Luaus

What Is a Luau?

The luau began with a feast held by King Kamehameha II of Hawaii in 1819 to symbolize the end of religious taboos connected with dining. Some restrictions had included the separation of genders at meals, as well as forbidding certain foods to commoners and all women.

The name luau originally referred to young tops of the taro plant. But luau came to mean a particular dish that gave the feast its name. This dish is made of meat and taro leaves which are baked in coconut milk. Absolutely Delicious. Royal luaus became a custom and commemorated the celebration of coronations and birthdays. The traditional luau included a range of Hawaiian dishes, including bowls of poi, a dish made from taro root that has been pounded, sweet potatoes, coconuts, salt and fresh fish, chicken, and pork.

Hawaiians still often have luau celebrations, but in addition, a luau is often considered one of the highlights of an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation. Luaus are a must do and a great value!

What to expect at a Luau

When you attend a luau, you can expect to be greeted with a fragrant fresh flower lei or lei made from shells. The majority of the luaus have an open bar serving “Mai Tais” and other mixed drinks, wine, and beer. You will then enjoy a wide array of delicious food. Most luaus feature exotic dances, singing, chanting, and costumes from all of the south pacific islands including Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Samoa.

The Feast menus vary from luau to luau and may include: Tossed Kula Greens, Potato salad, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Tropical Fruit Salad, Fresh Island Fish, Kalua Pig, Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Rolls, and a delicious selection of delectable desserts. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Hawaiian arts and crafts and games or see reenactments of Polynesian cultural practices.

The imu is probably the best-known luau feature. It is the pit where the whole pig is cooked. To prepare the imu, the pit is dug and lined with kiawe logs topped with rocks. A fire is lit in the pit, heating the rocks and turning the wood into red hot coals. At this point, banana stalks are overlaid on the rocks, followed by banana leaves, on which the pig is placed, with sweet potatoes and lau lau. The food is covered with banana and ti leaves, and wet kapa (traditional matting), and then the pit is covered with sand and earth. Six to ten hours later, depending on the pig’s size, the food is ready for the luau.

Other Luau Avialable- Old Lahaina Luau & Royal Lahaina Luau

Heather's Hints-I have worked for the majority of the Luaus on Maui and will provide you with detailed insider information including show times, menu options, seating, parking, and families with young children. Most Luau menus are vegetarian friendly having a variety of salads, mixed vegetables and potatoes. Remember when calling for luau information to let me know if there are children, elderly, or persons with special needs. This will help me to determine which lu’au suites your vacation dreams.