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
As the premier farm to cup coffee company in Hawai'i, we are focused on creating the ultimate experience [...]
Pāʻina Waikiki, a unique dinner party luau where the vibrant stories of Waikiki's legendary eras come [...]
Full service destination management & entertainment services in Hawaii, including customized special [...]
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort welcomes Hawaii travelers to a renewed hotel experience on Waikiki Beach. [...]
Join us for a Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise! See spectacular sunset and city lights views aboard [...]
Located directly across from world-famous Waikiki Beach, Aston Waikiki Beach Tower is a 4-diamond [...]
Activities at Still & Moving Center are also available online! Still & Moving Center is a local and [...]
Annabel Chotzen is an award-winning motivational speaker, corporate trainer, professional development [...]
A 1960’s Hawaiian Modern aesthetic in a lush garden surrounding sets the scene for a relaxed vacation [...]
The ultimate source for all logo and promotional products
HEPA is a democratic, locally owned group of emergency physicians who cover 12 hospitals in Hawaii. We [...]
This boutique hotel offers style in a convenient location just 2 short blocks to Waikiki Beach. Also [...]