kitchen. Bar Acuda specializes in Moffat’s favorite tapas dishes from the southern European regions along the 42° latitude (southern France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal). The creative dishes range from onaga en papillote with pineapple, lime, chiles, and vanilla ($27) to lobster- stuffed squid ($14) to a grilled rib-eye steak with shoestring potatoes and salsa verde ($28). There is an excellent wine selection,