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
Discover the hidden Kaua'i with Safari Helicopters. On their Kauai helicopter tours you'll find a remote [...]
Located oceanfront on a white sandy beach, nestled in a tropical forest, Kaha Lani Resort is the perfect [...]
The reimagined Turtle Bay Resort spans across 1,300 pristine acres on Oahu’s North Shore. A new wave [...]
Free Hi Speed Internet Access in all units! Condo convenience with hotel services in the heart of [...]
Extravagant or reasonable, our catering staff takes care of every detail, from a garden wedding to an [...]
Historic site, group tours. Art classes, exhibits, workshops, studios, lectures, gift shop, mansion, [...]
PACIFIC 19 Kona is an island-urban hotel newly renovated and re-envisioned for independent travelers [...]
Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa Kauai by Outrigger rivals the best Kauai hotels for luxury accommodations [...]
Outrigger Reef on the Beach combines inviting hospitality, timeless traditions and elegant style to [...]
Welcome to Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei. Our contemporary, all-suite hotel offers an excellent [...]
Waikiki Shore is the only oceanfront condominium in Waikiki. This exquisite condominium is located on [...]
Arnott's Lodge is ranked No.1 budget accommodation in Hawaii by Lonely Planet, the Budget Bible, for [...]