Luau
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Luau of Hawaii
One of the most festive experiences to be had on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands is a luau – a Hawaiian feast featuring lively music and vibrant cultural performances from Hawaii and greater Polynesia.
History of the Luau
The first feast in Hawaii resembling a modern-day luau 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 ahaaina or paina, but over the course of time, the nickname luau – a reference to the taro leaves at the core of many popular dishes – stuck.
Two centuries later, luau 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 luau today is Hawaiian. A contemporary luau in Hawaii reflects our multi-cultural society. Food at a family luau is as diverse as the various branches of the family tree. Entertainment at a visitor luau often includes dances and music from other Polynesian cultures.
Popular Luau Dishes
- Poi: Pounded taro plant root; a starch meant to be eaten with everything.
- Kalua Pig: Pork prepared in an imu (underground oven) and shredded.
- Laulau: Meat wrapped in luau (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 Luau to Attend
Where to Experience a Luau
Located on a bluff in the beautiful North Shore of Kauai, The Cliffs at Princeville offers both ocean and island views. Spacious units, fully-equipped kitchens and two full baths make a comfortable and upscale environment for your special vacation.
Come early and stroll the Plantation's tropical grounds as you enjoy the late afternoon sun or walk through an amazing craft fair and view beautiful creations that are all "Made on Kauai".
Kilohana Plantation is a historic landmark and premier visitor attraction offering visitors and locals a glimpse into Kauai’s past combined with assorted island-style activities, dining and shopping.
Oceanfront elegance on Kauai in the sunny Poipu Resort area. Luxurious one and two bedroom/2 bath suites with gourmet kitchen, and large private lanai.
A new luxury resort located in the 450-acre Hokuala community along the Pacific, Timbers Kauai combines authentic Hawaiian living with Timbers’ signature luxury amenities. All two- to four-bedroom oceanfront residences offer relaxed living with at least three private lanais and ocean views.
Polynesian Adventure Tours provides the best tour and transportation services in the Hawaiian Islands, offering visitors truly unique and memorable experiences. We offer land, one day flyaway tours and more. Our charter department specializes in custom tours and services.
Hawaii Expo, Inc is a general service provider for tradeshows, conventions, Business Conferences, and Special Events.
The Kauai Museum is the cultural Sanctuary for the art and artifacts of Native Hawaiians and it nurtures the creative spirit of today's artists.
Just named the #1 resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure, Ko'a Kea is a 121-room boutique oceanfront hotel on the south shore. This intimate and romantic resort offers the island’s closest guestrooms to the water, complemented by award-winning service that is both highly personalized and personable.
Explore Kauai's spectacular coastlines and wilderness areas in the safety and comfort of our custom designed AStar and Hughes 500 helicopters. Our expert pilots describe the history, geology, and native ecosystems that make Kauai so extraordinary!