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
Our award-winning tour company is passionately committed to providing you with immersive and [...]
Our small group guided tours provide free pickup at Waikiki hotels or Honolulu Pier and take you across [...]
Discover a retreat shaped by nature and culture at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Fronted [...]
Our goal at The Fresh Shave is to serve the best all–natural and delicious shave ice. We offer a [...]
Hanalei Colony is an oceanfront hideaway nestled on a curve of golden beach in Haena on Kauai’s lush [...]
Elite Maui Chef stands out as the premier private chef experience on the beautiful island of Maui. With [...]
From everyday cars to the extraordinary, Turo offers the perfect vehicle to see every side of the [...]
SCP Hilo is bringing the vision of Holistic Hospitality to The Big Island’s adventure aesthetic and [...]
Nestled in the heart of Kauai, between the Wailua River and the majestic Na Pali Coast, discover 1 Hotel [...]
Experience the intense flavors of fresh hibiscus along with our flowers in syrup, preserves and tea, [...]
With sweeping ocean views, tucked beneath the stunning Ko‘olau Mountains, Aloha Kai Lū‘au offers [...]
Anelakai Adventures offers guided Hawaiian Double Hull Canoe, Night Manta Ray Double Hull Canoe, and [...]