Paradise Cove Luau Dancers

Germaines Luau

The term luau describes a Hawaiian feast named for the taro tops always served at one, but goes back to at least 1856, when so used by the Pacific Commercial Advertiser; formerly a feast was referred to as a pa`ina or `aha`aina. The pa`ina describes a small dinner party as compared to the `aha`aina which refers to a large banquet type gathering.

`Aha`aina – means feast – Traditionally feasts were held for human comfort and social enjoyment or to communicate with and seek the help of or to appease the Gods. In its supernatural context – we are referring to Hawaii’s pre-Christian deities and rituals. The term `aha`aina is derived from the root words `aha which means a meeting; gathering; or assembly and `aina which refers to eating or a meal.

In pre-missionary Hawai`i, both special religious occasions and human milestones were observed with feasting. Food in early Hawai`i was very often scarce and precious. What food they had, they shared with each other and with the gods. For feasts and even ordinary meals were important ways of communicating with the gods and one’s fellow man. During the feast or meal, the ancestral gods were usually brought out and they were also given their share of the meal – beyond a ritual offering of the spiritual essence or (aka) of the food.

In old Hawai’i , the `aha`aina feast was both a religious experience and an important part of the early ohana (family) way of life. The food prepared for the feast was precious to the early Hawaiian, for it provided vital source of life’s nourishment from the gods.

Today, the observance of the religious significance of the aha aina has all but disappeared and a feast, as it is hosted and celebrated in contemporary times, has become essentially, a purely social affair.

While today’s menu is similar to the food that was served at a traditional `Aha`aina, much of the religious significance and symbolism of the foods are usually forgotten.

Come and take a musical journey with us as we bring the islands of Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Hawaii to life in our exciting Polynesian Review.

From sunny shores of Papaeete, are the graceful and dazzling Tahitian dancers with their colorful costumes and gravity defying headdresses. Tahitian dance is known for its swift and steady rhythmic hip movements. Incredible stamina and dance expertise are required to perform this high-energy rendition.

The highlight of the show is the Samoan Fire-knife dance, known as the “Tooth of Death”. In the original interpretation, this dance was performed with a dangerously sharp blade.

The story behind the dance is of a Samoan chief making a movie for Hollywood many years ago. He decided to include the flaming torch in his part to make the dance more spectacular.

The show also includes the energetic Samoan Slap Dance, a traditional display of male prowess. True to the name, the dancers slap their chests, arms and legs repeatedly throughout this segment. For Samoan men, this was an opportunity to demonstrate their bravery and courage.

No luau would be complete without the swaying hips and graceful hand motions of the Hula. The dancers tell beautiful and expressive stories of love and life in old Hawaii using elegantly simple implements such as the ipu (polished hollowed-out gourd) and uli uli (brightly colored feather topped gourds).

How we began:

The founding of our luau began in the early 1970’s at Sea Life Park, the popular aquatic family venue overlooking picturesque Makapu’u Point on East Oahu. After a time, we relocated to the sunny west side of our island to a beachfront property near the Barber’s Point lighthouse where it remains today.

The area was the former seaside residence of Rosalei and William Stephenson & their family. The Stephensons were renowned for their hospitality and enjoyed hosting Hawaiian lu’aus as a regular family tradition.

Prior to the development of the present Campbell Industrial Park, the area was lush with vegetation and surrounded with sugar cane fields waving in the gentle breeze. The waters along the shoreline of the estate teemed with fish and other treasures of the sea.

To ensure that the family would be forever united and always remain Keiki o ka ‘aina (children of the land), individual coconut trees were planted for each member of the Stephenson family throughout the property. The heights of the various coconut trees today represent the different generations of family who celebrated aloha in their Hawaiian way of life and enjoyed happy times together. The lone Norfolk pine tree on the estate served as the family Christmas tree and the family members decorated it each year as they celebrated the joys of the Christmas holiday season.

In keeping with the Stephenson family traditions, we have taken special measures to insure that the “family of coconut trees” remain in the areas they were originally planted and are properly maintained.

Our lu’au has evolved over the years but the true spirit of Aloha remains as the defining element of the Germaine’s Luau experience.

