Day 17: Hary Potter & Luau

With 5 hours in the car yesterday we decided a day close to the condo was in order.  After breakfast on the lanai, a swim and some sunning we decided that seeing the last Harry Potter movie would be a great way to rest.  The matinee was nearly empty as we munched on popcorn and shared the tub-o-pop and watched in 3D the movie.  Marilyn was disappointed in the final battle between Harry and Voldemort as it was not true to the book but Dwight was happy seeing all the action in 3D.

Next, we decided it was time to finally go to an Hawaiian Luau since we only have 5 days left.  The luau at the Kona Beach Resort began with a lei and then a trip to the free bar, whoohoo!!  We opted for the VIP seating to get served food first and see the dancers better.   Using the mai tai's as conversation lubricant we soon got to know Suzy and Gerry from Raleigh, North Carolina and Howard and Linda from Melbourne, Australia.  Both couples were staying at the resort unlike us who found a condo that is cheaper.  We discussed vacation itineraries, geography, weather and families while we waited.

The luau began with the unearthing of the pig from the underground oven.  The pig had been cooking with hot rocks inside it for 8 hours.  It smelled so good when the placed the pork in a tray.

Removing the dirt covering and leaves

The final product.  Don't you wish you could smell it too?

Our table was called to the buffet first (VIP has its perks you know).  The buffet featured local dishes such as poi, ono fish, fruit, salads, teriaki chicken, roast port, and desserts of upside down pineapple cake and coconut cake.  Dwight's plate was stacked two levels deep but he managed to finish it all.  (Way to take one for the team)

Just before the dance show started we watched the sunset and took some goofy pictures thanks to the mai tai's.

Marilyn's new sun hat

Dwight's pathetic attempt to keep the sun from setting

The dancing told the stories of the various Polynesian cultures.  We were surprised how much we had been exposed to as we explained the significance of dances and costumes to Gerry, Suzy, Howard and Linda who were just beginning their Hawaiian adventures.