Pinchora is in town

Julie (TravBuddy - Pinchora) was in Honolulu visiting a friend.  They wanted to go to a luau.  Going to a luau isn't something that I do on a regular basis, so I thought it would be fun to tag along.  The Waikiki Beach hotels luaus are held on weekdays - we wanted a Sunday luau.  We were left with three choices - Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove or Germains.

The Polynesian Cultural Center requires the greatest commitment since it is furthest away and has more things to see and do.  We were interested in the cheezy tourist show and mediocre food - nothing more.  The Polynesian Cultural Center attempts to educate you.  We wanted grass skirts and Kalua pig.  It was a toss up between Germains and Paradise Cove.  We went with Germains.  

I met Julie and her friend Marie at the Ala Moana mall.  We exchanged pleasantries, got in my car and began the 45 minute drive out to Barber's Point where the luau is held.  That's right people - both Paradise Cove and Germains are located on the southwest part of Oahu - they're not in Honolulu.  We arrived at our destination shortly after 5pm, which is when the gates open.  Now, here is one of the advantages of being a resident of Hawaii:  the Kama'aina discount.  I showed my Hawaii driver's license to the check-in staff, and the luau price was cut in half.  Instead of a price of $80 per person, it was $42 per person.  A much fairer price for a cheezy tourist show and mediocre food.