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
Island and You gives guests the true local experience of Oahu in just one day! Visit historical sites [...]
Our small group guided tours provide free pickup at Waikiki hotels or Honolulu Pier and take you across [...]
We specialize in custom all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages and private tours for small groups in [...]
Looking for an unforgettable getaway to Kauai? Come and experience the majestic beauty and Aloha spirit [...]
My Hawaii Wedding, Hawaii's premiere wedding service on the island of Oahu, offers simple yet elegant, [...]
In the Upcountry region of Maui, nestled on the slopes of Haleakala (House of the Sun), is the mystical [...]
Captain Bruce is the first company to offer Kaneʻohe Bay Sandbar Tours on O’ahu, starting in 1983. [...]
Where WWII ended with the Surrender of the Japanese Forces. With over six decades of life at sea and [...]
Hawaii Local Connection Tours is a family-owned and operated, 100% local company that specializes in [...]
The Puakea Ranch is listed on the State Historic Register. Now completely restored, the original Ranch [...]
Discover the natural wonders of the Valley Isle with our exceptional range of private and exclusive [...]
At "Ka'anapali Folly" you will enjoy resort amenities and breathtaking views from our well-appointed [...]