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
View wild humpback whales and other diverse sea life in their natural habitat off of Oahu's stunning [...]
Experience the delight of peaceful sea turtles cruising in their natural environment, the beauty of the [...]
Discover what more than 300,000 Dolphins and You guests have experienced: Wild dolphin sightings in [...]
Thirsty Thursdays & Friday Night Fireworks for the 5:45pm Sunset Cruise! Board the double-decker boat [...]
Experience Oahu's most authentic Hawaiian luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali‘i Luau. Set [...]
Kualoa Hawaii is a 4000 acre Private Nature Reserve and working cattle ranch on the island of Oahu. You [...]
Honolulu’s Landmark Hotel is conveniently located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki and across [...]
Explore O'ahu from the rainforest to the reef. Learn from our professional nature guides while exploring [...]
Located on the Diamond Head end of Waikiki and just a three minute walk to the golden sands of Waikiki [...]
Hawaii is a group of tranquil tropical islands, filled with beaches, iconic sites like the Waikiki Beach [...]
The all-suite condominium hotel Aston at the Waikiki Banyan has been a favorite among locals and return [...]
Truly at the center of thriving Waikiki, Pacific Monarch is the perfect landing place to enjoy an [...]