Lūʻau
Scroll to Continue
Lūʻau of Hawaiʻi
One of the most festive experiences to be had on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands is a lūʻau – a Hawaiian feast featuring lively music and vibrant cultural performances from Hawaiʻi and greater Polynesia.
History of the Lūʻau
The first feast in Hawaiʻi resembling a modern-day lūʻau was probably held in 1819. Before then, the kapu system of restrictions, religion and resource management separated men and women at mealtimes, even in times of celebration. Other names for these feasts are ʻahaʻaina or pāʻina, but over the course of time, the nickname lūʻau – a reference to the taro leaves at the core of many popular dishes – stuck.
Two centuries later, lūʻau are still being celebrated. But it is important to note that despite the name and its Hawaiian roots, not all food or entertainment at a lūʻau today is Hawaiian. A contemporary lūʻau in Hawaiʻi reflects our multi-cultural society. Food at a family lūʻau is as diverse as the various branches of the family tree. Entertainment at a visitor lūʻau often includes dances and music from other Polynesian cultures.
Popular Lūʻau Dishes
- Poi: Pounded taro plant root; a starch meant to be eaten with everything.
- Kālua Pig: Pork prepared in an imu (underground oven) and shredded.
- Laulau: Meat wrapped in lūʻau (taro) leaves and steamed, traditionally prepared in an imu.
- Haupia: Coconut pudding.
- Poke: A term that literally means to cut into pieces, this newly global delicacy is traditionally prepared with raw fish, shoyu (soy sauce), green onions, kukui nut (candlenut), and limu (seaweed).
Find a Lūʻau to Attend
Where to Experience a Lūʻau
Island and You gives guests the true local experience of Oahu in just one day! Visit historical sites [...]
Our award-winning tour company is passionately committed to providing you with immersive and [...]
Our small group guided tours provide free pickup at Waikiki hotels or Honolulu Pier and take you across [...]
We specialize in custom all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages and private tours for small groups in [...]
North Shore EcoTours represents the best in nature and Hawaiian cultural tours! We are 100% local and [...]
Personalized wildlife ocean adventures. Dolphins, whales and snorkeling.
As the sun sets on the legendary shores of Kailua Bay, the excitement of the Royal Kona Luau, Voyagers [...]
Volcano Ohana is a locally owned and operated business based on the Big Island of Hawaii. We specialize [...]
Award-Winning Temptation Tours-Maui's only fleet of custom built 8 passenger Luxury Limo-Vans. [...]
It's a celebration of life on Kauai at Smith's Tropical Paradise Garden Luau. Enjoy the local [...]
Helewai Tours LLC has a mission to educate locals and visitors alike on the importance of indigenous [...]
Kaua'i Hiking Tours offers day hikes, backpacking trips and driving tours on the Hawaiian Island of [...]