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
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 [...]
Located on world-famous Kaanapali North Beach, Honua Kai Resort & Spa is Maui's newest luxury resort. [...]
Located along the spectacular shoreline of Wailea, on the magical island of Maui, Wailea Beach Villas [...]
Play to your heart’s content on one of our 11 Sportsmaster courts including our centerpiece stadium [...]
PRA Hawaiʻi is an expert business event management firm. This leading Hawaiʻi team specializes in [...]
In the Hawaiian language and culture, the word kōkua means to care for, help, assist, or support [...]
Inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions, therapies at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Spa embrace [...]
At Maui Pacific Tours we offer one-of-a-kind private adventure in Maui that allow you to experience the [...]
We specialize in snorkel gear rentals, bicycle, surfboard, stand up paddle board, body board and [...]
Embrace Hawaiian heritage and local culture during your stay at the new all-suites Wailea hotel. Upon [...]
Naturalist-led hikes with extraordinary guides renowned for their knowledge of Hawaiian botany, geology, [...]