The highly acclaimed ‘Aha ‘Āina Lū‘au, known for its accurate, authentic depiction of Hawai‘i’s history and royalty, is being revamped and is set to debut an all-new look at the majestic The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort in April. The first show is scheduled for Thursday, April 2 at the hotel’s Coconut Grove, on sacred land which was once the summer home of Queen Ka‘ahumanu, King Kamehameha the Great’s favorite wife.
In Old Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian people would gather to celebrate momentous occasions; these gatherings were called ‘Aha ‘Āina, which means to gather for a meal. The lū‘au experience begins with a variety of interactive cultural activities presented by Tihati Productions, the premier entertainment company in the islands. Some of the activities include tapa/kapa (barkcloth) making, lauhala mat weaving, as well as poi pounding.
And just like in ancient times, the celebration was centered around the feast. Royal Hawaiian Executive Chef Colin Hazama and his extraordinary team of culinarians are introducing a lavish, plantation-inspired menu for the new ‘Aha ‘Āina Lū‘au. Each item was thoughtfully created to reflect their roots from the fields, land and sea around the islands. Among some of the selections are pipikaula tomato salad using Ho Farms’ tomatoes, Okinawan sweet potato salad, ahi poke, Ali‘i mushroom and tomato poke, and fresh poi and lomi lomi salmon. From the land, there is vegan yellow curry, vegetable fried rice, huli huli (barbecue) chicken, kalbi-style flank steak, steamed fresh catch from Pier 38 and an action station featuring house-cured and smoked kalua pork. Desserts reflect their roots in the sweet cane fields of old Hawaii such as chocolate caramel macadamia tart, pineapple upside down cake and several items featuring items from the Royal Hawaiian Bakery such as Tutu’s Coco-Bread and Royal Bakery Sweet Bread Pudding.
After the feast, the show takes centerstage, where guests are taken on a journey through time starting with the birth of Waikīkī and Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty where the resort now stands. The show introduces key members of the Kamehameha Dynasty, the history of the storied Pink Palace of the Pacific and its important role in making Waikīkī a dream destination, as well as other show-stopping numbers like a pulsating Tahitian dance, colorful hula, an ukulele virtuoso and an exhilarating Samoan fireknife dance.
“As stewards of this important parcel of land, it gives us great honor and privilege to share the history and culture of Hawai‘i with our visitors,” said General Manager Tomo Kuriyama. “The reinvigorated ‘Aha ‘Āina Lū‘au is the perfect showcase for The Royal Hawaiian’s past, present and future.”
The new version of the show will be held three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with updated pricing starting at just $75 for the show only; standard seating costs $149 per adult and $109 for children between the ages of 5 and 12; premium seating costs $179 for adults and $129 for children. A welcome cocktail and an additional beverage are included; tax will be added. Guests staying at The Royal Hawaiian – or any of three hotels within its complex (Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa) – receive $20 off premium and standard seating. These discounts also apply to kama‘āina, military and travel agents with ID, as well as adults and children between the ages of 5 and 12; $20 for children younger than 5 who occupy a seat, or complimentary for a child who doesn’t occupy a seat. Reservations can be made by calling the Dining Desk at (808) 921-4600, or on the lū‘au website: www.royal-hawaiianluau.com.
through food, song, stories, hula, and culture—a true celebration of The Royal and its heritage
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