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
Thirsty Thursdays & Friday Night Fireworks for the 5:45pm Sunset Cruise! Board the double-decker boat [...]
Body Glove Cruises has something for everyone! Whether you are seeking an ocean adventure aboard a [...]
View wild humpback whales and other diverse sea life in their natural habitat off of Oahu's stunning [...]
Discover what more than 300,000 Dolphins and You guests have experienced: Wild dolphin sightings in [...]
No trip to Hawaii is complete without witnessing Kauai’s sacred Napali Coast. This stunning stretch of [...]
Experience the delight of peaceful sea turtles cruising in their natural environment, the beauty of the [...]
Situated on 40 acres on Ka’anapali Beach, this resort is an authentic Hawaiian experience set in [...]
Located on the shores of beautiful Hilo Bay, this hotel affords breathtaking views of the Mauna Kea, the [...]
Experience a Maui Pineapple like no other. Nothing is as synonymous with the Hawaiian landscape and [...]
Honolulu’s Landmark Hotel is conveniently located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki and across [...]
Hawaiian Adventures Kona understands that first-hand experiences are key to cultivating connections [...]
Located in the heart of Waikiki and steps away from the ocean, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani is [...]