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A Hawaiian feast, or luau, typically features a wide variety of fish and meat dishes with wine and entertainment. Though many people feel that entertainment is necessary for a modern luau, the food is actually the most important and traditional aspect. There are a number of ways to prepare traditional luau dishes and many of them feature teriyaki sauce, a soy sauce marinade that originated in Japan.

Combining Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian Cooking

While many of the earliest Hawaiian dishes did not feature marinades or seasonings, many luau foods are actually created from a combination of Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian cooking influences. Over time, teriyaki marinades became the most common form of marinade in luau cooking. Many traditional Hawaiian dishes, which are commonly served at luau’s, are made with teriyaki sauce.

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Kailua Pua’a

One of the most common dishes at a traditional luau is slow-roasted pork, sometimes referred to as Kailua Pua’a. As the name suggests, slow-roasted pork takes several hours to prepare and, unlike many other luau dishes, does not feature a wide variety of seasonings. Typically, slow roasted pork is covered in sea salt and roasted for three to four hours. While traditional Kailua Pua’a is not made with teriyaki sauce, it is always served with long rice that has been cooked in teriyaki sauce. Because the two dishes are always served together, the teriyaki sauce is often available to apply to the pork once it has been plated.

Teriyaki Chicken & Shoyu Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is probably the most common meat alternative to slow-roasted pork at traditional Hawaiian luaus. This traditional dish is placed in a teriyaki marinade prior to grilling. After the chicken has been grilled, it is traditionally served with pineapple and teriyaki-flavored long rice. Shoyu chicken is another common luau dish. Like traditional teriyaki chicken, it is marinated in teriyaki sauce prior to grilling. The main difference is that shoyu chicken is also seasoned with sugar, garlic, and ginger.

PipiKaula

For those who aren’t fans of pork or chicken, or simply want a wide variety of dishes, another excellent teriyaki dish is PipiKaula. Pipi Kuala is a Hawaiian beef jerky that is made with strips of marinated flank steak. The strips are traditionally placed in a drying box with teriyaki sauce, ginger, chili peppers, and garlic. The strips should be left in the marinade for one to two days so that the meat soaks up a large amount of the teriyaki sauce.

Roast Pork and Ahi Poke: Photo by tweber1 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tweber/

Ahi Poke

For those looking for a traditional Hawaiian seafood dish, one of the most common one found at luaus is known as Ahi Poke. Traditionally, Ahi Poke is used as an appetizer. Ahi poke is made with raw ahi tuna, which is seasoned with salt and onion. After seasoning, the tuna should be placed in a marinade of teriyaki or soy sauce and sesame oil and chilled until time for serving.

Two other traditional Hawaiian dishes with teriyaki sauce that are often served at luaus include sautéed teriyaki mahimahi and broiled teriyaki beef. Mahimahi, a naturally sweet fish, can also be baked with a teriyaki glaze.

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Though many modern luaus stray from traditional luau cuisine, with menus incorporating such varied foods as macaroni salad and sushi, many large luau events still adhere to more traditional culinary choices. Many of these traditional luau foods have been eaten in Hawaii for centuries. When visiting Hawaii, be sure to attend a luau party for an exotic feast and entertaining surprises. On the mainland, throw a Luau-themed party for the perfect summer celebration.

Your own luau feast should start with Kalua Pork, a well-known mainstay of luau menus. At large luau events, an entire pig is often roasted all day in a specially-constructed pit oven. For a smaller luau party, cook a pork roast slowly in liquid smoke and Hawaiian rock salt. Once it is fully cooked, shred it. Though many people think of a whole roast pig when they think of a luau, it is entirely possible to approximate this delicious dish on a smaller scale.

Another popular and authentic meat choice for a luau party is chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce, which gives it a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavoring. Serve this dish with pineapple rings on the side. Seafood fans will enjoy Lomi Salmon, another excellent choice for your luau party. This contemporary dish that is often seen at today’s luaus is a combination of shredded salmon filet, diced tomatoes, and crushed ice. Serve your meat choice with long rice cooked in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, or teriyaki sauce. Another delicious tropical side dish is a fruit platter featuring coconut and pineapple.

