Hawaii Lahaina Drum of the Pacific Fire Performers

Hawaiian Traditions: A Deep Dive Into Luau History

The Best Way To Experience Hawaiian Culture

By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on August 16, 2023

During my visit to the Hawaiian islands, I knew I could not leave without attending a luau. Everyone I knew recommended making it the number one item on my Hawaii vacation bucket list, and for good reason. These exciting parties are a fun way to get to know Hawaii, though I wanted to know more about luau history before I experienced one for myself.

What Is A Hawaiian Luau?

Three Hawaiian fire dancers at a traditional luau. Hawaii

Hula dancers are part of luaus, which usually start right before sunset.

First things first: What is a luau? Luaus are traditional parties that feature live mele (songs), hula (dance) and mea 'ai (food). These cultural performances and dishes are from Hawaii, but also from greater Polynesia. It's a grand event and an important part of Hawaiian culture and life, a time for locals to celebrate family milestones. Luaus are also held to honor guests and visitors, which is why public luaus take place all across the Hawaiian islan ds. I joined this spectacular attraction and had some of the most delicious Hawaiian cuisine, sipped on local drinks under the stars and watched authentic hula performances that told important stories of these paradisiacal islands.

To learn more Hawaiian luau history, I visited the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu and then the Smith Family Garden Luau in Kauai, though there are popular luaus on each island. Some of the best luaus in Hawaii include Germaine's Luau and Chief's Luau in Oahu, Smith Family Garden Luau and Luau Kalamaku in Kauai, The Myths of Maui and Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, and Island Breeze Luau and Hawaii Loa in Hawaii Island.

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Dance the night away at a luau when you cruise to Hawaii.

When The Feast Started

Hawaii Luau Party Fire Torches at Sunset

Fire torches usually lead the way to the gathering area of a luau.

In ancient Hawaii, the luau was called "aha'aina" and it was deeply religious and restrictive, prohibiting men and women from eating together. Traditional Hawaiian foods at the time, like moi, pork and bananas, were only eaten by chiefs and the King of ancient Hawaii, mainly because these foods symbolized virtues the person consuming them hoped to attain. King Kamehameha II abolished the Kapu (taboo) system in 1819 and commemorated this trailblazing decision with a feast that included women. With this change, he revolutionized the tradition and ended the religious influence on Hawaiian celebrations. This, in turn, gave way to the modern luau.

In the Hawaiian language, the word luau translates to "taro plant," and its leaves are baked in coconut milk to accompany different dishes, including squid and chicken, both staples of a Hawaiian feast. Originally, the food was served on the floor and people ate it from lauhalas (large woven mats) with their hands. Dishes were interestingly called by the number of fingers needed to grab them: "three-finger," "two-finger," or "one-finger poi," for example. Dishes were surrounded by elaborate centerpieces made of eye-catching tropical flowers, fruits, ferns and leaves. These were large and extravagant events, many attended by hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people, depending on the celebration. One of the largest luaus was held by King Kamehameha III in 1847 when he hosted thousands of guests with a celebration that required close to 300 pigs, 2,200 coconuts, 4,000 taro tops and more than 5,000 fish.

Luaus take place outdoors, where you can enjoy the celebration and also nature.

Luaus are also held to honor guests and visitors, which is why public luaus take place all across the Hawaiian islands.

The Legacy Of Luaus Throughout Hawaii

In the 1850s, the luau slowly evolved from a celebration of food for some to a celebration of food, music and dance for everyone. This new version was less focused on tradition and religious ceremonies, and more on celebrating special occasions and having a good time with close people. From then on, luaus stayed under the radar and mostly took place within the local Hawaiian communities.

In 1946, Don Beach, an American adventurer and "founding father" of tiki culture, threw a birthday party at his Encino, California, plantation for model and actress Anita Colby. According to Life magazine, the party's theme was something very close to a luau. Beach had traveled extensively throughout the Polynesian islands and Hawaii and had been fascinated by the way people celebrated milestones. Those attending his party shared that the venue featured banana trees, palms, suckling pig and coconut-stuffed salmon, as well as dancers in sarongs. They all ate on the floor and drank delicious concoctions out of hollowed pineapples, instantly falling in love with the island theme. But it wasn't until the 1960s, when Hawaiian and surf culture became hugely popular, that the luau gained momentum, both as a tourist attraction and a Hawaiian export.

Luaus are now celebrated around the world, but their island origin remains untouched in Hawaii.

Today, a luau is an unmissable experience to have when visiting the Hawaiian islands on a cruise vacation. During my visit, I understood that this is a festivity the whole family can enjoy and where you get to try traditional Hawaiian food, admire music and dance, and become part of a treasured local tradition. The modern luau is a celebration of life and a manifestation of the spirit of Aloha in the form of a cultural, spiritual and social event, where you also have the honor of wearing a traditional Hawaiian lei. This made for some epic photos I had to share on social media.

