For the towns in Angola, see Luau (Angola).

Dancers and musicians at a commercial luau

A luau (in Hawaiian, lū‘au) is a Hawaiian feast. It may feature food, such as poi, kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi, haupia, and beer; and entertainment, such as Hawaiian music and hula. Among people from Hawaii, the concepts of "luau" and "party" are often blended, resulting in graduation luaus, wedding luaus, and birthday luaus.

[edit] Etymology and history

According to Pukui & Elbert (1986:214), the name "luau" goes back "at least to 1856, when so used by the Pacific Commercial Advertiser." Earlier, such a feast was called a "paina" (pā‘ina) or ahaaina (‘aha‘aina). The newer name comes from that of a food always served at a luau: young taro tops baked with coconut milk and chicken or octopus.

[edit] Luau-themed parties

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Luau-themed or Hawaiian-themed parties can be differentiated from authentic luaus by a lack of traditional food and techniques as described above. These parties range dramatically in their range of dedication to Hawaiian traditions. For example, some extravagant affairs go so far as to ship food from the islands, while others settle for artificial leis, maitais, and a poolside atmosphere. None of these are considered Luaus by purists, or tourists.

[edit] Commercial luaus

Primarily in the Hawaiian islands, there are numerous commercial luau productions, which generally consist of dinner and Hawaiian or Polynesian dancing. Some of these productions are held at hotels, usually outdoors (weather permitting), and some are held at private locations without any connection to a specific hotel. These luaus are geared for tourists and have a variety of souvenirs, crafts, and photos for purchase. The following is a list of select commercial luaus:

• Oahu

• Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki, Hawaii — only open to military
• Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii — no alcohol served
• Paradise Cove Luau, Kapolei, Hawaii
• Germaine's Luau, Kapolei, Hawaii
• Creations, Honolulu, Hawaii — held indoors in a ballroom at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

• Maui

• Wailele Polynesian Luau, Lahaina, Hawaii
• Feast at Lele, Lahaina, Hawaii
• Old Lahaina Luau, Lahaina, Hawaii

• Kauai

• Smith Family Garden Luau, Wailua Marina State Park, Hawaii

• Orlando

• Spirit of Aloha, Lake Buena Vista, Florida — held at Disney's Polynesian Resort

[edit] References

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008)

• Brennan, Jennifer (2000), Tradewinds & Coconuts: A Reminiscence & Recipes from the Pacific Islands, Periplus, ISBN 9625938192 .
• Philpotts, Kaui (2004), Great Chefs of Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, Hawaii: Mutual Publishing, ISBN 1566475953, http://www.greatchefs.com .
• Pukui, Mary Kawena; Samuel H. Elbert (1986). Hawaiian Dictionary. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. ISBN 0-8248-0703-0. 

[edit] External links

• Local kine recipes