Photo by IGARSS 2010 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/igarss2010/

Nearly every traditional luau includes poi as a unique side dish, as it was a staple of Hawaiian diet for many centuries. A nutritious dish made from the root of the taro plant, it can be purchased fresh in some locations. To make poi yourself, peel, steam, and mash the taro root. Add water to the mashed root until it forms a pudding-like consistency, and serve cold. Another traditional luau food to incorporate taro is actually known as ‘luau.’ This dish is chicken wrapped in taro leaves and baked in coconut milk.

Luau cuisine is often very creative; this creativity should continue in the way the buffet is displayed. For example, serve the tropical fruit in a bowl constructed from a hollowed out watermelon, or thread the fruit onto bamboo skewers. Many of the larger professional luaus use each dish to create a uniquely shaped display across the buffet table.

Don’t forget to create a fitting dessert for your luau. Many Hawaiian desserts incorporate coconut milk. Haupia, a traditional coconut-based Hawaiian dessert, is made by combining three cups of coconut milk and half a cup of sugar in a saucepan. Once this mixture is warm, stir in half a cup of cornstarch, which thickens the dessert. Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill this dessert, and serve once it has become firm.

When planning a luau, remember that the food is the most important attribute. A modern luau party, which should be planned as a feast for the senses, often combines both traditional Hawaiian dishes and unique luau-style cuisine that is actually a fusion of several styles. When creating your own luau feast, remember to incorporate lots of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits. Luau party food inspiration should be drawn from the island environment of Hawaii; a wide variety of tropically-inspired foods completes the luau atmosphere.

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The island of Maui is always among the top vacation destinations in the world, and is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii. This island offers numerous tourist activities for couples and families, and stunning views from nearly any vantage point on the island. Maui is known for over 120 miles of sparkling beaches and several unique inland habitats created by the two volcanoes on the island. This popular vacation destination has something for everyone, whether your trip is a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

When visiting Maui, don’t miss out on the chance to visit a luau. Many of the larger hotels offer a professional luau every week to give tourists a taste of this traditional Hawaiian feast. Luaus offer traditional Hawaiian cuisine and exotic tropical dishes that are actually a fusion of Polynesian, Asian, and Hawaiian cultures. This delicious buffet includes Palua Pork, often cooked in the customary manner of an underground oven, where the pig is roasted all day long. The breathtaking entertainment at a luau often includes hula dancing and Samoan fire dancers.

Of course, when visiting Maui you must leave time for enjoying the beach. The island is known for beautiful white sands and gleaming blue waters. Try your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling to catch a peek of marine life, which includes bright tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. A submarine tour is an interesting way to see these creatures without getting wet. To enjoy the waves, rent a surfboard or jet ski or go swimming in the warm waters off Maui’s beaches. There are also several specialty cruises and tours designed to offer unique views of the island and the surrounding waters. If your visit is scheduled between December and April, take advantage of the opportunity to embark on a whale watching cruise.

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Although you may not think of forests when you think of Hawaii, there are plenty of inland environments for you to explore. Home to two volcanoes, Maui has a unique rainforest ecosystem. This mountainous region can be explored by helicopter or by Jeep. The eastern coast of Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana Highway, which offers countless lookout points and opportunities to see breathtaking views. Maui’s many trails offer ample opportunities for biking and hiking, where you may spot some of the unique plants and animals that call the island home. Each of Maui’s unusual environments is filled with a vast array of exotic species. One of the most popular destinations on the island is Oheo Gulch, also know as Seven Sacred Pools. Swimming through this series of waterfalls and pools, which empties into the Pacific Ocean, is said to bring good luck.

