Big Island Luaus

Originally, a family gathering in Hawaii that included lots of food, music and dance was called a pa'ina or aha Œaina. These feasts marked special occasions such as victory at war, the launch of a voyage, or the celebration of life's milestones. The term lu¹au was not introduced until

1856 by the Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Lu'au is actually the young taro tops that were always served as part of the meal at these events.

Today, family and friends in the islands still gather to celebrate weddings, birthdays, graduations and other significant events with a private lu'au, however visitors can enjoy public lu'aus at resorts and hotels throughout Hawai'i. A typical lu'au includes a Hawaiian feast of roast pork, rice, poi, sweet potato and raw fish all combined with lots music and hula.