Hawaii food culture

[mothersruin]

We're looking to travel to Hawaii in March next year and I was wondering whether there is anything like a credible or good luau experience available? One that isn't totally tourist?

I realise the inherent contradiction in this - a luau being something family and friends would share in private, and that the concept of going to a commercial or paid one slightly defeats the purpose of this - but I wonder if there are any out there which are actually good either from a food sense, or which don't just put on tourist naff. So many I have seen are at hotels which I imagine are more the latter.

Any tips or experiences would be appreciated. We're spending most of our time in Maui and the Big Island, on the Hilo side.

[lindag]

We've made many, many trips to the Islands over the years and, frankly, I'd skip the luau and just go for a really nice dinner somewhere.

[Jaymes]

I'd first ask which island/s you're going to visit.

[mothersruin]

Maui for the wedding, then the Big Island on the Hilo side for the rest of our time there Jaymes.

[gfweb]

I've not been to a luau that wasn't bad. Bad food, uber-touristy show. Even at big, expensive hotels.

[Mjx]

From what I've heard, the family element is the only outstanding, special element of a luau, and if that connection isn't there, there's really nothing. The foods that are served you can still sample in other settings, if you're really keen on that.

[mothersruin]

That's a fair call folks - I've always thought a commercial luau would be, well, commercial. Thanks for your help!