“Makena Luau” to Launch at Makena Beach & Golf Resort
The new luau draws on the rich history of Maui's Makena region with interactive presentations
Makena, Maui, HI - May 17, 2010 - The luau is a historical Hawaiian gathering designed to bring people together to “talk story” and enjoy delicious food. Makena Beach & Golf Resort now welcomes the Makena Luau - a celebration that will take guests on a voyage across Polynesia featuring interactive activities, entertainment and cuisine that draws from the vibrant island cultures of the Pacific.
Presented by Tahu Productions on Mondays and Saturdays starting June 7, 2010, the Makena Luau will provide a window into the traditions and customs of the Pacific Islands, as well as the history of Maui's Makena region, an area rich in Hawaiian archeological sites, including trails, heiau (temples), ancient rock walls, cave shelters, fish shrines and the ruins of fishponds at La Perouse Bay.
All guests are welcomed to the Makena Luau with a shell lei and Mai Tai greeting, as well as activities including poi ball dancing, coconut cracking with tree climbing, fresh flower lei making and Hawaiian games. At the call to dinner, guests gather for an up-close look at the traditional unearthing of a roasted kalua pig from an underground imu (oven).
After dinner, an evening of sensory entertainment includes the beauty of Hawaiian dances and songs, the heart-pounding beats of Tahiti and Fiji, and the intense energy of New Zealand chants. After the sun sets, guests are treated to a Samoan fireknife performance with multiple dancers.
The island-style buffet dinner features kalua pig, pulehu beef steak and a variety of side dishes, including lomi-lomi salmon and Maui Gold pineapple with toasted coconut flakes.
The Makena Luau is $95 per adult, $49 per child (5-12 years of age) and complimentary for children four years of age and younger. The luau includes a shell lei and Mai Tai greeting; open bar; all-you-can-eat dinner buffet; entertainment and activities; self-parking; and tax and gratuity. Guests looking for the ultimate luau experience can sign up for Alii (premier) seating, which includes front-row seats and tableside beverage service for an additional $15 per person. The luau is $39 per person for the show only.
Doors open at 5 p.m.; the unearthing of the imu is at 5:45 p.m.; and entertainment starts at 7 p.m.
For more information on the new Makena Luau at Makena Beach & Golf Resort, call (808) 875-5828 or visit www.makenaluau.com.
For more information on Makena Beach & Golf Resort or for reservations, call (800) 321-MAUI (6284) or (808) 874-1111, or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com.
Makena Beach & Golf Resort is situated on 1,800 acres of the southern shore of Maui in the Makena district of the island. The property offers 310 guestrooms and suites, each featuring private lanais, and commands sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as vistas of Maui's diverse landscape and the 10,000-foot Mt. Haleakala.
The resort also features championship golf on the acclaimed Makena Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 18-hole course that runs along the Pacific coastline, adjacent to the hotel. With stunning views from nearly every hole, the course is renowned for its ancient Hawaiian rock walls, natural gullies and stream beds, which were incorporated into the course's design. Makena Beach & Golf Resort is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™. The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut. International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
