Kauaʻi’s Best Lūʻau
When you think of Hawaiʻi, what are some of the first things that come to mind? Most likely, the list goes somewhat like this: sunshine, beaches, surfing, palm trees, waterfalls, hula, aloha, and lūʻau. Hawaiʻi is well known for its enchantingly beautiful lūʻau, or Hawaiian feast, that celebrates a myriad of life events, including births, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and more. Read on as we discuss a brief history of the lūʻau, the evolution of the lūʻau today, and some of Kauaʻi’s best lūʻau.
Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit F.
A Brief History of the Lūʻau
Hawaiian Lūʻau date back hundreds of years and were originally referred to as ʻaha (gathering) ʻaina (meal), and pāʻina (meal, dinner, small party with dinner). (1, 2) These ancient meal-gathering celebrations were essential in honoring the Hawaiian gods and marked important Polynesian events, such as canoe launchings, harvests, and triumphant battles. (3)
Traditionally, women and commoners were not allowed to eat with the men at the lūʻau or eat specific foods like pork, bananas, and certain kinds of reef fish. (4) In 1819, King Kamehameha II invited the women to eat with the men, and the ʻahaʻaina was changed forever. (5) Eventually, these feasts were called lūʻau, named after the young taro tops that were served at these gatherings, often baked with coconut cream and chicken. (6) The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, a Honolulu-based newspaper, used the term lūʻau in 1856. However, Hawaiians may have used it much earlier. (7)
Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit F.
Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit F.
Traditional lūʻau included opening the ceremony with the pū (conch shell) that then accompanied sacred Hawaiian oli (chants). (8) Māui Lūʻau puts forth:
Details of this ancient tradition include sitting on mats made of ti leaves, hala, or pandanus trees – called lauhala – as well as eating with the hands, and showcasing grand centerpieces made of ferns, flowers, and palm leaves for hundreds or even thousands of guests. (9)
The Evolution of the Lūʻau Today
While you can still experience elements of the traditional lūʻau today, the traditional lūʻau has evolved alongside Hawaiʻi’s tourism and hospitality industries and is now infused with modern twists to the long-standing traditions. Some of these adaptations include: “live music, hula dancing, lei making, Samoan fire knife dancing, imu [underground oven] ceremonies, storytelling, a buffet dinner and a flowing assortment of tropical cocktails.” (10)
Today’s lūʻau welcomes locals and visitors alike, and every lūʻau is unique, showcasing a living narrative of early Polynesian voyages, culture, history, life, gods, and more! You will likely enjoy a combination of “kalua pork, poi [the Hawaiian staff of life, made from cooked taro corms, pounded and thinned with water], laulau [packages of ti leaves or banana leaves containing pork, beef, salted fish, or taro tops, baked in the ground oven, steamed or broiled], lomilomi salmon and haupia [pudding].” (11, 12, 13)
Lūʻau Kalamakū says it best:
… the Lūʻau remains a living legend, a testament to the enduring spirit of Hawaiʻi. It is a symbol of cultural heritage, a platform for joyous celebrations, and a means of cultural exchange. It is, above all, a story of Hawaiʻi itself, a tale of love, tradition, and the aloha spirit that lives on in the hearts of its people and those who came to share in its magic. (14)
Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit F.
Kauaʻi’s Best Lūʻau
Kauaʻi is home to some really spectacular lūʻau, and we recommend you check them out for yourself. Each lūʻau listed below (except for Halau Hula ʻO Leilani) serves delicious food and drinks, top-notch entertainment, and a modern Hawaiian look into the ancient Polynesian past. If you live in Hawaiʻi, and have a Hawaiʻi I.D., make sure and ask for discounted Kamaʻaina rates.
Here are some of Kauiʻi’s Best Lūʻau
- Lūʻau Kalamakū: 3-2087 Kaumualiʻi Highway, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays: 5:00-8:15 P.M.
Pricing: $59-$198 (varies based on age & package), additional add-ons available.
- ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau: 2440 Hoʻonani Road, Kōloa, HI 96756
Mondays & Wednesdays: 5:00-8:00 P.M. (October-February) & 5:30-8:30 P.M (March-September)
Pricing: $115-$215 (varies based on age & package)
- Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau: 1571 Poʻipū Road, Kōloa, HI 96756
Wednesdays & Saturdays: 5:30-8:00 P.M.
Pricing: $96-$204 (varies based on age & package)
- Smith Family Garden Lūʻau: 3-5971 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Check the website (varies from three to five shows a week, depending on the season).
Pricing: $25-$140 (varies based on age & package)
- Halau Hula ʻO Leilani: 4-484 Kūhiō Highway, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Wednesdays & Fridays: 5:00-5:45 P.M and Thursdays 12:00-1:00 P.M
Pricing: Free
- Tahiti Nui: 5122 Kūhiō Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Check in at 6 P.M.
Pricing: $85-$165 (varies based on age & package)
With lūʻau happening nearly every day of the week on Kauaʻi, you’re sure to find one that works with your schedule. Trust us, you will not be disappointed. Now go, and book your lūʻau, and get an authentic taste of ancient Hawaiʻi.
Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit F.
(1, 3-5, 8-11): https://mauiluau.com/luau-history/
(2): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe/?q=p%C4%81%CA%BBina
(6-7): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe/?q=luau
(12): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe/?q=poi
(13): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wehe/?q=laulau
(14): https://www.luaukalamaku.com/history-of-luaus/