It's luau time! Luau is the Hawaiian word for a large party or celebration. The first luau happened when King Kamehameha II abolished the separation of women and men's eating tables by eating with the women. Traditionally, luaus were held on the ground on top of mats that were rolled out with lavish centerpieces in the middle, and Hawaiians ate the food with their fingers. Luaus were very large in ancient times, sometimes including up to 1,500 people.
More modernly, people who live in Hawai'i use luaus as excuses to dress up in aloha attire, wear lei, make and enjoy Hawaiian food, and "talk story" with their friends and family members. Luaus generally take place outdoors on tables and involve many different local dishes, good company, and traditional Hawaiian entertainment such as live bands and hula performances. Roll over the "Hawaiian Luau" tab above to view some Hawaiian dishes, both traditional and modernized, and even look at some recipes you might like the try if something catches your eye.
If you visit Hawai'i and want a traditional luau experience, the Polynesian Cultural Center on O'ahu is the place to go. A luau celebration there is the closest you can get to an ancient royal Hawaiian luau.
More modernly, people who live in Hawai'i use luaus as excuses to dress up in aloha attire, wear lei, make and enjoy Hawaiian food, and "talk story" with their friends and family members. Luaus generally take place outdoors on tables and involve many different local dishes, good company, and traditional Hawaiian entertainment such as live bands and hula performances. Roll over the "Hawaiian Luau" tab above to view some Hawaiian dishes, both traditional and modernized, and even look at some recipes you might like the try if something catches your eye.
If you visit Hawai'i and want a traditional luau experience, the Polynesian Cultural Center on O'ahu is the place to go. A luau celebration there is the closest you can get to an ancient royal Hawaiian luau.