


Luau
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Luau of Hawaii
One of the most festive experiences to be had on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands is a luau – a Hawaiian feast featuring lively music and vibrant cultural performances from Hawaii and greater Polynesia.
History of the Luau
The first feast in Hawaii resembling a modern-day luau 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 ahaaina or paina, but over the course of time, the nickname luau – a reference to the taro leaves at the core of many popular dishes – stuck.
Two centuries later, luau 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 luau today is Hawaiian. A contemporary luau in Hawaii reflects our multi-cultural society. Food at a family luau is as diverse as the various branches of the family tree. Entertainment at a visitor luau often includes dances and music from other Polynesian cultures.
Popular Luau Dishes
- Poi: Pounded taro plant root; a starch meant to be eaten with everything.
- Kalua Pig: Pork prepared in an imu (underground oven) and shredded.
- Laulau: Meat wrapped in luau (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 Luau to Attend
Where to Experience a Luau
Unwind at our luxury Waimea resort situated on 19 beachfront acres surrounded by the championship Francis I'i Brown golf course. Our Big Island vacation condo rentals are near black sand beaches, Hapuna Beach, national parks, and more. Choose from a variety of luxury one- and two-bedroom suites.
Kahi Ola Mau Farm is the home of Honoka'a Chocolate Co. Located just mauka of the historic plantation town of Honoka'a, we offer farm tours and tastings of the small-batch artisan chocolates that we make on-site in our farm store, made from cacao beans from around the globe, including Hawaii.
Explore the Big Islands largest collection of Orchids. Over 1,000 on display in our Orchid Maze & for purchase. Join a behind the scenes Orchid Farm Tour and Tasting. Plant and take home your own baby orchid and leave room for dessert as you sample our Poha Ice Cream and shop our unique giftshop!
Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club is ready to make your Big Island vacation truly memorable. Our premium vacation ownership resort overlooks Anaehoomalu Bay and is co-located with the 15-acre Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
Situated in a tranquil tropical setting in Kailua-Kona, the Wyndham Mauna Loa Village awaits your arrival with spacious accommodations. Moreover, it offers amazing amenities that include 6 outdoor swimming pools, 6 whirlpool tubs, 11 tennis courts, laundry facilities, and children's activities.
Nestled among pristine fairways and lava rock fields within the tropical haven of Waikoloa on Hawaii’s Big Island. Spacious two-bedroom suites exude comfort and style with all the conveniences of home.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate - 100% Hawaiian cocoa beans grown, hand-picked, sun-dried on Hawaii Island in Kona. Non-blended to assure purity and quality. Enjoy the distinctive texture and taste of single-origin Original Hawaiian Chocolate. Tours available by reservation. Chocolate is Aloha!
The Kona Coffee and Tea Company is an Award-winning, single-estate, 100% Kona coffee farm, that is family-owned and operated. We grow, mill, roast, package and brew our own beans. "From our farm to your cup"
Aikane Plantation Coffee is 100% Hawaiian gourmet coffee, grown on our family estate located on the slopes of majestic Mauna Loa Mountain in the District of Ka’u.
The Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel offers resort-style amenities without the resort price tag. This beachfront hotel features 452 guest rooms, 2 ocean view restaurants, an infinity pool, & is home to 20,000 square feet of event space, which can accommodate up to 500 persons.