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 [...]
Sunshine Helicopters, offering Helicopter Tours of Maui, Kauai and Big Island. Experience the Adventure [...]
With its secluded waterfront location and gorgeously appointed rooms, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is an [...]
Where WWII ended with the Surrender of the Japanese Forces. With over six decades of life at sea and [...]
After over 30 years, Hawaii Wedding Style remains the only local resource curated to engage and inspire [...]
Queen Emma Summer Palace or Hanaiakamalama, was the secluded mountain-home and summer retreat of Queen [...]
The DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki is a tropical boutique hotel situated at the entrance to [...]
U. S. Army Museum of Hawaii housed in a 1911 coastal defense battery. Military memorabilia and artifacts [...]
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Oahu and our world-renowned Waikiki Beach resort at Sheraton Waikiki. [...]
Located a block from the golden sands of Waikiki Beach is the Castle @ Waikiki Grand. Submit to the [...]