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 [...]
Mauna Loa Helicopters has been offering private sightseeing tours over Kauai since 2006, and we recently [...]
Stress-free, affordable & romantic wedding and vow renewal packages on Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, [...]
Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery known for quality & [...]
Outrigger Reef on the Beach combines inviting hospitality, timeless traditions and elegant style to [...]
Greenwell Farms legacy began in 1850 when Henry Nicholas Greenwell first set foot on the fertile soil of [...]
Extravagant or reasonable, our catering staff takes care of every detail, from a garden wedding to an [...]
Here you will find serenity that soothes your soul like no other place on earth coupled with uniquely [...]
Discover the hidden Kaua'i with Safari Helicopters. On their Kauai helicopter tours you'll find a remote [...]
One of Hawaii’s best resorts located on the best stretch of one of the world’s top beaches, Sheraton [...]
Join us for a meal but stay for a pint! Located in the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, our [...]
Island of Hawaii - Discounted rates on Jeep Wranglers 4WD, convertibles, SUVs, vans and cars from major [...]