Jools,

There is a small vocal group of native Hawaiians who have always felt that Hawaii should be for Hawaiians.

Never mind the fact of the millions of dollars of federal subsidies that prop the islands up. Responsible native Hawaiian leaders realize the islands could not make it on their own.

Helping fuel the criticism is the takeover of the islands by the U.S. before the turn of the last century (they ignore the fact that if it hadn't been the U.S. either Japan or Britain would have stepped in). The U.S. acquired the islands at the urging of local leaders who realized Hawaii did not have the economics to make it alone. Another bone of contention is the aggressive appropriation of public lands by the U.S. military at the start of WWII. The land went into bases, training facilities, and defensive placements.

It is nearly impossible today to identify who a native Hawaiian is. Hawaii is the most multi-racial state in the union. Some hauli (white) residents have been here since the missionary days and are more native than those of Hawaiian ancestry. Americans of Asian ancestry make up more than half the state's population.

Some people may think luaus are fun and that you have to go to them. But I don't like the idea of being snookered just because I am a tourist. I would rather pay for a nice dinner with entertainment and watch the views or the sunset. If tourists would stick to their own values and not support the luau brokers, they may have to make the food and shows better. Right now they have enough suckers, so they make fools out of tourists. They are laughing behind your backs, folks.

Well I wasn't wild about the luau thing but my better half wanted to go, so we went to Old Lahaina. It was a pleasant evening tho' food was only so-so. Entertainment wasn't hoky, had some good musicians & dancers.
One show worth seeing in Lahaina is Ulalena(sp), has fabulous drumming too.
p.

When we were in Hawaii recently (1st trip), we decided against going to a luau because the prices were so ridiculously high. We scoped out the one at our Maui hotel (Outrigger Wailea) and could see right away that we did not miss anything! I would much rather spend that same $150 dining at Mama's Fish House and choosing my own dinner and drinks.

It just depends on you! Obviously, the food is not going to be top rate. You are getting alright food and a show with drinks for $75.00. I pay $75.00 plus for a play or concert with no drinks or food. Just put it into perspective. The food on those sunset cruises is not top rate either- it is all about the atmosphere and environment. Just have fun doing what you like doing. You are on vacation!