Ulalena - review

Loved it-loved it-loved it! We just returned and I thought is was wonderful. What a beautiful story of the Hawaiian people. It really evoked feelings of me of sympathy and compassion for the Hawaiian people (even more than before). The devestation of the Hawaiian people is so sad. The last act of the show explores the reawaking of the Hawaiian land, and in tandem, the Hawaiian people. They rediscover their culture, their dance - their voice. It%26#39;s beautiful - if you understand what%26#39;s happening. (I had to explain it to my sister). Read the program notes - free brochure so you know what%26#39;s going on. The lizard/waterfall act is amazing. Absolutely jaw-dropping. The only thing I didn%26#39;t get and thought was kind of stupid was the pig chasing Pele. ???? Maybe it%26#39;s a legend or something.

If you like theatre - I highly recommend you make this a part of your trip. It%26#39;s way better than a luau. I would definately see it again. Enjoy!!

Ulalena - review

The pig-man is the demigod Kamapua`a. Kamapua`a and Pele were once lovers and they had a turbulent relationship. Many legends include Pele and Kamapua`a. Do a search and you should find several.

Ulalena - review

We went last week and also enjoyed the show immensely. And the pig was hilarious! A tip for folks who might be sensitive to loud music - the band is located on the right side facing stage so recommend getting seats center or left.

I%26#39;ve already given my review of Ulalena, (a horrible one,) so I won%26#39;t do it again here and spoil the mood you seem to have going.

But I do take issue with the statement, ';Way better than a luau.';

For newbies who have never been to Maui, and are thinking of coming for the first time:

That statement is subjective and does not necessarily reflect that of other users who have attended both Luau and Ulalena.

In my opinion, it is an incorrect statement.

A Ulalena isn%26#39;t even in the same genre with Luau. And you would be ill-advised to decide not to attend one based on this thread.

I loved %26#39;Ulalena but would not say it was better than the Old Lahaina Luau. They are so different. I would reccomend that you do OLL if you are intrested in an authentic Hawaiian Luau experiance. I would reccomend %26#39;Ulalena if you are interested in a new twist on Hawaiian history and like traditional-type Hawaiian music and chant.

I want to commend everyone who has made a comment, including jojow. This TA is so amazing because everyone tries very hard to clarify each and every statement. It is like many brains coming to a concensus. A huge thank you. I am almost numb with excitement; we leave Wednesday.

I%26#39;ve started this post 3 times now to get just the right tone of irritation without sounding mean. If we must state the obvious...every opinion is just that - an opinion. Anyone with an ounce of sense looking to these forums for information is going to know that and take everything with a grain of salt. Personalities are different so of course what one person likes another might like. I love snorkeling. Another might come to Maui to shop and never get in the water. I%26#39;d be bored to tears. I love theatre so to me the show was awesome. If you don%26#39;t like theatre - you won%26#39;t like it.

For the record, I%26#39;ve been to two luau%26#39;s. I enjoyed it. The only reason I went twice is becuase I took my mom and grandmother. I think a luau is something everyone should do - once. After that you can get a way better meal for less money. I do admitt that the quality of shows varies and if I were ever going to another one I would go to Old Lahaina. It sounds really good. However - for the price and quality, I think Ulalena is a better value unless you get a deal on the Luau. First timers should attend a Luau. Everyone else should consider Ulalena.

Thanks for the info on the pig/Pele. I was going to look it up, but I haven%26#39;t had time (still in Maui). I figured it must be a legend, but I think they should have explained that better in the program. It was also done very differently than the rest of the show and just didn%26#39;t seem to fit, which is why it was my least favorite part. I%26#39;ll definately look of the legend though. Thanks.

jojo, if you are really interested in reading about Kamapua`a and other legends, pick up a copy of King David Kalakaua%26#39;s The Legends and Myths of Hawai`i. You can find a paperback copy at Long%26#39;s for 6 or 7 bucks. It is a collection of shor readings, perfect for the beach.

jojow, I was going to post something similar; I%26#39;m glad that you did. In short, opinions by their very nature can%26#39;t be wrong. I do share your opinion that Ulalena was super. It had me in tears at one point.

Don%26#39;t worry about the unkind comments; some folks just seem to have wild hair problems.

Oh, and Legends and Myths of Hawai%26#39;i is a great read.

Last week I bought Myths and Legends of Hawaii - but by William Westerveli. Same idea - short stories. I checked the table of contents (actually on the way home from the show because I thought it might be a legend) but it%26#39;s not in my book - at least not obviously. Maybe apart of another story. I haven%26#39;t read them all.

I%26#39;ll check that book out as well. Maybe at least to read the story at the bookstore:-)