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.
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.
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.
Embassy Suites by Hilton™ – Waikiki Beach Walk® is the all-suite resort in Waikiki. Hotel features one-and two-bedroom suites and complimentary amenities including daily made-to-order breakfast, evening reception with cocktails and snacks, high-speed Internet access and phone calls.
Hotel with modern artful design. Location center of Honolulu. Walking distance to Ala Moana Center, Waikiki (hotel shuttle available), Ala Moana Beach Park, Kaka'ako neighborhood restaurants, street art and shops.
Discover paradise on Earth here at the Courtyard Oahu North Shore. Our peaceful, contemporary hotel is set within the country town of La'ie, on Hawaii's legendary North Shore; fabled beaches including Sunset, Pipeline, and Waimea are just a short distance away.
THE MODERN HONOLULU introduces cosmopolitan chic for leisure and business pursuits in Hawaii. We deftly combine sexy and sophisticated in everything we do. Every element is original; authentic or custom-designed to enhance the experience.
Experience Waikiki’s breathtaking coastline and stunning sunsets aboard Majestic by Atlantis Cruises. We offer daily sunset dinner cruises and seasonal whale watch cruises. Join us!
Aqua Palms Waikiki is a boutique hotel just a block from the beach and within walking distance to Ala Moana Center and the Hawaii Convention Center. On-site amenities include a pool, sun deck, fitness facilities, an activities & tours desk, IHOP restaurant, WiFi, and a weekly manager’s reception.