Chief Tuimauga, a member of the Hale Koa Hotel luau, demonstrates the skill of climbing a tree to retrieve coconuts. The Hale Koa, an Armed Forces Recreation Center resort, hosts a luau on Mondays and Thursdays.

Hale Koa Hotel offers military personnel taste of islands

HONOLULU — For Marines looking to experience Hawaii, the Hale Koa Hotel, located in the heart of Honolulu, is a popular destination.

The Hale Koa, which means “House of the Warrior,” is one of five Armed Forces Recreation Center resorts that offer Department of Defense employees a cost-efficient way to enjoy popular tourist destinations. Since its grand opening in 1975, DoD employees have been coming from all over the world for a vacation in paradise.

One of the many entertainment selections they feature is a luau showcasing the culture and traditions of the Polynesian islands.

With a warm “Aloha” and a shell lei greeting, a four-hour evening of Polynesian fun and culture begins. Guests can learn how to make simple crafts from the islands, traditional dance moves and the art of coconut-breaking, all while enjoying a three-man band performing songs from around the islands.

Meanwhile, a show cast member, known as Chief Tuimauga, demonstrates the ancient skill of climbing up a tree to retrieve coconuts, leaving the crowd anticipating the show in store for them.

“I think that was one of the coolest parts of the show. Seeing him climb up the tree so fearlessly got me riled up for the rest of the night,” said Brian Thomas, a retired Marine master sergeant from San Antonio.

Once everyone has a chance to mingle and learn a bit about Polynesian culture, a traditional three-course meal is served, including a variety of salads and fruit, a wide selection of meat and fish and Hawaiian desserts.

As guests enjoy their meals, they are entertained by the sounds of local music and stories of Hawaiian history.

A member of the Hale Koa Hotel luau cast performs as an ancient warrior from New Zealand. The luau features dances and traditions from Samoa, Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti.

After dinner comes the most anticipated event of the night – the Polynesian revue. With extravagant, colorful costumes and traditional sounds, performers display dances that tell the history of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand and Tahiti. Glenn Madeiros, an international recording artist, acts as the host and entertains the audience with popular songs and family-friendly humor, even inviting audience members to perform with the cast onstage.

“It’s an enjoyable show for young and old. They definitely had my kids’ attention the whole time, which is hard to do,” said Brock Manner from Paletine, Ill. His brother-in-law, a former Marine, brought his family to the show.

“We have been to other [cultural] shows, but they aren’t as intimate and fun as this was. I definitely recommend this show,” Manner said.

The audience seemed to all agree the evening was more than they bargained for and the cast acknowledged the passion they put into their performance to make it memorable.

“Our show is truly unique. Not only are we here to show our military guests what the Polynesian culture is all about, but also to show them our gratitude,” said Chief Tuimauga. “They’re the ones putting their lives on the line to protect the freedom we enjoy, so we put on a great show to show them our appreciation. When we perform, we perform from the heart.”

Service members in the pay grades of E-1 through E-5 pay $37.50 and all other adults pay $49.50. The cost for children ages four through 11 is $29.50.

“Our mission is to serve the DoD community and make vacations affordable for them. And the best part about it is, that what they pay here all goes toward the [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] program,” said John L. Jefferis, general manager of the Hale Koa Hotel.