The Hawaiian Luau
Posted on 04/16/2021 | About Hawaii
The Hawaiian Luau ... Experience More
The History of the Luau
The origin of the luau is ancient and rooted in the nature of Hawaiian royalty and religion. The modern Maui luau began its formation in 1819 by King Kamehameha II. Before this famous feast, women and men did not share their meals together. Social and religious taboos had forbidden this along with certain items to be eaten by women or men, not of royalty. At this feast, King Kamehameha II symbolically banished these ancient customs by eating with women and his common subjects. The name “Luau” came from the most popular dish at these feasts. Chicken and young tender leaves of taro were baked with coconut milk, which is still enjoyed today.
Luau ChanterAs time went on, these feasts continued to flourish with many of the traditional Hawaiian customs still intact. All of the dishes were enjoyed with one’s fingers. Sitting on lauhala mats on the floor, large groups surrounded ti leaf covered tables adorned with large centerpieces decorated with flowers and other attractive and fragrant native flora. These tables would hold fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and bowls of poi for the consumption of the Ali’i and their subjects. Throughout the generations, Maui luaus became a part of life everyone looked forward to. The hula dance became a regular spectacle of entertainment as well as the introduction of Polynesian fire knife dancing.. On the 50th birthday of the Merry Monarch, King Kalakaua, one of the biggest luaus to date took place with over 1500 guests. King Kamehameha III may have beaten him in 1847 with an astounding number of guests and food. Serving 271 roasted pigs, 3,125 salted fish, 2,245 coconuts, and 4,000 taro plants, he knew how to throw a party.
Today, the modern luau continues to delight those who participate. Local residents enjoy the luau on two occasions in particular. The most common reason for a luau is the 1st birthday of a child. Another is for graduation from High School. Visitors participate in luaus as well with more extravagant productions by the large resorts, which combine the traditional feast and hula with the dances of Polynesia.
The Feast
Luau FeastToday’s Luau feasts are served with most of the authentic Hawaiian cuisine below as well as vegetable medleys, pasta’s and other non-native dishes.
Roasted pulled pork from an imu oven. This pork has a smoky-flavor and can be salty.
content courtesy of Boss Frogs
