<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I've been to just about all of them and agree they are mostly all pretty ticky, tacky, touristy.

Can't stand those watered down things they pass off as Mai Tais and Blue Hawaii's, at most of 'em.

But they are loaded with some alcohol, which after about a dozen, does the trick for those attending to get blasted. Germaine’s and Paradise Cove (both Oahu) seem to get a younger set of customers, in my observations.

The best commercial luau I've experienced in the islands has been very recently on Maui at The Old Lahaina Luau.

It's still for tourists, but the quality of facilities and service are extremely high, IMHO. And they actually will mix you drinks to order from their full bars, unlimited, included in the price.

Next door is the real gem, however...Aloha Mixed Plate! Also open for dinner, this open air plate stand is owned by the same folks that run the luau. Go there for dinner and enjoy a great meal at a low price while enjoying the music drifting in from the luau, and you also get to watch the performers in their costumes as they dash across the beach to their changing room! Free entertainment!

And you might just run into Jimmy Buffett, who calls this place home while residing in Hawaii.

See photo under "Aloah Plate Lunch" in:

http://www.margaritaville.com/roadtr...i/hawaii7.html

You'll also find a link to Aloha Mixed Plate at the luau web site above.</font>