Although the best views are said to be along the coast, there are thousands of amazing views available in the inland areas, too. The view from Haleakala crater, formed by one of Maui’s volcanoes, is said to be the best sunrise. This volcano last erupted over two hundred years ago; you can still see this eruption’s lava flows. This is actually one of the highest mountains in the world, though much of its height is hidden underwater. For the best sunset views, head to Lahaina. This wharf is known for its restaurants and shops in addition to whale watching and sunset cruises.

Photo by Alaskan Dude of Flickr

Although many luaus today include such varied foods as sushi and macaroni salad, more traditional foods, including those that have been eaten in Hawaii, are still served at most luau events, both in Hawaii and on the mainland. If you’re visiting Hawaii, attend a large luau party for an exotic feast. On the mainland, throw your own Hawaiian-themed luau party as the perfect summer event. 

For the ultimate Luau feast, start with Kalua Pork. At the largest luau events, an entire pig may be roasted in a specially made pit oven all day long. For smaller luaus, combine a pork roast with water, liquid smoke, and Hawaiian rock salt. Cook in a crock pot or in the oven, and then shred it once it’s fully cooked. Most people think of a whole roast pig when they think of luaus, but you can closely approximate this delicious dish with a pork roast. 

Another popular meat for luaus is chicken with teriyaki sauce. The sauce gives the chicken the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Serve your chicken with pineapple rings on the side. If you love seafood, Lomi Salmon would be a delicious choice for your luau party. This contemporary dish combines diced tomatoes, crushed ice, and shredded Salmon filet. 

Poi is a unique side dish that is found at nearly every traditional luau. This nutritious dish is made from the root of the taro plant. In some locations, you may be able to purchase fresh poi. To make it yourself, peel, steam, and mash the taro root. Then add water until the consistency is similar to pudding. Chill before serving. Another traditional luau food, which is actually known as “luau,” is chicken wrapped in the leaves of the taro plant, and then baked in coconut milk. Don’t forget about a fruit platter featuring coconut and pineapple, the perfect tropical side dish. Serve the meat with long rice cooked in garlic, soy sauce, ginger, or teriyaki sauce. 

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Luau food is often very creative, and this creativity often continues with the way the food is served. Often, the fruit is found in the shape of kabobs, or in a bowl made of a hollowed out watermelon. Many luaus incorporate the use of bamboo skewers or toothpick umbrellas, or use the various foods to create a uniquely shaped display on the buffet table. 

For dessert, nothing would be more fitting than coconut milk. To make Haupia, a traditional dessert, you’ll need three cups of coconut milk and a half cup each of cornstarch and sugar. Mix all of the ingredients except cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, stir in cornstarch, which will thicken the mixture. Do not let it boil. Once thickened, pour the coconut mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded coconut, and chill until it becomes firm. If you don’t want to make your own dessert, coconut pie or lemon bread would also make great luau desserts. 

One of the most important aspects of a luau is the food. The modern luau party, a feast for the senses, combines both traditional Hawaiian dishes and newly created luau-style cuisine. To create your own luau feast, use plenty of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits. Your inspiration for luau party food should come from the tropical environment of Hawaii; any number of tropically-inspired foods will complete the luau feeling.

One of the most popular tourist activities is a luau. This Hawaiian feast offers delicious food, including traditional Hawaiian dishes and exotic fusion cuisines, in addition to amazing entertainment, including fire dancing, a Samoan display, or hula dancing, which originates in Hawaii. The delicious buffet almost always includes roast pork, sometimes cooked in the traditional manner of an underground oven. Many of the largest hotels host their own weekly luaus to give tourists a taste of island life.

When vacationing in Maui, or indeed anywhere in Hawaii, don’t forget to leave plenty of time for the beach. On Maui, enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling to sneak a peek at the unique underwater life, including tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. Want to see the underwater life without getting wet? Schedule a submarine adventure. Other ways to enjoy the waves include swimming, surfing, and jet ski rentals. There are a number of specialty tours or cruises designed to offer you a unique view of the island and surrounding waters. Whale watching, for example, is particularly popular between the months of December and April, when these beautiful creatures may be spotted off the coasts of Maui.

