Mike mentioned that one of the things Annabel really, really wanted to do was dance with a “real hula girl.” We thought a luau would be perfect for that, so I procured tickets for everyone except my parents (we told them to have a night together to celebrate my mom’s birthday, which is today!), and off we went.
When we arrived, everyone received a drink and a lei, and the women were given flowers for their hair. Annie was so thrilled the night could have ended right then.
Her face says, “Hurry up and take the picture, I found the dancers!”
We walked around the grounds of the luau and looked at all the activities. There was a dancer giving hula lessons, and that’s the only place Annie wanted to be. She couldn’t stand in front of the teacher with the rest of the class. Oh no. She had to stand right next to the dancer as if she were helping to lead the class. Luckily, the hula instructor loved the “help” and told me not to worry about Annie.
We were finally able to drag Annie away to look at some of the other activities and games.
Mike and I even managed a picture together!
The show itself was very cool. The dancers were amazing! If I tried to move my body like that, I’d break a hip. Hula dancers are the original twerkers.
Annie was disappointed that she couldn’t go on stage with the dancers, but she perked up when she realized she could still meet two of the dancers, the “beautiful hula girls” as Annie called them.
It’s been so great watching Annie enjoy our trip so much. Mike and I were out in the ocean with her before the luau, and she hugged us and said, “I love it here, this is the best.” Now that she’s completed her three must-do items, it’s all just icing on the cake.
Annalisa says:
Hi! Luau looks awesome, and Annie is a perfect island girl My family and I are travelling to Hawaii later this year and are also going to a luau. Can I ask which one you went to? And whether it was as good as you hoped? (Annie obviously enjoyed it!) Thanks, enjoy the rest of your stay
Heather says:
Yes, we went to the Old Lahaina Luau. The food was delicious and the service was AMAZING. I definitely recommend it!
Maria Keil says:
The Luau in Old Lahania is amazing! SO glad you guys enjoyed it.
Jenn says:
I just LOVE your pictures!!! If my mom & dad gave us all a trip like that, OMG – we would be CONSTANTLY be thanking them!!! What a gift!!! I’m so happy you’re all having the BEST time!!! I knew you would!! xo
Maria Keil says:
It looks like you all were at my favorite Luau in Maui. The luau at Old Lahaina. We were there 8 years ago on our honeymoon. I not only love the luau but the whole town on Lahaina is the best! Enjoy your time there!
Tam. says:
Hawaii is a magical place! I lived there when I was a little girl and even though I am in my 40’s I remember it well. I too loved the hula dancing, and I wanted to be a dolphin trainer at Sea Life Park in Honolulu. We had mango trees in yard, drank guava juice every day and collected puka shells on the beach to make jewelry.
How long was your flight from LA?
Heather says:
About 5.5 hours…not terrible unless you are with two children, LOL.
amourningmom says:
Happy birthday Heather’s mom! What a fantastic way to celebrate. Love the luau pictures – hula Annie is adorable as ever!
Leah says:
We spent our honeymoon in Hawaii (Big Island, Kauai and Maui) and from the moment our plane landed I was just in heaven. It literally smells like flowers there, it is so awesome. (Even the brutal legacy of colonialism doesn’t kill the enjoyment–it’s not like mainland U.S. doesn’t have its demons too.)
Enjoying your vacation vicariously! Also, I love that your parents took your whole family on vacation to make up for selling your childhood home. That is really sweet.
Lenora says:
Wonderful pictures, I hope I can make it to Hawaii someday but it’s fun to live vicariously through you and the hula girl! Happy Birthday, Heather’s Mom, I hope it’s a wonderful day and a fantastic year.
Annalisa says:
Awww man! You’re making me want to pack my 2 and brave the direct 7 hour flight from Seattle to go back to Hawaaii, since my own dance obsessed kid would love a luau (went to one the day before my wedding, the anniversary of which is later this week). Alas, her dad will definitely make her wait for that trip until our second one can carry his own tiny suitcase (he hates flying way more than I do).
Jeanie says:
Happy birthday to your mom! What a great place to spend a birthday. Really nice picture of you and Mike, too. Oh, yeah, and it’s too bad your daughter is so shy.
Amy says:
Been there and done that and what a great time it was! Sounds and looks like a fantastic family trip
Jess says:
I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii. My friend lived there for 17 years (grew up there) and would send me postcards and sand and seashells. I’m jealous. I love your pictures! And happy birthday grandma!!
Kelly M says:
Please! Please! Please! Do an Annie Hawaii Hair tutorial when you get back. I love when you do the braids on her hair like in these pics and would love to know how you do it.