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What is the best luau on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Suggestions for things to do to learn about Hawaii's native cultural history while in Maui.

  • What are some things I can do/see on my upcoming trip to Maui to best learn about the island's native cultural history? I'm interested in the pre-European part of Hawaii's history (although I'll probably check out some of the Whaling-period stuff) and would like to take advantage of actually being there to learn and experience more. What would be some places I could go to (are there ruins? really good museums? etc) for this? And if there are places where the reality hasn't been blunted so as to not offend delicate non-native tourist sensibilities, even better. And now that I think about it, the European-takeover period would probably be interesting to learn about too, so throw that on the list. I am operating under the assumption that there's more available than just luau's at the resorts and other corny tourist stuff... I hope that's correct.

  • Answer:

    I grew up on the Big Island, but only visited Maui once. I'd send an email to someone at the Maui Historical society and ask them. http://www.mauimuseum.org/index.php

TheManChild2000 at Ask.Metafilter.Com Visit the source

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The "ruins" you're thinking of are called http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heiau. Check here: http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/mhc.htm for a list of sites and museums. Also, don't miss sunrise on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haleakala - the most spectacular sunrise I've ever seen and worth getting up early for. Dress warmly.

zanni

I searched and found http://www.mauinei.com/, which offers walking tours of Lahaina. I don't know how in-depth they go as far as pre-European-contact history, but the site claims they begin with the arrival of the first settlers to the islands. There's a fee for the tour. These two state parks have ancient temples ("heiau"): http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/Index.cfm?park_id=35 http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/Index.cfm?park_id=41 I think the rules are pretty strict regarding the temples, in that you can't climb onto anything or otherwise handle the plants and rocks in the area. These religious sites are pretty fragile, after all. I'm sure taking pictures is fine. Another state park, the http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/Index.cfm?park_id=36, has some history attached to it, in addition to showing some of the flora brought over by the first settlers. And all three state parks are free admittance.

CancerMan

I'm a published Maui travel guide author and private guide on Maui. Mefi mail me any questions you may have and I will answer to the best of my ability.

Muirwylde

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