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
Located along the spectacular shoreline of Wailea, on the magical island of Maui, Wailea Beach Villas [...]
Hawaii is a group of tranquil tropical islands, filled with beaches, iconic sites like the Waikiki Beach [...]
Immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Aloha during your stay at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach. With [...]
The DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki is a tropical boutique hotel situated at the entrance to [...]
Haiku House is a private and exclusive nine-bedroom luxury vacation rental in Hawaii, located on 20 lush [...]
Prime beachfront condominium resort on beautiful Sugar Beach. Central air conditioning, pool, jacuzzi, [...]
At "Ka'anapali Folly" you will enjoy resort amenities and breathtaking views from our well-appointed [...]
Sitting on 21-acres of lush, tropical gardens amidst the panoramic backdrop of Hawaii's Kona Coast, [...]
As the only resort fronting popular Ulua Beach, the Wailea Elua Village spans across the entire sandy [...]
Located on a half-mile stretch of Pa’ipu Beach, the Makena Surf is a perfect choice for a secluded [...]
An ideal Maui getaway, Aston at Papakea Resort in Kaanapali is an oceanfront condominium resort that [...]
Built as a classic Bed and Breakfast, we serve a full gourmet breakfast. Located on the sunny south side [...]