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
Our award-winning tour company is passionately committed to providing you with immersive and [...]
Our small group guided tours provide free pickup at Waikiki hotels or Honolulu Pier and take you across [...]
A modern fleet of Lincoln Town Cars, Navigators, Vans, Minibuses, Motorcoaches, Limousine Coach and [...]
At Pueoʻs Osteria, the authentic, invigorating flavors of Italy meet the style and delicacy of [...]
In response to the Covid-19 virus outbreak Original Hawaiian Chocolate has decided to temporarily stop [...]
Opened in 1971, Kula Botanical Garden was developed by Warren and Helen McCord. The garden is located on [...]
Na 'Aina Kai, "Lands by the Sea" in Hawaiian, is ever-evolving and unique among the world's botanical [...]
Nicknamed the "Garden Island," Kauai's stunning natural beauty includes the rugged Na Pali Coast and the [...]
Overlooking Waikiki beach, feast on exquisite buffet creations, including flavorful Korean BBQ and [...]
At taikobo.com we offer sunset and stargazing on Mauna Kea & Haleakala and Kilauea Volcano tours. At [...]
In its 50th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other air [...]
Lanai Car Rental is based on the island of Lanai and provides affordable and convenient rentals to [...]