By Kai Lani | WAHA Surf Shop
What is a Luau?
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast celebrating special occasions. Originally called 'aha'aina, the modern luau includes food, music, hula, and the spirit of aloha.
Traditional Luau Foods
The food at a luau is what brings everyone to the table, and the menu reflects centuries of Hawaiian cooking tradition mixed with ingredients from across the Pacific. If you are curious about how island food culture connects to the broader aloha spirit, the answer is on every plate: sharing food is how Hawaiians show love.
Main Dishes
- Kalua Pig: Whole pig cooked in underground imu (oven)
- Laulau: Pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves
- Lomi Lomi Salmon: Fresh salmon with tomatoes and onions
- Chicken Long Rice: Chicken with glass noodles
Side Dishes
- Poi: Pounded taro root paste
- Macaroni Salad: Hawaiian style, creamy
- Rice: Sticky white rice
- Sweet Potatoes: Purple or orange varieties
Desserts
- Haupia: Coconut pudding
- Kulolo: Taro and coconut pudding
- Tropical Fruits: Pineapple, papaya, mango
Luau Entertainment
- Live Hawaiian music
- Hula dancing performances
- Fire knife dancing (Samoan influence)
- Traditional instrument demonstrations
- Lei making activities where guests create their own
The Imu Ceremony
The unveiling of the kalua pig from the underground oven is a highlight:
- Pig wrapped in banana leaves
- Placed on hot lava rocks
- Covered with more leaves and earth
- Slow-cooked 6-8 hours
- Ceremonially uncovered at luau
Luau Attire
- Men: Aloha shirts, shorts or casual pants
- Women: Muumuu, sundress, or sarong
- Comfortable sandals or bare feet
- Fresh flower lei or haku
- Leave formal attire at home
Hosting Your Own Luau
Decorations
- Tiki torches for lighting
- Tropical flowers everywhere
- Bamboo and palm fronds
- Colorful sarongs as tablecloths
Music Playlist
- Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
- Jack Johnson
- Traditional slack-key guitar
- Ukulele favorites
Authentic Luau vs. Tourist Luau
Not all luaus are created equal, and understanding the difference helps you choose the right experience. Tourist luaus are organized events at resorts or commercial venues, often seating hundreds of guests at long tables. They follow a set program: a lei greeting, an imu ceremony, a buffet dinner, and a Polynesian show featuring dances from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. These can be enjoyable, but they tend to prioritize spectacle over substance.
An authentic luau, by contrast, is a family or community gathering thrown for a specific occasion like a baby's first birthday, a graduation, or a wedding. The food is prepared by family members who have been making these dishes for decades. There is no printed program. Music comes from uncles playing guitar on the lanai, and hula might happen spontaneously when someone feels moved by a song. The guest list is personal, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food is genuinely homemade.
If you are visiting Hawaii and want something closer to authentic, look for smaller community luaus rather than the big resort productions. Some cultural centers and local organizations host events that keep the traditional spirit alive while welcoming visitors.
Understanding Traditional Luau Foods
The centerpiece of any luau table is kalua pig. The word "kalua" refers to the cooking method, not a flavor. A whole pig is salted, wrapped in banana and ti leaves, and lowered into an imu, a pit lined with hot lava rocks. Earth is piled on top, and the pig slow-cooks for six to eight hours until the meat pulls apart with your fingers. The result is smoky, tender, and unlike any pulled pork you have had on the mainland.
Poi is perhaps the most misunderstood luau food. Made from cooked taro root pounded with water, it has a smooth, starchy consistency and a subtle, slightly sweet taste. Hawaiians eat it with almost everything, using it the way other cultures use bread or rice. Fresh poi ("one-finger poi") is thick and mild. As it ferments over a few days, it becomes tangier and thinner. Give it an honest try before deciding it is not for you.
Haupia, the coconut pudding served in squares, is the dessert you will remember. Made from coconut milk thickened with cornstarch (traditionally arrowroot), it has a clean coconut flavor and a texture somewhere between jello and firm custard. Many locals consider haupia the only proper ending to a luau meal.
Lomi lomi salmon deserves a mention too. "Lomi" means to massage, and the dish is exactly that: salted salmon kneaded together with diced tomatoes, sweet onions, and sometimes chili pepper. Served cold, it works as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, smoky meats.
Planning Your Luau Experience
If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, booking a luau should be near the top of your list. On Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers one of the most educational experiences, combining a luau dinner with village tours that teach Polynesian history. On Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau is widely considered the most authentic commercial option, set on the beach with a focus on Hawaiian (rather than pan-Polynesian) traditions.
Arrive hungry and with an open mind. Try everything on the buffet at least once. Sit near the front if you want to be pulled into audience participation segments. And skip the resort luau package that bundles overpriced drinks. Most venues let you bring your own beverages or purchase them separately at better value. The National Park Service also offers cultural demonstrations that provide context for the traditions you will see at a luau.