I also realized that luaus have transcended the Hawaiian islands, reaching all corners of the globe and spreading goodwill, fun, sharing and that quintessential spirit of Aloha. While these modern luaus may still include some traditional Hawaiian foods, hula dancers, mai tais and leis, I know the most authentic way to experience a luau (and luau history) is on the sacred grounds of Hawaii, where the tradition has profound meaning to the local people. I was happy to experience one of these in mesmerizing Kauai, known as the Garden Island.

Proof's In The Coconut Pudding

One of the main draws of a luau is the food, and I was particularly excited about trying new dishes that are reflective of Hawaiian culture and history. Luaus new and ancient focused on one particular aspect: the cherishing of good food. Some luaus today serve plated meals, though most are presented in the form of a buffet or "ohana," which is the family-style sharing of food. The modern Hawaiian luau mirrors the state's multicultural society and because of this, you can expect the traditional luau foods to vary depending on where you go. This also applies to family luaus — they are as varied as the families that prepare them. I attended a visitor luau, which served dishes like pork, rice and fresh fruits.

A plate of delicious and traditional luau food.

Intrigued by the idea of a Hawaiian luau? Imagine this: Heart-pounding Hawaiian chanting, captivating dance routines, and sweet-scented leis. I had arrived at my first luau and a feast awaited. As soon as I laid eyes on the buffet, I knew this was a festival of food, a celebration of Hawaiian bounty. This took me back to my visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, where I learned that ancient luaus consisted of what trans-Pacific Polynesians could carry on their canoes, mainly fish, birds, breadfruit, coconut, seaweed and taro. Once the Hawaiian archipelago started to receive an influx of foreigners — mostly missionaries and whalers from Japan, Korea, China, Portugal and the Philippines — influences began to take hold. What I was witnessing at the luau's buffet was a product of all of those culinary connections.

Fresh Poission Cru (raw fish) in a coconut shell.

Local fruits, like coconut, are the main ingredients in many dishes.

The long buffet tables looked like beautiful gardens. They were adorned with palm fronds, taro leaves and flowers. I could tell that meat is a mainstay, so I grabbed a plate and tried kalua pig (shredded pork), which is cooked in an underground oven called an imu. This was love at first bite for me, one of my top five favorite dishes. Then it was time to try chicken long rice, a savory soup introduced by the Chinese and made with chicken, onions, ginger, garlic and, you guessed it, long rice. Next was Huli-Huli chicken, a classic roadside dish known as "only-in-Hawaii food" by locals. It's barbecued chicken, but don't be fooled, this is not average. Here, the secret is literally in the sauce — a blend of brown sugar, honey, sherry, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, Sriracha, soy sauce and ketchup. I have one word: Scrumptious. Another favorite dish was the Molokai uala (sweet potatoes), which was a staple in early Polynesian diets. They are simply made, usually baked or roasted with minimal seasoning. The ones I tried had shaved coconut on top and were simply delicious. Lastly, I felt lucky to try haupia. I still have dreams where I'm running toward a tray of this dessert. It's a heavenly pudding made with sugar, vanilla and coconut milk, then dusted with toasted coconut. Need I say more?

Perfect Day Coco Cay Fire Dancer Night Time — Fire Dancer Performing at Coco Cay

Polynesian fire dancers close a luau ceremony.

What To Expect When You Attend A Luau In Hawaii

A Hawaiian luau is an opportunity to learn about a beloved local tradition and share that experience with friends and family. It's also a time to celebrate life and your incredible Hawaiian vacation. If you're wondering what to wear at a luau in Hawaii, make sure to dress casually and comfortably as you dance the night away. Luaus are informal events that take place outdoors where you will typically sit to eat on the floor, so stretchy fabrics and breezy layers are recommended. Bright colors and floral prints will definitely help you dress the part! Upon arrival, you will most likely be greeted with a kukui nut or flower lei, these are a sign of affection and being welcomed. You should always accept the lei as a sign of respect.

From start to finish, a Hawaiian luau is a performance. Before eating, there will be an imu ceremony. The hosts will remove layers of cloth and leaves from the oven to reveal the food you will be eating later at the buffet. After the feast, the dancing commences! Talented performers will dance in the traditional style, such as the hula, to Hawaiian and Polynesian music. Sometimes, luaus even end with a dazzling Samoan fire dance, marking the end of an incredible experience on your Hawaiian vacation.

Written By
MELISSA ALVARADO SIERRA

Melissa Alvarado Sierra is a journalist, author and sailor. She's been exploring coastal destinations around the world for more than a decade, always searching for authentic experiences to share with her adventurous readers. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Orion Magazine, AFAR, USA Today and others.

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