Royal Hawaiian Luau

We had another mystery shopping assignment in Honolulu and we also did a luau comparison study at the Royal Hawaiian.  It was very delightful and the Royal is just gorgeous! It was the 2nd hotel built on the island.  Very interesting to learn that in those days, because everyone came by ship, nobody wanted a room that looks out to the sea!  Their rooms were all facing the beautiful courtyard to help everyone forget about their long journey.

 

BYU Hawaii Cultural Night

We love going to Culture Night! The two-night display showcases over 1,000 students from over 70 different countries and cultures around the world. Performances are a result of hours of practice, costuming, choreography and cultural education and embody music and dance.  We were asked to be the mentors for the Mongolian club.  These two girls from Mongolia participated.  We just love them!  They are in our ward. :)

This is Marla

None of us can say her name so
she goes by Happy :)

       

Kauai

          Double Luau Comparative Study

We did a report of two luaus on Kauai, Smiths and Kalamaku.

Smith's Luau

Smiths are the same people that do the ferry over to the fern grotto.  Their luau begins with a tram tour of their beautiful 22 acre garden.  It was a delightful ride, lasted about 20 minutes and was included in the price.

  

Mr. Smith greeted all of us and talked a little about the Smith family and thanked us for coming to a luau with a name like Smith. Ha ha.  He then told us what was going on as they uncovered the imu.   I just loved the way he spoke to us.  He was more like our uncle having a nice chat with the family and less like a professional scripted tour guide or MC.  We all felt at home with him because he was very comfortable around us  

Kalamaku Luau

Kalamaku has a train ride of their beautiful grounds.  (Extra fee)

We took the 40 minute train tour through the 105 acre plantation.  

Train stopped to feed tortillas and carrots to the donkey, goat and pigs.
The lady narrating our adventure told us that there are 600,000 wild pigs on Kauai.
At the end of the train ride the pigs were running around in some trees.  She noticed them and pointed them out saying “I will report them and someone will come and shoot them and have dinner for their family.  Isn’t that great?”  Nobody seemed to appreciate her comment. 

Tasting some imu pig

Show was theater in the round.  It's a story about a father, daughter
 and the boy she marries.  They have a baby & name him Kalamaku.
Their costuming was Las Vegas type and they used nice lighting for special effects.

We love the beauty and restful feeling of Kauai.

Saturday in Wahiawa

Dole Pineapple Plantation