Spring Break Cruise in Hawaii - Day 7 (Pride of America)

 

Kalapaki Beach

Today is day 7 of our trip, and the 6th day of our cruise. We are docked in Nawiliwili today, a neighborhood in Kauai. Today, our booked excursion is the Luau Kalamaku -Premium Seating. One of my biggest regret last time visiting Hawaii was that we didn't get to attend a luau - it was right after Hawaii reopened after the nearly two year long COVID shut down, and everything was sold beyond capacity. I had actually purchased tickets for 2 shows and a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center for all 4 of us, including 7 day entry tickets to the park, but due to the fact I had to change the dates multiple times to find seats for all of us for both shows on the same day, I had somehow got the dates mixed up and missed both shows (found out the next morning). Sadly, due to the capacity limitations, when I emailed them about entering their park with our 7 day entry tickets, they told me they couldn't even guarantee entry because they were oversold. We never got any money back for that disaster and I have had no interest in visiting Polynesian Cultural Center since. (Now that I think about, it seems Hawaii has been quite unkind to us multiple times. Which is unfortunate because it's such a beautiful place.) Apparently my sentiment isn't alone, as I found this post on reddit.

Our excursion is once again this afternoon, so we first walked around the dock area, which is near Kalapaki Beach.

Kalapaki Beach

The 4 star resort, Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club is here as well. 

Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club

After having lunch on the ship, we attended our much anticipated luau excursion. The luau is set at a plantation and there are many other things you can do here, like visiting the manor house, the grounds, ride the train, etc. It all comes with a cost (other than walking around) - and could have been a part of the excursion that you book, or you may pay on site. We only booked the plain luau with premium seating, which was already $280 per person so I can't imagine paying more money. Before the show started, we were given some time to walk around the grounds, which had many fruit trees, and check out some pop up shops where local artisans were selling some goods. The show started with the Imu ceremony, which is unearthing of the roasted pig. 

Imu Ceremony

The roasting of the pig is in an underground oven. It looked absolutely delicious. 

Unfortunately, the meat had very little flavor... As we soon found out. The rest of the meal served was alright. After buffet, we were treated to the luau show. We were each given a piece of paper that tells us the storyline of the show, which makes it easier to understand. 

I thought the show was very good - the performers were pretty into it. Our seats were great. I'm glad I can finally say I've done the luau because at this price, I don't think I'd want to do it again. (Even if I booked the cheapest luau directly with the company, it would still be over $100 a person, which honestly I think is too much, especially if the meat is as tasteless as this.) It is open bar, but the drinks we have on the cruise are better. 

After the show, we were taken back to the cruise ship and went to bed. Tonight the ship is docked overnight in Nawiliwili, which is why we are able to stay out so late. Tomorrow we'll be hiking a waterfall!