Luau
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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
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.
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.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Hawaii’s marine life at Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii. Encounter schooling reef fish, sharks, stingrays, turtles, and experience the world's first virtual encounter with Hawaii's humpback whales in the Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & 3D Sphere.
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.
Nestled along the famed Road to Hana—a 64-mile stretch of picturesque road that winds along Maui’s northern coast—Hana-Maui Resort offers travelers a peaceful place to savor the journey. Discover a luxury oasis close to the beach, iconic waterfalls, and viewpoints.
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.
The Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is located at the gateway of Waikiki in Honolulu. This 44-story hotel with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Koolau mountains and Waikiki skyline is just 3 blocks from Waikiki beach and 4 blocks from the Hawaii Convention Center.
Relax in comfortable two bedroom suites offering convenient living amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, complimentary WiFi and washer/dryer. This resort offers the oceanfront tropical views that exemplify the spirit of Kauai.
Come early and stroll the Plantation's tropical grounds as you enjoy the late afternoon sun or walk through an amazing craft fair and view beautiful creations that are all "Made on Kauai".
Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites is adjacent to Fort DeRussy Park and just a short stroll to Waikiki Beach. The hotel features a heated swimming pool, sun deck, barbecue grills, a fitness center, weekly yoga classes, a weekly manager’s reception, beach cruiser bikes, and dining at Fish Hook Cafe.