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
Fish Maui has been helping people choose the best fishing charters on Maui since 1997. We have the [...]
Located on world-famous Kaanapali North Beach, Honua Kai Resort & Spa is Maui's newest luxury resort. [...]
FAMOUS ROAD TO HANA & WATERFALLS Relax and let us pamper you as a VIP guest to show you the beauty on a [...]
Founded in 2005, Maui Brewing Company is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery known for quality & [...]
Opened in 1971, Kula Botanical Garden was developed by Warren and Helen McCord. The garden is located on [...]
Resting on a sandy beachfront amid 11 acres of tropical gardens in the heart of the Kaanapali Resort [...]
Expeditions, the Lahaina-Lanai Ferry, provides affordable service between Maui and Lanai, five times a [...]
We are a team of professional photographers dedicated to capturing your special moments. Whether it's a [...]
The Four Winds II morning snorkel tour to Molokini Crater gives you Maui’s best snorkeling value and [...]
Seek sanctuary at a hidden gem along the coast of a world-famous island destination. Andaz Maui at [...]
Embrace Hawaiian heritage and local culture during your stay at the new all-suites Wailea hotel. Upon [...]
Originally built in 1940, Kapalua’s Cliff House was once a facility for the managers of the historic [...]