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
Maui Sunset is located on the oceanfront in sunny Kihei, Maui. We are a condominium resort with 10 acres [...]
Hawaii Meetings + Events exceeds expectations with innovative experiential programs using premium event [...]
The AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea is precisely placed in the heart of Wailea. Surround yourself [...]
Oceanfront, fully-furnished one and two bedrooms. 45 steps to the beach. Sunsets right in front of you. [...]
One of Hawaii’s best resorts located on the best stretch of one of the world’s top beaches, Sheraton [...]
Kamaole Sands is one the most popular condominium resorts on Maui. Accommodations are spacious and [...]
At Island Partners Hawaii, our team orchestrates guest experiences to achieve your objectives and exceed [...]
As the sun sets across famed Kaanapali Beach, beating drums and the call of a conch shell signal the [...]
Located on the coast of Kihei, Aston at the Maui Banyan offers the best of beach-town living. Located [...]
Situated on 40 acres on Ka’anapali Beach, this resort is an authentic Hawaiian experience set in [...]
Opened in 1971, Kula Botanical Garden was developed by Warren and Helen McCord. The garden is located on [...]
Escape to Maui’s most beautiful retreat. Lumeria Maui is the latest trend in edventure (educational [...]