Marilu's Place: January 4th Germaine's Luau

By going straight from our Poi Factory light lunch to the luau site, we were in good time to get front row seats at a picnic table front and center to the stage. We sat across from a very nice couple and gave them our drink tickets. We also met a military couple in the next table who were entertaining a set of their parents. I wanted to be there before the buses got there. That gave us the best shot at a good seat. The only down side to that was that the tables with the best views are the last tables to have a turn at the food. (That is, unless there were children in the group, they had families go first)

The luau site is in a very non-atmospheric industrial area outside Honolulu, though there is a nice shopping area not too far away. Once we were on site the screening trees blocked the industrial elements though and allowed us to get in the spirit of the occasion. It is right on the beach, although the beach is roped off with signs asking guests to stay off the beach. While Harry was getting us some sodas I took some photos at the beach.

Front row tables are for traditional seating on the ground

After the busloads of diners arrived the preliminary show began. They did the procession of the 'king and queen' and the blowing of the conch shell to the four directions.

Then we were invited to view the opening of the pit where the luau pig was being roasted. I took video of that so I only have one photo.

After the roasted pig was carried off to be served up there was some entertainment while the food was being set out. After some wait, we were finally allowed to go line up to get our food. An attendant put us into what he identified as the best line, but it didn't turn out to be so wonderful when we finally got to it. While we waited I took a few sunset photos.

We were literally among the last few to go through that line and there were several dishes that were literally gone, and the staff not only not making any effort to replenish the items, they were snatching the almost empty pans of food out from under our noses to consolidate them onto the next line over that already had enough of everything. Our line was out of pineapple slaw, Lomi salmon, and chicken long rice, The few that came behind us got even less selection as the offerings were taken away before they could get any.

I was able to get the things I most wanted to eat though. I asked for slaw and they brought some over, and I skipped the other items that were gone. I had plenty to eat and what I had was tasty. I thought it was interesting also that they made a big point of saying anyone could o back for seconds, but to wait until that was announced so everyone else could get their firsts. Perhaps that announcement came while we were finishing up getting our firsts, because I never heard an invitation to go back. (Not that I needed more)

When we'd had a chance to eat about half our plateful the main show started. The dancers were really good and the show was very well done. I got lots of videos,but few photos because of the darkness and the motion of the dancers. My new Samsung camera is awesome in low light conditions.