


Luau
Scroll to Continue
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
Valley Isle Excursions takes you on one of the most breathtaking drives on earth down the road to Hana Maui. Spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, hawaiian waterfalls, tropical scenery and colorful fragrant flowers are part of our "Heavenly Hana" tour.
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.
Polynesian Adventure Tours provides the best tour and transportation services in the Hawaiian Islands, offering visitors truly unique and memorable experiences. We offer land, one day flyaway tours and more. Our charter department specializes in custom tours and services.
Stress-free, affordable & romantic wedding, vow renewal or commitment packages on Maui & The Big Island of Hawaii. Enjoy our award winning personal service to make your special day unforgettable. Take advantage of Hawaii's best wedding & vow renewal packages for your romantic sunset beach ceremony.
Oceanfront, fully-furnished one and two bedrooms. 45 steps to the beach. Sunsets right in front of you. Conch blowing nightly. Oceanfront pool. Private Oceanfront lanai's.Free high-speed internet.
This oceanfront resort combines the comfort & convenience of a condominium with hotel-caliber services. Aston Ka’anapali Shores rests on 10 acres of tropical gardens. Resort offers a restaurant, spa, fitness center, BBQ grills, tennis & pickle ball courts, shuffle boards, 2 heated pools & jet spas.
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals of Hawaii has been providing affordable late model wheelchair /scooter accessible minivan rentals throughout the state of Hawaii since 2005. We are the only company that has van rentals on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the island of Hawaii (Kona). Click on Pic to start video
Maui’s most exclusive beachfront villa resort on famed Wailea Beach offers an indulgent vacation experience. Exquisite 2- and 3-bedroom villas are generously sized, some with its own private pool. Enjoy resort amenities and allow the Concierge to arrange a private chef or personal adventure guide.
Stay at the only beachfront hotel in Lahaina. Our family-friendly resort is near many Maui vacation hot spots including fine restaurants, Front Street shopping, art galleries, and various ocean activities. Choose from one of luxury condo rentals: studio or one-bedroom mountain/oceanfront suites.