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
Awarded "2006/2007 C.R.U.I.S.E. Tour of the Year" by Princess Cruises! Captain Zodiac is more than a [...]
Body Glove Cruises has something for everyone! Whether you are seeking an ocean adventure aboard a [...]
Kona's Premier Dive company offering daily 2 Tank Morning Dives and the World-Famous Manta Ray Night [...]
Hawaii Meetings + Events exceeds expectations with innovative experiential programs using premium event [...]
Hawaiian Adventures Kona understands that first-hand experiences are key to cultivating connections [...]
Kona Ocean Adventures With Kona Ocean Adventures we are not just another tour but a true adventure [...]
Insider Experience is a full-service Destination Management Company (DMC) that delivers innovative and [...]
With decadent waterfront dining options, spacious island-inspired rooms with balconies, impressive [...]
Greenwell Farms legacy began in 1850 when Henry Nicholas Greenwell first set foot on the fertile soil of [...]
The Daughters of Hawai‘i was founded in 1903 by seven progressive women ahead of their time. Born in [...]
Reverend Patrick is an ordained minister offering cheerful assistance to couples getting married in Kona [...]
The relationship between Hawaiian culture and the universe is showcased through a colorful variety of [...]