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
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.
At Pearl Harbor Tours we strive to be the most convenient, entertaining, personalized and safest tours on the road here in Hawaii so you can enjoy a stress-free experience visiting Oahuʻs top attractions. Our small group tours of 12 passengers or less will make you feel part of our ohana. Join Us.
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.
Discover the chic side of Waikiki at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. From contemporary guest rooms & suites to Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's world-renowned cuisine to a lively day-into-night pool scene, Alohilani blends Hawaii’s cultural heritage with an elegant style that’s uniquely…Aloha Chic.
Located across the street from famous Waikiki Beach, this hotel is in the center of Waikiki with shopping, dining and activities all around. Comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private lanais offer spectacular views.
The Battleship Missouri is located on legendary Battleship Row in the famous Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. General MacArthur accepted the unconditional Japanese surrender that ended WWII on the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Experience Hawaii condominium living in a quiet neighborhood setting at this contemporary property featuring one- and two-bedroom suites with the conveniences of a full service hotel. Within walking distance of Waikiki Beach, zoo, aquarium, and Kapiolani Park.
Newly renovated deluxe full service hotel. Just steps to Waikiki Beach. Featuring spectacular city, mountain and ocean views. Fitness room, Business Center, restaurant and cocktail lounge. High speed Internal in public areas and guest rooms.
SpeediShuttle is the only transportation company offering complete shared and exclusive shuttle, sedan, SUV, and limousine service, including traditional lei greetings at the gate, on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii.
A local favorite, Pagoda Hotel is an affordable urban hotel near Ala Moana Center and central Honolulu. The hotel is close to shopping, dining, Downtown Honolulu, the Hawaii Convention Center, and Waikiki. On-site amenities include a pool, meeting/banquet facilities, and Pagoda Floating Restaurant.