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
Nestled on the grounds where Hawaii's most famous King ruled, the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach [...]
The background sound of the ocean surf against a soulful steel guitar. A welcome lei and Mai Tai. Tables [...]
Located at 276 Haili Street in historic downtown Hilo, the Lyman Museum and Mission House tells the [...]
We're Hawaii's most awarded craft coffee roaster with quality, sustainability and community at our [...]
SCP Hilo is bringing the vision of Holistic Hospitality to The Big Island’s adventure aesthetic and [...]
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts operates premier resorts and hotel properties throughout the Hawaiian [...]
Explore marine mysteries as you dive over 100 feet below the sea with Atlantis Submarines Kona. See a [...]
Discover, create, play, and learn about island science. The Hawai'i Keiki Museum connects children to [...]
Old-Hawai'i charm on the Kona Coast, and the only hotel in Kona where ALL rooms have private oceanfront [...]
Paradise Helicopters is a locally-owned and operated helicopter tour company offering air adventures [...]
Visit the original factory and store where Donkey Balls gourmet chocolates started. Located in historic [...]
Join us for a 45 minute tour of our Kona Sea Salt Farm! Located on 7 acres of oceanfront space on Kona [...]