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
Once the beloved retreat of Hawaiian ali‘i, or royalty, the cherished coastal sanctuary of Kapalua Bay [...]
Bring us your vision of the perfect Maui, Hawaii, wedding and let us show you its realization. Offering [...]
Only 25 minutes from Maui’s Kahului Airport and presiding over 15 oceanfront acres of pools, terraces, [...]
Prime beachfront condominium resort on beautiful Sugar Beach. Central air conditioning, pool, jacuzzi, [...]
The Alaloa Lounge offers an extensive menu of specialty cocktails, domestic and imported beers, premium [...]
Native Hawaiian owned & awarded TripAdvisors Traveler's Choice, we've been offering whale watches and [...]
Historic site, group tours. Art classes, exhibits, workshops, studios, lectures, gift shop, mansion, [...]
Located directly on one of Maui's most beautiful swimming beaches, Mana Kai Maui offers all the [...]
Stress-free, affordable & romantic wedding and vow renewal packages on Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, [...]
The Mauian Hotel, located on Napili Bay, is a charming hotel hideaway. Nestled on one of Maui's most [...]
'Umalu, meaning “the shade cast by a cliff” in Hawaiian, offers guests a reprieve from the sun. [...]