Big Island Lū‘au
No visit to the Big Island would be complete without experiencing a taste of local Hawaiian food and culture, and for most visitors, attending a lūʻau on the Big Island is the best way to satisfy your cultural and gastronomical appetite. Enjoy graceful Hawaiian hula dancing while feasting on the fresh culinary delights of our islands. Absorb yourself in stories and chants of old Hawai‘i amidst fragrant flowers and flickering torchlight. A delight to all the senses, treating yourself to a Big Island lūʻau may just be one of the most memorable experiences of your vacation.
About Lūʻau
A lūʻau is a traditional Hawaiian feast. By definition, the word “lūʻau” refers to young kalo (taro; Colocasia esculenta) tops, which are always served at lūʻau. Generally, Hawaiian feasts are celebratory affairs accompanied by hula (dance), oli (chant), moʻolelo (stories), and mele (songs). The food you will find at a Big Island lūʻau will be mouth-watering local style: tender kalua pig and turkey cooked in an imu (an underground oven; kalua means “the pit”), limu (edible seaweed – yes, it’s good!), lomi (massaged) salmon with tomato and green onion, mahimahi (dolphinfish), haupia (coconut pudding) and plantation days adoptions such as rice, noodles, teriyaki beef, and chicken adobo.
Choosing the Best Lūʻau on the Big Island
For the best and most authentic lūʻau experience, check out Hawai‘i Loa Lūʻau in Waikōloa. Located near beautiful Pauoa Bay, this family-owned and run lūʻau conveys the history of the Big Island through dance and chant. The show also encompasses numerous cultural elements of other Polynesian islands. Dishing up heaps of ʻono (delicious) home-cooked food and showcasing the island’s best dancers and storytellers, Hawai‘i Loa Lūʻau also invites you to try your hand at ancient Hawaiian games before the feast. The Legends of Hawai‘i Lūʻau at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikōloa also offers all the sumptuous fare and lavish entertainment of a traditional lūʻau. Their powerful show is highly theatrical, featuring mesmerizing fire dancers. If you have kids along, this show is sure to hold their attention.
Bring Your Appetite
Most lūʻau on the Big Island offer both dinner and show reservations, or show only. The best ones fill up fast daily, so we advise reserving well in advance. Be sure to contact our vacation experts at ILoveHawaii.com today to book an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and entertainment.
Other attractions on the Big Island:
