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
The Alaloa Lounge offers an extensive menu of specialty cocktails, domestic and imported beers, premium [...]
Our 46-acre farm sits above the town of Kapa’a, between Sleeping Giant and Mt. Wai’ale’ale. [...]
Looking for a special Gift "Handmade in Hawaii"? Volcano Gallery is the working art studio & gallery of [...]
Lonohana Estate Chocolate grows cacao on the North Shore of Oahu and makes fine finished chocolate in [...]
As the premier farm to cup coffee company in Hawai'i, we are focused on creating the ultimate experience [...]
Milo is Mauna Lani's newest luxury lifestyle boutique showcasing ready-to-wear, accessories, swimwear [...]
Honoka'a Chocolate Co is located in the historic plantation town of Honoka'a in the S. Hasegawa [...]
Discover South Kona Fruit Stand, where flavor meets adventure! Nestled in the heart of paradise, our [...]
Our 8 acre Alpaca Farm Estate is located on the beautiful slopes of Haleakalā National park. Come feel [...]
Join our beekeeper for a fun and educational exploration about bees, beekeeping, and honey, where from [...]
The Kauai Made logo assures you that the product is made on Kauai, by Kauai’s people, using Kauai [...]
Every day at 2:20 pm, guests gather around Hawai'i's only water performance venue - the magnificent PCC [...]