What is a Luau?

One of the things that most people associate with Hawaii is the luau – a traditional feast. But what exactly is a luau? What sort of food is included? When do you have a luau? In this article we take a look at all aspects of the luau. The history of the luau In the early days of settlement in Hawaii there were some pretty strict rules about food and eating and these laws were in place right into the early 19th century. For example, men and women had to eat their meals in segregation from each other; and also women were not allowed to eat foods that were considered special or rare, or foods that were reserved for use in special or religious occasions. Feasts at these occasions were known as patina or ‘aha’aina. It wasn’t until year 1819 that King Kamehameha II finally removed all the religious and ceremonial restrictions relating to food and eating. This was done symbolically when the King held a feast that he shared with women, which was, in fact, the first luau. The food served at a luau The name of the luau feast is taken from the main dish that is served – known as luau. Luau is made of chicken that is baked in coconut milk and cooked with taro. But luau isn’t the only food that is served at a luau feast–poi is also served (a popular dish made from the roots of taro); kale pig cooked in an earthen oven; and haupia coconut pudding. Other popular foods served at a luau include pork, salmon, fruit, and taro chips. The food at a traditional luau is generally served on the floor on mats woven from the leaves of the hala tree. Utensils aren’t typically used, as everything is eaten by hand. Often a centerpiece is made from ti leaves. Entertainment at a luau Today a luau is a popular way for visitors to experience a slice of Hawaiian culture, food, and fun. Entertainment is generally a combination of live music and traditional hula dancing. The hula is a dance that consists of rhythmic movement accompanied by chanting and singing. It is a dance that was developed by the early Polynesian settlers of Hawaii. With the influence of Western settlers, musical instruments such as the guitar, the ukulele, and the double bass are often used to accompany a performance. Every motion in a hula dance carries some meaning–the hands in particular are used for movements that represent different aspects of nature, the swaying of trees, the waves of the ocean, or emotions. Leis are often worn in performances at a luau. Traditionally, the materials for leis were gathered in the forest, but today they are generally floral. Other dances from the region are sometimes showcased at a luau celebration; spectacular dances from Tahiti and the Samoan fire-knife dance are always popular and entertaining. Traditional feasts would often be very large gatherings with hundreds of people attending, often for victories at war. Today families and friends will gather over a luau for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. The luau is a snapshot of Hawaii’s past that remains relevant today.