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
Mauna Loa Helicopters has been offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006, and we recently [...]
Nestled in the heart of Kauai, between the Wailua River and the majestic Na Pali Coast, discover 1 Hotel [...]
Find out for yourself why we are recommended by Conde' Nast Traveler, The Essential Guide to Kauai, [...]
Hawaii is a group of tranquil tropical islands, filled with beaches, iconic sites like the Waikiki Beach [...]
Kilohana Plantation is a historic landmark and premier visitor attraction offering visitors and locals a [...]
Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa Kauai by Outrigger rivals the best Kauai hotels for luxury accommodations [...]
Na 'Aina Kai, "Lands by the Sea" in Hawaiian, is ever-evolving and unique among the world's botanical [...]
Just steps away from beautiful Kalapaki Beach, Banyan Harbor offers one and two bedroom condominium [...]
Prince Kuhio Condos offers vacation rental condominiums of 3 sizes and is located on the sunny south [...]
Wyndham Ka Eo Kai suites offer the elegant ambiance of a fine resort with warm, home-like comforts that [...]
Let the light from the flickering tiki torches and the warm tropical breeze set your o’hana spirit [...]
Alii Kayaks is a Full-service Guided Kauai Kayak Tour operator, conveniently located on the Wailua River [...]