WAILUA — Whether you’re local or a visitor, if you’re in the mood for an early Christmas, there’s nothing better than doing it Hawaiian style. Musician Ilima Rivera is promoting an all-day Christmas Lu‘au at Kamokila Hawaiian Village today. “Mele
WAILUA — Whether you’re local or a visitor, if you’re in the mood for an early Christmas, there’s nothing better than doing it Hawaiian style. Musician Ilima Rivera is promoting an all-day Christmas Lu‘au at Kamokila Hawaiian Village today.
“Mele Kalikimaka to all,” Rivera said.
The doors at the traditional Hawaiian village by Wailua River will open at 9 a.m., and there will be many attractions throughout the day, including hula dancing from Rivera’s hula halau, Hawaiian canoe ride, Hawaiian bowling and more.
Rivera, an award-winning singer, musician and composer, will be performing Christmas songs. But keep an eye — or an ear — out for Rivera’s famous father. Legendary Hawaiian musician and entertainer Larry Rivera is scheduled to perform at 11 a.m.
There will also be lei, baked goods and crafts available. At 2 p.m., Ilima Rivera will take guests on a tour of the village.
But you’re going to a lu‘au, and no lu‘au is complete without real Hawaiian food.
Rivera said the food will include poi, lau lau, lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig and chicken long rice. For dessert, there will be haupia, a favorite Hawaiian coconut dessert, and ulusadas, a special malasada that Rivera makes by utilizing ‘ulu, or bread fruit, picked from the village’s grounds.
The event is pau, or finished, at 5 p.m.
The entire day at the village costs $20 for adults and $16 for the keiki, and it includes the food. Keiki under age 2 are free. If you’re not in the mood to kau kau, or eat, slash $10 off the entry fee. Canoe rides are extra.
And yes, you may pay at the door.
Call 822-5929 or 823-0559 for more information.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