Away from the beaches, explore the mountainous regions of Maui by helicopter or by Jeep. Visit the Oheo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Located in Hana, this series of waterfalls and pools empties into the Pacific Ocean. According to legend, swimming all seven pools from start to finish will bring you good luck.

Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana highway, with runs along the entire east coast of the island. Other amazing views can be seen by hiking or biking along one of the many trails in Maui. Besides the breathtaking views, you’ll also get a chance to spot the unique flora and fauna that make Maui such an amazing place to visit. Maui is characterized by a diverse range of climates and environments created by its pair of volcanic mountains, ranging from lowlands to forest to rainforests filled with exotic species of both plant and animal life.

There are inarguably thousands of amazing views from Maui, particularly along the coastline, though the best sunrise view is said to be on Haleakala crater. Haleakala last erupted in 1790; you can still see the lava flows on your visit to Maui. One of the world’s highest mountains, it measures 5 miles from the seafloor, and rises to 10,000 feet above sea level. For sunset, head to Lahaina, where you’ll find a street of shops and restaurants and a wharf, from which sunset cruises and whale watching journeys often depart.

What Middle Eastern-style meal would be complete without skewers of grilled shish kabob? While its name still evokes the exotic locales of places such as Turkey and Arabia, shish kabob spread across Asia to Europe, America and Australia, becoming a truly global dish.

Every shish kabob cook has his or her own favorite recipes, but here are 5 of the most frequently seen variations. Experienced cooks suggest using stainless steel skewers rather than wooden ones to avoid getting splinters in the food. Oiling the stainless steel skewers also will help get the entrée onto the plate when it’s time to serve.

Chicken Shish Kabob.

Chicken has become one of the more popular meats for shish kabob, especially in southern Asian recipes from India and points east. White meat chicken is cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes and threaded onto skewers, alternating with an array of vegetables as varied as the cook’s imagination. Since the meat for shish kabob is typically marinated in advance, cooks have the opportunity to come up with creative flavor combinations. Some like to use a single tense flavor such as teriyaki sauce, sometimes with a little ginger to give it some “kick.” A Japanese “yakitori” version mixes sake, soy sauce, molasses and grated onion, while a tropical island recipe uses pineapple juice mixed with brown sugar, soy sauce and dry mustard.

Beef Shish Kabob.

Beef has become another preferred meat for shish kabob. Cooks prefer to use sirloin for beef shish kabob because it grills well and holds up on the skewer. Teriyaki sauce is a popular marinade for beef shish kabob, while other cooks opt for red wine, flavored oils or the traditional olive oil mixed with a firecracker array of peppers or with cumin, the spice that gives Indian curry its zing. Beef shish kabob is most often matched with traditional vegetables: mushrooms, onions, green peppers and tomatoes.

Shrimp Shish Kabob.

While it can be difficult to use fish in shish kabob, shrimp is the perfect seafood for a skewer. In fact, the Australian “shrimp on the barbie” dish often turns out to be a shrimp shish kabob. Shrimp shish kabobs are about the easiest to make, because they can be grilled by themselves without vegetables, simply brushed with melted butter or teriyaki sauce. A simple recipe for shrimp shish kabob marinates a pound of shrimp two hours in olive oil with lemon, garlic, chopped and parsley pepper. Then it’s grilled for five minutes and delivers mouth-watering taste to eager diners.

Fruit and/or Veggie Kabobs.

Vegetarians can get into the act as well when it comes to shish kabob. In fact, some cooks love nothing more than to fill a skewer with squash, onion, mushroom, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini or other veggies, brush everything with teriyaki sauce or butter, and then grill and enjoy. Even chunks of fruit can be made into shish kabob, usually served with a sweet dipping sauce.

