Honolulu
87°
What is a Luau?
31st January 2007
The Hawaiian Luau is a feast and a celebration. It is also a way of the Hawaiian people to celebrate special occasions. In ancient times the celebration was referred to as ‘aha‘aina meaning gathering (‘aha) for a meal (‘aina).
The Luau as we know it, was 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 Luau’s 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 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.
To find and plan a Luau on your trip to Hawaii you can go here, select the Island of your choice and look under the Luau and Shows activity listings.
* 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!
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