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
Ocean front resort, centrally located, 15 minutes east of the Lihue Airport. Within walking distance to [...]
Play in the surf at the tropical paradise surrounding Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Offering [...]
Escape to a serene Big Island oasis at Wyndham Mauna Loa Village. Located right next door to the Kona [...]
This Maui family friendly condo resort with low-rise buildings spans 34 acres of tropical landscaping [...]
Waikiki Shore is the only oceanfront condominium in Waikiki. This exquisite condominium is located on [...]
Our goal at The Fresh Shave is to serve the best all–natural and delicious shave ice. We offer a [...]
The Kona Coffee and Tea Company is a single-estate Kona coffee farm, that is family-owned and operated. [...]
The Kahala Hotel & Resort features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Ko’olau Mountain Range, and [...]
Embrace Hawaiian heritage and local culture during your stay at the new all-suites Wailea hotel. Upon [...]
Aikane Plantation Coffee is 100% Hawaiian gourmet coffee, grown on our family estate located on the [...]
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Oahu and our world-renowned Waikiki Beach resort at Sheraton Waikiki. [...]
At Pueoʻs Osteria, the authentic, invigorating flavors of Italy meet the style and delicacy of [...]