You know how that first night I said I slept like a log? Well, that was the only night that happened. I'm not a good sleeper when faced with a new bed, and having Maya next to me meant I couldn't sleep in my most comfortable position, which involve contorting myself into something like an upside down G. Add to that the stuffiness of our room and the coughing, and by the fourth day I was feeling it. So when the parents said they were going to head into Kona for more shopping and exploring, I took a pass. I figured I'd stay at the condo and have a nap, though that didn't really happen either.
By the time everyone left I'd regained my energy, so instead of napping I decided to go explore around the Villa grounds. There wasn't a whole lot to see, but there was a path through a lava field beside the Villas and that seemed like as good a place as any to have a wander. I knew that if I followed the path away from the Villas I'd end up at the Queen's shopping complex, so I set out in the opposite direction. It didn't really lead me anywhere but to the grounds where more condos were being developed, but it was still nice to be out exploring, on my own, singing along to my ipod.
Later that afternoon we headed over to the Marriott for a Lu'au. As always, the hotel was stunning. We wandered around in awe, counting the pools and enjoying the open reception hall. The Marriott backs onto the beach that was nearest us, but the Lu'au wasn't on the beach. I don't think the Big Island really has the right kind of beaches for roasting pigs in the sand and wandering around in the dark. Instead, there were tables set up on the rear lawn with a buffet on one side and an open bar on the other. When we came in, there was a professional photographer ready to take a family photo, though he seemed to think we were a group of couples which is just kinda creepy and wrong.
Like any good family photo, there's some drama behind this one. Everyone kissed and made up and we got our cheesy picture, ukeleles and all. At first we thought we got to keep the lei's, but when we got in shit for taking our own picture with them on, we realized they were just for the photo. We did get shell lei's to keep after the photo though.
We ended up being a bit late to arrive, so we got a table at the back. I think this actually worked out well for us because we were able to stand when the entertainment started without worrying about blocking anyone else's view. We also made an important discovery at the open bar, where the only question asked of John's drink order was if he wanted a flower too.
As the sun went down, we were treated to a conch shell blowing competition in which the audience representative for Hilo beat the rep for Kona. Then we were directed, table by table, to the buffet. It being a buffet, I figured there would be chances to go up and get more, so I only took a little of everything. Unfortunately, us being one of the last tables served, there wasn't really anything left when we went back for seconds.
After dessert the Polynesian entertainment began. We were treated to a bit of Hawaiian cultural history in the form of dances from the different nations which first came to Hawaii. Once again this made me want to go to Tahiti. One day, one day... The performances ended with a fire dancer, which was pretty darn awesome if I do say so myself!
We all ended up having a really great time at the Lu'au, though the other family at our table said the best one they'd been to was in Maui, and I'm inclined to think that the other islands with their more sandy beaches are probably better suited for a more 'traditional' Lu'au experience.
OMG, you know what's next? My favourite day of the trip!!!
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