Luau
Scroll to Continue
Luau of Hawaii
One of the most festive experiences to be had on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands is a luau – a Hawaiian feast featuring lively music and vibrant cultural performances from Hawaii and greater Polynesia.
History of the Luau
The first feast in Hawaii resembling a modern-day luau 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 ahaaina or paina, but over the course of time, the nickname luau – a reference to the taro leaves at the core of many popular dishes – stuck.
Two centuries later, luau 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 luau today is Hawaiian. A contemporary luau in Hawaii reflects our multi-cultural society. Food at a family luau is as diverse as the various branches of the family tree. Entertainment at a visitor luau often includes dances and music from other Polynesian cultures.
Popular Luau Dishes
- Poi: Pounded taro plant root; a starch meant to be eaten with everything.
- Kalua Pig: Pork prepared in an imu (underground oven) and shredded.
- Laulau: Meat wrapped in luau (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 Luau to Attend
Where to Experience a Luau
Let Hawaii Forest & Trail show you an authentic Oahu, utilizing our unparalleled land access and interpretive guiding approach to provoke authentic place-based experiences that illuminate the island’s unique regions through in-depth interactions with our nature and culture. Our Hawaii Oahu tours offer a different perspective.
If you can dream it, we can do it. Paradise Helicopters offers you the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime while here in the islands. See volcanoes, waterfalls & more on our helicopter tours, exclusive landings and custom charters departing from Kona, Hilo and Turtle Bay Resort.
If you can dream it, we can do it. Paradise Helicopters offers you the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime while here in the islands. See volcanoes, waterfalls & more on our helicopter tours, exclusive landings and custom charters departing from Kona, Hilo and Turtle Bay Resort.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, often referred to as the "First Lady of Waikiki," is a legendary landmark introducing the world to Hawaiian hospitality in 1901. Step back into yesteryear with all the contemporary amenities and unique services to make your Hawaii vacation memorable.
Say aloha to paradise at this 13-acre oceanfront oasis on Kauai’s Coconut Coast. This low-key, family oriented resort promises a relaxing vacation like no other.
Aulani offers a whole new world of possibilities for meetings & incentives, featuring 830 guest rooms & villas plus 50,000 square feet of eco-friendly indoor & outdoor function space combined with world-class Disney service and imagination.
A tropical paradise resort located on beautiful Kalapaki Beach. Enjoy spacious guestrooms, 1-, and 2-bedroom villas featuring living and dining areas with kitchenettes. The resort offers a 26,000-square-foot swimming pool, golf, spa, and more.
A beautiful oceanfront resort featuring spacious guestrooms, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas located on beautiful Kaanapali Beach. Well-appointed villas offer fully equipped kitchen, living/dining area, master bedroom/bath and more!
Marriott's Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipuu is a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare resort on the island of Kauai. We are an upscale vacation ownership resort that provides owners and their families with the flexibility to enjoy high quality vacation experiences and a uniquely serene Hawaiian Experience.
On 3 tropical acres, this historic 48-unit plantation resort is 3 miles from airport by Kalapaki Beach. Access to golf, fishing, surfing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, shops and dining. Comp continental breakfast.