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
Let the light from the flickering tiki torches and the warm tropical breeze set your o’hana spirit [...]
Kona Natural Soap Company manufacturers and sells aromatheraphy vegan soaps and aromatheraphy infused [...]
Established in 1977, Big Island Candies is home to Hawaii’s finest cookies, chocolates and [...]
ALOHA! And welcome aboard any one, or all three, of our Conductor Narrated Authentic Train Tours of [...]
Sunshine Helicopters, offering Helicopter Tours of Maui, Kauai and Big Island. Experience the Adventure [...]
Noeau is home to over 100 local small businesses both Native Hawaiian and kamaaina. You will find a [...]
Join our ʻOhana for an exciting evening under the stars as we take you on a voyage across Ka Moana (the [...]
ABC Stores have been a familiar name in Hawaii, and part of a family-run retail business, since 1949. [...]
Gyroplane Flight Lesson Welcome to the ultimate flying experience! Have you ever dreamed of soaring [...]
Milo is Mauna Lani's newest luxury lifestyle boutique showcasing ready-to-wear, accessories, swimwear [...]
In 1998, Honolulu Cookie Company was established using a recipe for premium shortbread cookies baked [...]
Enjoy the freshest flavors from the North Shore of Oahu. Home of the first ever Hawaii-grown Acai bowl, [...]