Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 3/10/10 Section: Diversions

Media Credit: Jeroen Geeraert Fire throwers entertain the crowd at the luau with a daring flame dance.

Media Credit: Jeroen Geeraert Servers offer authentic Hawaiian food to luau attendees.

When you think of a luau, you would think of a big relaxed party on a beach in Hawaii. Did you ever think you could go to one in Arizona? Well, it is possible. The ERAU Hawaii Club threw their 14th annual luau this past Saturday in the Activity Center. The theme for the evening was "na mele aloha," which means "the songs of aloha." They certainly did not disappoint with the show.

I had never been to a luau or any party like it. The atmosphere was very welcoming with a big painting depicting beautiful scenery in the middle and an octopus and significant male figure on the sides. The seating tables were decorated with two long leaves and many little flowers. The performers were dressed in clothing that would normally be worn to a luau, and there were also a couple of tables set up to sell clothing and items that are from Hawaii.

"There's a lot of people here, but now that I look around I feel more relaxed," said junior Jonathan Rios.

The food was well-rounded and very different with each serving. The Kalua pig was juicy and full of flavor just like the chicken chopped sui. The lomi lomi salmon was refreshing and was, in my opinion, the side that brought the whole menu together. Everyone's favorite juice, Hawaiian Punch, was also on the menu and a stand sold snow-cone beverages.

The entertainment came soon after being kicked off by the hilarious host Vavi Domingo. The beginning was a short Hawaiian prayer followed by a group of men doing a tribal war dance. There were a couple of well-choreographed dances done by a group of women. Then, a group of three men came in from outside wielding fire knives ready to perform the Samoan fire knife dance. Their performance looked dangerous, but when practiced routinely it became like second nature to them. Our host did a perfect job of keeping the audience involved and making sure there were no awkward silences. He played games that involved the winner getting to pick an item from the clothing table or winning a bag of candy. The most amusing game was when the first five people to reach the stage participated in a game that involved eating a spam and rice roll wrapped in seaweed and then chugging a bottle of water. It supposedly was harder than it looked, but the winner was the youngest contestant out of the five. The audience was taught some history of Hawaii during the brief intermissions, which I found stirring.

The end of the show came when the president of the club asked all his fellow members to join him on stage to acknowledge some family members that traveled to help with this year's luau. Also, a special thanks was given out to Dean of Students Dr. Cass Howell for all his help and to Maren Ferreira who painted the spectacular backdrop.

If you have never been to the Hawaii Club's luau than you are missing out. There are great surroundings, great food, and great entertainment. Make sure you do not miss the next luau event because I am sure they will only get better with time.

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