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
Garden Island Chocolate is the premier gourmet Hawaiian chocolate company. We make organic dark chocolate bars,(85% cacao) chocolate truffles and a hot chocolate drink. We have guided chocolate farm tours and tastings every Mon, Wed, & Friday at 9:30am. The tours are very popular so book in advance.
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.
The Lodge at Kukui`ula is a collection of luxury homes in Poipu. These Club Cottages, Club Bungalows & Club Villas offer 1-4 bedrooms and allow exclusive access to The Club at Kukui`ula - Clubhouse & dining, Tom Weiskopf Golf Course, Hi'ilani Spa + Fitness, Huakai Outfitters and an Upcountry Farm.
Contemporary Flavors Catering is the largest and finest full-service licensed catering company on the island of Kauai. We will work with you to custom-design menus and event plans to fit any occasion from weddings to birthdays, luaus, business events, intimate gatherings, and formal affairs.
Perched high atop the lush, emerald cliffs that line Kauai's North Shore, this rejuvenating retreat is the perfect place to savor refreshing Pacific breezes while gazing at the sparkling ocean that lingers beyond the island's breathtaking bluffs.
Here at the Kauai Coffee Estate, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through our coffee orchard, talk to our friendly guides, shop for gifts to take home and of course sample our exclusive line of estate-grown Hawaiian coffees.
Island Style Innovations offers Hawaii destination services tailored toward corporate meetings & incentives, associations & conventions & VIP clientele. Years of experience & many trusted relationships, ISI has the ability to deliver the highest quality of product & service for the best value.
ALOHA! And welcome aboard any one, or all three, of our Conductor Narrated Authentic Train Tours of Historic and Beautiful 105 acre Kilohana Plantation. Sit back and relax in our elegant mahogany passenger cars as you tour and see the tropical beauty and bounty of Kilohana.
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!