The 'Gathering of Kings' luau is a special event held only on Tuesday & Saturdays at the 'Fairmont Orchid, Plantation Estates' on the big island of Hawaii.
The fusion of traditional Polynesian and modern dance is evident from the first step as the performers guide us through the islands of Samoa, Tahiti, Hawaii and Aotearoa (New Zealand). The kings from each of these Polynesian cultures will finally come together to recognize the star that brought them to these islands and under which they rose to greatness.
"E ola mau ka lokahi - May our unification be boundless".
The extensive research into this production is evident from the start. If you are on the big island on a Tuesday or Saturday night its hard to find an equal to the 'Gathering of Kings'.
Smoking/non smoking? There is a smoking area.
Do you have wheel chair access? Yes.
What type of alcohol beers wines etc? Yes we have a full bar. Open
bar.
What non alcoholic drinks do you have? Standard non alcoholic drinks.
I am a vegetarian with a nut allergy ? can you accommodate me? Yes both are fine.
What is your dress code? Semi Formal.
What should I wear? Light coverup if you are susceptible to the cold.
Are slippers ok? Or are shoes required? Slippers are fine, girls shouldn't wear high heels.
Is it outside or inside? Outside.
How long does it last? 3 hours.
When does it start? 5:15pm.
Is there a dance/musical number? Yes.
Is transportation available? No.
Is parking available? Is parking convenient? At what cost? Do you validate parking? Valet parking is included in the price.
Do you have a gift shop? Yes we have a retail table.
Is there audience participation? Yes.
Should we bring bug repellant? Yes.
Are children under the age of 2 allowed? Yes they are free.
Are there plenty of bathrooms? Yes.
Is there Shopping nearby? Yes.
What if it is raining? Do you supply umbrellas, rain checks, refunds? If it rains before it will be moved indoors to the ballroom.
Does the luau represent many dances or just Hawaiian? Many different.
Does it have Tahitian dancers? Yes.
Is there a place to store valuables? No.
Can I take pictures after the show? Yes, but please no video.
Can I get autographs? Yes.
Are pictures available if I don't have a camera? Yes at $20.
Security suggestions? Don't bring more than your wallet and camera.
1 North Kaniku Drive. Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii
From Kona International Airport
Turn left at the stoplight exiting the Kona International Airport onto
Highway 19.
Remain on Highway 19 for 19.5 miles.
The entrance to Mauna Lani Drive is located on the left (ocean side) of
the highway, marked by a noticeable coconut grove.
Enter the resort on Mauna Lani Drive and proceed for about a mile to the
round-about traffic circle.
Enter the circle, yielding to traffic.
Take the first right turn which is North Kaniku Drive.
Stay on North Kaniku Drive until you reach the main entrance to The Fairmont
Orchid at the end of the drive.
From Hilo International Airport
From Kekuanaoa Street (Airport Access Road) turn right on to Kanoelehua street.
Turn left onto Kamehameha Avenue. Continue as lane merges to the right onto Highway 19.
Remain on Highway to Waimea and then head right towards Kawaihae.
Continue for 11 miles down the Kawaihae Road, and turn left to continue on Highway 19.
Approximately seven miles away, a sign will note Mauna Lani Drive. Turn right onto Mauna Lani Drive. Proceed to the traffic circle and take the first right, North Kaniku Drive.
Stay on North Kaniku Drive until you reach the main entrance to The Fairmont Orchid at the end of the drive.
