Backstage Pass: Swinging at Rock a Hula

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

Stationed atop the iconic Royal Hawaiian Center in the bustling heart of Waikiki, Hawaii, the Rock a Hula Dinner Theater is a multi-million dollar mecca for world class entertainment, featuring state of the art lighting, a top notch cast of wildly talented performers, and some of the most acclaimed tribute artists you’ll find anywhere. 

Rated by many top travel platforms, industry critics, and patrons alike as one of the top luau experiences on the Island, Rock A Hula spares no expense and cuts no corners to ensure that the cuisine, cocktails, entertainment, and aesthetic at each Rock a Hula experience  is nothing short of top tier. 

The Backstage Pass team and I had the honor of experiencing Rock a Hula numerous times in previous seasons and were elated for the exclusive opportunity to return for an updated spotlight feature on this fun, festive, and fabulous luau and show experience. 

Upon arrival to the rooftop lanai area, we were greeted by a couple of lovely and hospitable hula performers who bestowed upon us some stunning traditional Hawaiian leis. Then, we were escorted to our VIP section where some delightful welcome Mai Tai’s awaited us.

Gracious and courteous staff member Sheena welcomed us and provided some brief and helpful opening remarks to the patrons outlining the fun and excitement that awaited in the hours to follow. We made our way to the extensive buffet line, offering a delightful assortment of locally-sourced , chef-curated food options. 

Freshly baked poi rolls by Elvin’s Bakery 

Limu  tofu poke 

A carving station featuring an assortment of tender, premium quality meats, including roast beef with black salt 

Island roasted whole suckling pig 

Pickled ginger Beurre blanc sauce

Passion fruit roasted uala sweet potato 

Fried noodles 

Fresh Fish 

Teriyaki Chicken  

Rice 

Hawaiian mixed greens with choices of: 

House made lilikoi dressing  and Sesame dressing 

Island style macaroni potato salad 

In addition to the aforementioned Welcome Mai Tai’s, each Rock a Hula Experience comes with a drink ticket as well, affording guests to select from a staggeringly expanse list of cocktails and mocktails.

I selected the Lava Flow, a layered tropical drink features  a red strawberry/rum base and a creamy white banana/pineapple/coconut top, mimicking flowing lava, typically made with coconut rum, and a Lychee  Martini made with an intoxicating blend of vodka, lychee juice or liqueur, and often a touch of vermouth.

A coffee stand featuring robust, delicious locally sourced coffee was available along with a dessert buffet.

While we dined on this incredible buffet, the audience was treated to an intimate and lively show by a cast of talented and enigmatic hula dancers as well as local Hawaiian singers and ukulele players entertained with a plethora of charming classic traditional songs, including: Honolulu Harbor, a tribute to the iconic Aloha Tower, and My Little Grass Shack in Kealakekua, Hawaii. 

Following our relaxing and fun-filled dinner and pre-show experience, we were ushered into the show space by the hospitable staff, where we settled in and eagerly anticipated the grand scale, world class show which lay ahead.

The energy in the theater was electric and the award-winning Legends in Concert Band played an pulse pounding musical interlude while world renowned, award winning Elvis tribute artist, the illustrious Michael Chambliss, took the stage donning Elvis’s signature iconic white “Nudie Suit” complete with dazzling turquoise embellishments. 

Fully encapsulating the very essence of Elvis in movement, swagger, and vocal tonality, Chambliss wastes no time belting out The King’s greatest hits.

The energetic and wildly talented dancers add a special charisma to the overall aesthetic of Elvis’s incredible set, and this gracious performer was even kind enough to make his way over and present a silk scarf to my 91-year old Mimmie.

Then, “Michael Jackson” took to the stage. The “King Of Pop” kicked off his dynamic set with the 1982 smash hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” followed by numerous upbeat and undeniably “feel good” tunes.

Perhaps the most jaw dropping part of the Michael Jackson segment was a recreation of the 1982 mega-sensation “Thriller,” featuring the cast of dancers decked out in full “zombie” themed regalia while “MJ” spellbound the crowd with his signature charisma.

The conclusion of the show was marked by a remarkable, jaw dropping, edge-of- your- seat Polynesian Fire Dancing  performance, featuring a wildly talented performer, donning a traditional costume and regalia.

Upon the show’s end, we were afforded the opportunity for photo ops and an up close and personal meet and greet with all of the performers, capturing memories of a special and breathtaking experience  which will truly last a lifetime. 

Special thanks to Kamla and the entire Rock a Hula staff for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.) 

WEBSITE: https://www.rockahulahawaii.com

PHONE NUMBER: (808) 629-7458

INSTAGRAM: @rockahulahi