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
Aloha and welcome aboard the Maita'i Catamaran! Maita'i is a "state of the art", twin hulled, 44 foot [...]
Hana and Beyond is owned by local residents, who were born and raised in Hana, Maui. We offer a unique [...]
Discover Hanauma Bay with Our Guided Snorkel Tour - Unforgettable Adventures Await! Indulge in the [...]
Sip and savor your way at the poolside SWIM Restaurant and Bar overlooking Waikiki Beach. Enjoy live [...]
Alii Kayaks is a Full-service Guided Kauai Kayak Tour operator, conveniently located on the Wailua River [...]
National Geographic Winner! Pioneer outdoor adventure company. Water front location at the Wailua [...]
Aloha! We're a local family owned snorkel rental and activity center in Kihei. We specialize in beach [...]
Promoting health and wellness using Hawaiian culture healing and arts, take a journey and let your body [...]
In the Upcountry region of Maui, nestled on the slopes of Haleakala (House of the Sun), is the mystical [...]
Exciting activities and experiences for visitors to Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. Pearl Harbor [...]
Our 8 acre Alpaca Farm Estate is located on the beautiful slopes of Haleakalā National park. Come feel [...]
We offer Incredible Pearl Harbor and Circle Island tours, a unique North Shore fun experience tour as [...]