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
Dragon Tours is the best full service land operator in Hawaii, specialize in convention, incentive & [...]
Come Explore Maui’s Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Cacao Farm! Your journey begins at the Ku’ia Estates [...]
ALL INCLUSIVE HAWAII VACATION PACKAGES to Waikiki Beach, Maui, Kauai, & Big-Island. INCLUDES Flights, [...]
Bringing visitors to Hawaii from Korea for over 14 years.
Hawaii tour & travel information and reservation discounts for hotels, tours, activities, tickets, etc. [...]
ALL INCLUSIVE HAWAII VACATION PACKAGES to Waikiki Beach, Maui, Kauai, & Big-Island. INCLUDES Flights, [...]
The only tree planting Eco-tour of its kind in the world. Plant an endemic tree & follow its growth via [...]
With multiple brands selling Hawaii for over 50 years, we are one of Canada's leading Hawaii [...]
Experience Hawaiian history, culture and tradition through vibrant song and dance depicting [...]
All inclusive Hawaii Vacation Packages from AATP. Book online or in person. We are a Hawaii specialty [...]
The award-winning Wailele Polynesian Luau presents a vibrant dinner show where Maui visitors are treated [...]
ALL INCLUSIVE HAWAII VACATION PACKAGES to Waikiki Beach, Maui, Kauai, & Big-Island. INCLUDES Flights, [...]