By Bridget Castner
Luaus are traditional Hawaiian celebrations with elaborate food, music, dancing that includes flame-engulfed knives, colorful leis, and "good vibes". Have you ever wondered how luaus came to be and what's the history behind them? Keeping reading to learn about the history of a luau, and check here for what happens at a luau!
How Did Luaus Come To Be?
The gathering of meals was originally called Aha’aina in Hawaii, and were joyous and spiritual events. However, in ancient Hawaii, there was a kapu system in place based on beliefs about spiritual power. Women from all lines of class were not allowed to dine with men and were forbidden to eat any type of "delicacy" foods at celebrations. Those kinds of foods were reserved for men and chiefs only.
That all changed in 1819 when King Kamehameha II ended the kapu system and shattered the antiquated rules by sitting down to dinner with a group of women. After this iconic, life-changing gesture, men and women began eating together for every day meals and special events. To memorialize the destruction of the kapu system, King Kamehameha II threw a large celebration for all women, men, and children to eat and celebrate together. This was the first luau.
Luaus were actually named after the Hawaiian food dish translating to ‘young taro tops'. This dish consists of chicken or squid baked in coconut milk and taro, and is still served at modern luaus.
What a Modern Day Luau Looks Like
Today, a luau includes traditional Hawaiian food like huli huli chicken, kalua pork, and mai tai cocktails, as well as entertainment like hula and fire dancers. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a lei and kuki nuts as a symbol of friendship, and it's considered rude to take the lei off during the luau. Overall, luaus are magical events that deserve a spot on anybody's Hawaii vacation itinerary.
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