Authentic Hawaiian food and music at Lani’s Luau

People ask me about my favorite Hawaiian restaurant in Tucson, and I always recommend Lani’s Luau at 2532 S. Harrison Rd. (NW corner of Harrison and Golf Links).   Leilani/Lani Dowling (originally from Kona, island of Hawaii) is the head cook and her husband Zane is the manager of this little restaurant, open over 7 years now. Photo below courtesy of Zane.

The menu is the authentic Hawaiian plate lunch – teriyaki meat, mahi mahi, kalua pig, etc. all with 2 scoops rice and yummy mac salad.  You can also substitute a fresh salad.  And don’t forget to ask about the poi, for you locals missing Hawaiian grinds.  Menu online at their website: http://lanisluau.webs.com/menu.htm.  Lani also has haupia (coconut pudding) available daily for dessert,  as well as Hawaiian fruit drinks.

Slack key musician Jamie O’Brien will be playing Hawaiian and Tahitian songs there on Friday, May 2nd, starting at about 6 p.m. (Hawaiian time).  Although Jamie is from England, he’s spent time in Hawaii and studied under slack guitar guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. He also plays the ukulele and takes requests.   I know, as I’ve asked for several favorite songs in the past, including others from his CDs. Photo below courtesy of Jamie.

Enjoy the good food and music at Lani’s.  Phone # 520-886-LUAU (5828). I hear that business has been a bit slow, so please take the ride out east to experience a little bit of Hawaii. Closed on Sundays.