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Lūʻau

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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).

 

Where to Experience a Lūʻau

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Manta at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Island of Hawaiʻi
Manta
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr
Kohala Coast, HI 96743-9706
Summary or Description (Profiles)

Dinner at Manta is an occasion every night, with a dynamic exhibition kitchen to showcase the artistry [...]

Peas & Carrot
Oʻahu
Hoku's
5000 Kahala Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96816
Summary or Description (Profiles)

The cuisine is fresh, light, and innovative. The ever-popular Hoku's Ahi Musubi remains on the menu as a [...]

HāLani
Island of Hawaiʻi
HāLani
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast, HI 96743
Summary or Description (Profiles)

HāLani - meaning “breath of heaven” - is an alfresco eatery that opens onto the Great Lawn, where [...]

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