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 [...]
We specialize in custom all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages and private tours for small groups in [...]
Island of Molokai - Discounted rates on Jeep Wranglers 4WD, convertibles, SUVs, vans and cars from major [...]
Molokai Outdoor Activities (MOA/Molokai Outdoors) mission is to provide visitors with an experience on [...]
Aloha! Explore the Hana Highway with this self-guided audio tour! The 65-mile scenic Road to Hana tour [...]
Opened in 1971, Kula Botanical Garden was developed by Warren and Helen McCord. The garden is located on [...]
Founded in 2010, our goal is “to provide you with the best day of your vacation and memories that will [...]
Explore a forbidden coastline formed by Mt. Haleakala's last eruption. Experience close encounters with [...]
Award-Winning Temptation Tours-Maui's only fleet of custom built 8 passenger Luxury Limo-Vans. [...]
The Four Winds II morning snorkel tour to Molokini Crater gives you Maui’s best snorkeling value and [...]
Official PGA Tour golf tournament featuring champions only from the prior year. Features 60+ hours of [...]