Culture Editor Tom Wilmer reports from the Big Island of Hawaii–
The Lim family Luau has been performing at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel since Laurance Rockefeller opened the resort in the mid-1960s. Today the luau is the oldest, continuously operating show on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Lorna Lim talks story about her family’s passion (3rd generation) for performing authentic song, hula dance, and tales of old Hawaii. You don’t have to stay at the Mauna Kea to attend the luau, but the resort hotel is a highly recommended place to stay if you’re planning a visit to the Big Island.
Located on the Kohala Coast approximately 24 miles from Kailua/Kona Airport, the Mauna Kea has the insular feel of a private island oasis.
Highlights of the resort include its eye-catching mid-century architecture that has deftly not only stood the test of time, it remains a classic, and its lines are timeless. A big draw is the location, as the resort fronts on one of the Big Island’s most beautiful beaches. The beachfront is wide and sprawling but intimate at the same time.
Sundown at the Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
Culinary offerings are outstanding as well. Manta is the fine dining establishment, but like everything in the islands, casual is the rule. Back in the day, ties for men were requisite for dinner…but fortunately that’s a page from the past.
Speaking of dining, the luau includes a killer buffet dinner. The sprawling array of fresh, local faire is worth the price of admission all on its own.
The offerings are equal if not better than what you’d find at a fine sit-down restaurant almost anywhere on the island.
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- Dancers capture essence of old Hawaii at Mauna Kea Resort’s luau. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- Fire dancer at Mauna Kea Luau. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- Lim Family Luau dance with joy at Mauna Kea Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- The Luau at Mauna Kea Resort pays homage to a long vanished Hawaii. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- A reverence for old Hawaii at Lim Family Luau at Mauna Kea Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- Stunningly enchanting crescent shaped beach at Mauna Kea Beach Resort. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- Mid-Century architecture at the Mauna Kea Resort Hotel is truly timeless and remains fresh and inviting a half-century later. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- Manta– Mauna Kea Resort’s fine dining restaurant–casual elegance. Photo Credit: Tom Wilmer
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- Lorna Lim talks story about her family’s half century of producing the luau at Mauna Kea Resort Hotel
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- Lim Family Luau dancers at the Mauna Kea Resort Hotel
