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
Set on six acres of tropical gardens along a pristine, mile-long stretch of beach on Kauai's Coconut [...]
Hilton Vacation The Modern introduces cosmopolitan chic for leisure and business pursuits in Hawaii. We [...]
Four charming cottages in the heart of Volcano Village, in the upland rainforest adjacent to the [...]
Often acclaimed as the most beautiful area in Hawaii, this garden is a photographer’s and nature [...]
Hotel Lanai is an island landmark in the heart of Lanai City. Recently renovated in 2018, the hotel [...]
Honoka'a Chocolate Co is located in the historic plantation town of Honoka'a in the S. Hasegawa [...]
Hilo's premier, full service hotel on the shores of Big Island's Hilo Bay. Outstanding views of the [...]
* Top Quality Accommodations * A Completely Unique Central North Kauai Location Tastefully Furnished [...]
Maui Sunset is located on the oceanfront in sunny Kihei, Maui. We are a condominium resort with 10 acres [...]
Located oceanfront on a white sandy beach, nestled in a tropical forest, Kaha Lani Resort is the perfect [...]
A perfect setting, where the iconic Diamond Head and the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean meet. [...]
Set on the west side of Hawaii Island, Aston Kona by the Sea is an oceanfront condo resort - an idyllic [...]