Luaus

So, what exactly can you expect at a luau? Food, Hawaiian entertainment, more food, and Mai Tais. All traditional luaus feature "kalua pig". Cooking this pig is an all-day affair. Early in the morning, kiawe logs and kindling are placed in a large pit (2 -4 feet deep) dug into the ground. This is known as an imu. The logs are lit and are covered by rocks. After they are good and hot (about 2 - 3 hours later) the rocks are spread out evenly and covered with moist banana or ti leaves. This creates steam for cooking. The pig is placed on top of the leaves and covered with more leaves. Then the entire pit is covered with wet burlap. Finally, the rest of the hole is filled with loose sand or dirt. It takes about 6 - 8 hours to steam a large pig.

In addition to kalua pig, you can expect lomi salmon, lau lau, chicken long rice, poi, fish, rice, salad, and haupia.

Removing the kalua pig from the imu Opening luau hula dance Eating dinner at the luau Hula dancing at the luau



Here are some links to the major luaus located on Oahu:

Paradise Cove Luau

Germaine's Luau

Waikiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Polynesian Cultural Center Alii Luau