The Hawaiian Luaus as we know them, were started by King Kamehameha II in 1819. Prior to this date Hawaiian men and women ate seperately, it was Kapu, or against the law, for women to eat with the men. Women were also forbidden to eat certain delicacies. King Kamehameha II and Queen Kaahumanu* planned a feast where the women were allowed to eat with the men and the Luau was born.

In Hawaiian, Lu’au, means the young edible leaves of the taro plant. The leaves were wrapped around the food as it cooked and that is how the celebration got it's name. Chicken wrapped in taro leaves, spices and cooked in coconut milk was called Lu’au chicken.

Modern Hawaii Luaus still feature the traditional foods eaten at the ancient celebrations. Visitors to Hawaii can attend (commercial) Luaus on all the Islands. Most of these feature a pig cooked underground in a pit, called an Imu. Be sure to attend at least one Luau on your visit to the islands. They are fun and entertaining… and the food is Onolicious! (very very delicious)

The Hawaii Luaus feature Hawaiian Music, Arts and Crafts, Hula and Polynesian Dancing and usually a Fire Dance. Some shows are more of a big party, while others stick more to an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience. Luaus can vary on price, depending on if transportation is provided from your lodging, if drinks come with the meal and show and various other factors. You can expect to pay between $50 and $80 per person.

* Some references say this was Princess Kaahumanu, but Queen Kaahumanu was behind making the major changes that couldn’t be implented until after King Kam the Great was deceased so she needed King Kamehameha II to change them. Comments are welcome!

Technorati Tags: Hawaiian Luau, Luau, King Kamehameha II, Queen Kaahumanu, Hawaiian Music,

Big Island - Traditional Island Breeze Luau &
Show
 

Held under the stars on the grounds of Kamehameha the Great's former estate, the Island Breeze Luau is a truly royal Hawaiian experience. It has been rated the best luau on the Big Island by visitors, locals and travel writers!


Big Island - Royal Kona Luau & Show

 
Come celebrate life the traditional Hawaiian way - with a musical journey through the South Pacific, while feasting on Big Island favorites - you won't go away hungry!


Big Island - Legends of the Pacific Luau &
Show
 
Tour the Hilton Resort grounds and see the amazing art collection, and the Dolphins & Research Pool before your delicious Hawaiian feast and Polynesian entertainment.


Kauai Smith's Traditional & Authentic Luau

 
Enjoy Kauai's favorite and most traditional Luau, Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau. Includes a spectacular ceremony in a torch-lit Lagoon Amphitheater along the famous Wailua River!


Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau & Show

 
Join us on a cultural journey through Polynesia where a Royal feast nourishes both body and soul, and magical stories of Hawaii fill your heart.


Maui Kaanapali Hyatt Regency - Traditional Luau &
Show

 
The sound of the conch, the beating of the drums and the echoes of the Hawaiian chant signal the start of Hawaii's most exciting Lu'au with an authentic imu ceremony and the exotic flavors of native Hawaiian cuisine.


Maui The Traditional Royal Lahaina Luau

 
Embrace the spell of Hawaii's ancient past from the first lei greeting to the spectacular fire dance finale. Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars at the Royal Lahaina Luau with authentic Imu ceremony, followed by an all-you-can eat luau buffet.

Maui Sunset Luau - "A Royal Feast" at the Maui Prince
Wailea
 
Enjoy a royal feast in paradise at a secluded, romantic, oceanfront garden setting in Makena, with spectacular sunset views, all-you-can-eat buffet and the best in entertainment befitting the most discerning guests.


Maui Sunset Luau at Renaissance Resort Wailea

 
Enjoy a royal feast in paradise at a secluded, romantic, oceanfront garden setting in Makena, with spectacular sunset views, all-you-can-eat buffet and the best in entertainment befitting the most discerning guests.


Oahu The Royal Hawaiian Luau, Waikiki

 
This is one of the best Luaus at one of Hawaii' favorite hotels, overlooking magnificent Waikiki Beach. A conch shell blows and a traditional Hawaiian chant welcomes guests to The Royal Hawaiian Lu'au.


Oahu Paradise Cove Luau

 
Paradise Cove is one of the largest and most respected luau shows in Hawai'i. Paradise Cove is located at the beautiful Ko Olina Resort on the leeward coast of O'ahu.


Oahu Germaine's Luau

 
Escape to where the secret charm of old Hawaii awaits you. Let us take you back 100 years and 27 miles from Waikiki to our exclusive beachfront property on the shores of West Oahu. Germaine's Luau has been acclaimed as America's Best Luau.


Oahu Sea Life Park Luau

Enjoy a spectacular dolphin show, delicious Hawaiian buffet and sensational Polynesian revue with a breathtaking fire dance at the newest and most unique Sea Life Luau, every Wednesday.

Dishes that are often found at Hawaii luaus include:

• Lomi salmon, salted salmon mixed with tomatoes, onions, & pepper; like an island salsa


• Kalua pig, pork wrapped in banana leaves and steamed inside an imu (ground boiler); similar to pulled pork


• Pipi kaula, Hawaiian style beef jerky


• Poi, ground and boiled taro root paste
  Laulau, pork & butterfish (black cod) wrapped in ti leaves then steamed


• Luau, seafood (often squid) prepared in a mixture of boiled taro leaves and coconut milk


• Haupia, a gelatin-like dessert prepared from thickened coconut milk

Other local Hawaiian dishes include favorites such as the following:

• Ahi, tuna, excellent as sashimi (Japanese style sliced raw fish) or as poke (chopped and seasoned raw fish).


• Mahi Mahi or dolphin fish, served as a steak, sandwich, or in almost-raw thin strips.


• Ono, A type of fish also known as wahoo. Not coincidentally, the name resembles the Hawaiian word for "delicious."


• Shave ice, an island version of snow cones made from finely shaved ice, comes in lots of ono flavors. Order your shave ice with azuki beans and/or a scoop of ice cream.


• Saimin, Hawaii's version of noodle soup or ramen.


• Malasada, Fried bread rolled in plenty of sugar, often sold at special events. Portugese origin.


• Manapua, local name for a popular type of Chinese dim-sum otherwise known as "char-siu-bao". Cured sweet pork wrapped in soft white bread.


• Spam musubi, an unorthodox variant of Japanese riceballs (musubi), composed of salted rice formed into a rectangular shape and topped with spam, wrapped in seaweed. Popular enough to be sold in every Hawaiian 7-11.


• Chicken/Pork Adobo, Filipino dish widely offered and appreciated in Hawaii.

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