So just what exactly is a Luau? A Luau (pronounced LOO-OW) is a traditional Hawaiian feast that is mixed in with an entertaining Hawaiian dance production ,where men performing the ceremony juggle torches while the ladies dance. Luaus are typically performed to commemorate a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, etc. They are also performed commercially for tourists that visit the Hawaiian Islands.

So how did the Luau come to be?

Up until about 200 years ago, men and women were not allowed to eat meals together, and were also forbidden to eat certain types of foods. This way of life changed in 1819 when King Kamehameha II decided to do away with what is now an extinct ancient religion that was replaced with the ceremonial Luau.

The word "Luau" actually derives it's name from the main course served at the ceremony. Chicken, which is baked in coconut milk was also combined and cooked with taro plant leaves; the resulting dish was called a Luau.  

A traditional luau feast was always eaten on the ground, although decorative leaf-woven mats were put down for comfort. And unlike today, where utensils are allowed, everything in a traditional 19th-century luau was always eaten with the fingers.

If you're going to be visiting Hawaii, then you absolutely must experience the Hawaiian Luau first hand so that you can get a true taste of the islands. Luaus are available at any of the five main islands, although we highly recommend that you experience a luau on the island of Maui, as they regularly conduct the best ceremonial performances for tourists.
 

Visit the Hawaii vacation store at Travelocity.com