


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
Charming two bedroom beachfront cottages located on the lush east end of Molokai. Each on own secluded beach with safe swimming, snorkeling, fishing year round. Views of Mau'i, Lanai and Kaho'olawe. Whale watching December through April.
Our 2 luxurious oceanfront 1bed/1bath non-smoking adults-only condos are immaculate and comparable to a 5-star resort with granite countertops, fully equipped kitchens, Cal king pillow-top mattresses, 1000-count linens, and luxury bath amenities.
At Island Partners Hawaii, a Destination Management Company - DMC, we orchestrate guest experiences to achieve your objectives and exceed expectations. Through a combination of creative talent and high level personalized service, we provide turn-key hospitality logistics and fresh event designs.
A genuine hideaway from all things mainstream. Located on the exotic beach of Kamiloloa, you'll find our Polynesian village of bungalows replete with kitchenettes and Wi-Fi. Hotel Moloka'i is just five minutes from the island’s largest city, Kaunakakai.
This spacious open-air condo is located on Molokai’s sunny west end at Kaluakoi. The architecture is plantation-style with two tall french doors spanning the length of the main floor. It is two-story with 1,200 sq. ft. of space.
Sunshine Helicopters offers helicopter tours of Maui, Molokai, Big Island Hawaii and Kauai. With over 90% of the State of Hawaii accessible only by air, enjoy a helicopter ride and soar with us in the blue skies above the Hawaiian Islands aboard our state-of-the-art helicopters.
One bedroom condo at Kaluakoi Villas and Resort on Molokai, with beautiful ocean and golf course views.
Wavecrest is located on five beautiful waterfront acres with lush tropical landscaping 13 miles east of Kaunakakai town. This upgraded, quiet, oceanfront, 2 bedroom, 1 bath end unit is available nightly and weekly. Luxury linens decorate the King and Queen bed.
On Kapuhi Beach 180 degree view of ocean view and golf course. Pool and beach to enjoy. Exciting whale watching from lanai. All at reasonable rates.
A delightful condominium on the beautiful West end of Molokai at the Kaluakoi Villas and Resort offers breath-taking ocean vistas of Kepuhi Beach. Visit our website at MolokaiRentals.net for more details