Germaines Adult (21 and up) – $72.00  /  Our Price = $63.00
Germaines Junior (ages 14-20) – $62.00  / Our Price = $53.00
Germaines Child (ages 6-13) – $52.00  /  Our Price = $43.00

Polynesian Cultural Center

Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center, located about one hour’s scenic drive from Waikiki, is the top paid Hawaii attraction for a reason. Our seven native villages give visitors the rare chance to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Add Hawaii’s most authentic luau and the world’s largest Polynesian night show and you’ll see why every trip to Hawaii should include a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Experience all of Polynesia

Meet, learn about and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga
Watch Hawaii’s only canoe pageant
Experience an authentic Hawaiian luau, a dinner-show feast fit for an alii (royal chief).
Enjoy our world-famous evening show, Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky.
Enjoy family activities from all of Polynesia.
See our Oahu luau and Hawaii‘i dinner show packages.

Paradise Cove

No visit to Hawai’i is complete without enjoying the experience of a traditional luau and show – and no luau is more complete, more fun and held in a more beautiful setting than the Paradise Cove Luau and Hawaiian Revue at Ko Olina on Oahu’s leeward coast.

From the moment guests board their comfortable luxury motor coach at any of nine convenient locations in Waikiki (transportation is included with admission), the fun never ends. Expert island guides provide a variety of information and non-stop entertainment as familiar sights like Aloha Stadium and Pearl Harbor pass by.

Upon reaching Paradise Cove guests are greeted with a free Aloha Mai Tai and photographed with friendly dancers and entertainers from the evening’s Hawaiian Revue. Once inside the Paradise Cove Hawaiian Village, be prepared for two full hours of fun, activities or just relaxing and waiting for what promises to be one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever witness.

Paradise Cove’s 12 beachfront acres are alive with experiences that will turn into treasured memories. Try your hand at traditional arts and crafts. Take part in the unique games of Hawai’i. Enjoy some of Hawaii’s finest entertainers and dancers as they perform a wide range of island favorites. Partake of cool tropical drinks at a nearby refreshment center or spend time shopping for that special something at the Cove Marketplace. And don’t miss the Shower of Flowers as fragrant blossoms drift down to the beach from the tops of tall palms.

A great photo opportunity is always available as guests take part in a traditional hukilau, pulling giant fishing nets from the sea to the rhythms of a conch shell and island chants.

Then it’s time to follow the Paradise Cove Royal Court to a sunset ceremony to unearth the luau’s traditional underground-roasted pig at Hawaii’s only Imu Amphitheater.

After a prayer of blessing, follow the procession back to the luau area and prepare yourself for a feast! The luau buffet includes a variety of salads, steamed rice, pineapple chunks and traditional luau fare like poi, lomi lomi salmon, island fish with macadamia nut crème sauce, teriyaki chicken and kalua pig (yes, the same one you just watched come out of the imu!).

Now sit back and enjoy the award-winning Paradise Cove Hawaiian Revue under the direction of Paradise Cove Entertainment Director O’Brian Eselu, one of Hawaii’s most popular local entertainers. It’s a perfect show for a perfect evening: a little comedy, a little audience participation, the heart-pounding excitement of one Polynesia’s greatest fire knife dancers plus a lot of outstanding singing and dancing in an incomparable setting under the stars of a wonderful Hawaiian night.

As the evening winds to an end, it’s time to board your bus and return to the bustle of Waikiki. But don’t feel bad; you can come back anytime to the experience that is Paradise Cove, Hawaii’s Best Luau!

Standard Hawaiian Buffet Adult (21 and up) – $68.00  /  Our Price = $63.00
Standard Hawaiian Buffet Junior (ages 14-20) – $58.00  / Our Price = $53.00
Standard Hawaiian Buffet Child (ages 6-13) – $48.00  /  Our Price = $43.00

Orchid Adult (21 and up) – $95.00  / Our Price = $88.00
Orchid Junior (ages 14-20) – $82.00  /  Our Price = $77.00
Orchid Child (ages 6-13) – $70.00  /  Our Price = $60.00

Deluxe Luau Adult (21 and up) – $125.00  /  Our Price = $113.00
Deluxe Luau Junior (ages 14-20) – $112.00  /  Our Price = $103.00
Deluxe Luau Child (ages 6-13) – $100.00  /  Our Price = $94.00