Lamb Kabobs.

Lamb shish kabob is the classic interpretation of this dish. In fact, shepherds in the Middle East probably originated the recipe. To make traditional lamb shish kabob, cut lamb into 1-1/2-inch cubes and marinate in olive with salt, pepper, garlic and oregano or mint. Alternate meat on the skewer with chunks of onion, tomato, pepper and mushrooms. Grill until the meat is medium well and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

The islands of Hawaii were first noticed by Europeans when Captain James Cook happened upon the islands during his search for the Northwest Passage, a water route through North America. Naming the chain the Sandwich Islands, he carried news of his discovery back with him, prompting other Europeans and Americans to settle in the area throughout the 1790s and 1800s. Not only settlers but also missionaries began arriving as soon as 1820, attempting to convert native Hawaiians to Christianity. Within just a few decades, the chain became a primarily Christian nation. Because of all of these foreign influences, the diet and living standards in Hawaii changed significantly during this time.

At this time, politics within Hawaii were changing rapidly as well. In fact, each Hawaiian island had its own distinct entity as recently as 1810, when King Kamehameha I finally united the islands, forming the Hawaiian Kingdom. A well-developed government was soon established; King Kamehameha III prompted the writing of the Constitution in 1840. By 1848, the government instituted a western-style concept of land ownership, replacing the old system in which the islands were owned in common by every resident. This move, known as Mahele, opened the doors for large pineapple and sugar plantations. As a result, many native Hawaiians were left landless.

In 1843, Hawaii fell briefly under British rule, though the islands regained their sovereignty the same year. Still, this event proved a sign of what was to come. The government of the Kingdom of Hawaii would be challenged throughout the rest of the century, finally being overthrown by American colonists in 1893. Eventually, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898, symbolizing the end of nearly two thousand years of uninterrupted rule by native Hawaiians with Polynesian ancestry.

In December 1941, a surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, resulted in U.S. entry in World War II. Prior to the attack, few Americans had heard of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, which was then still a U.S. territory. Because of its strategic importance to the U.S. Navy, Hawaii was placed under martial law during the aftermath of this surprise attack. Hawaii was exposed to unprecedented international attention throughout the war, and life would never be as isolated on the islands as it was before the war.

Hawaii became a state in 1959 following a vote showing 94 percent in favor of statehood. Despite this landslide vote, there has always been a significant movement headed by native Hawaiians to regain Hawaiian sovereignty.  In fact, various political groups have advocated for self governance in Hawaii since the area became a U.S. territory in 1898.

A luau feast nearly always starts with pork. At large luau events, this mainstay of luau cuisine means an entire pig that is roasted all day long in a specially-made pit oven. For a smaller luau party, slowly cook a pork roast in Hawaiian rock salt and liquid smoke. Then, shred the cooked pork. Although the thought of a luau often brings to mind the image of a whole roast pig, you can recreate this delicious dish on a smaller scale using a pork roast.

There are alternatives to pork for your luau party. Another authentic meat for luaus is teriyaki sauce-marinated chicken, with a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Teriyaki chicken should be served with pineapple rings for a tropical touch. The perfect seafood dish for a luau is Lomi Salmon, a contemporary dish that is very popular with modern luaus. This dish is a combination of shredded salmon, crushed ice, and diced tomatoes. No matter which meat you choose to serve at your luau, serve it with long rice cooked in teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, or ginger. A side dish frequently seen at luaus is a fruit platter including coconut, pineapple, watermelon, and other tropical fruits.

Most traditional luaus serve poi, which was once a staple of Hawaiian diet, as a unique side dish. This nutritious food is made from taro plant roots which are peeled, steamed, and mashed. Water is then added to the mashed taro root until it develops the consistency of pudding. Poi is served cold. Another luau food that is made with taro is known as ‘luau,’ this is the dish that gave this feast its name. Luau is chicken wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in coconut milk.

Luau cuisine is often very creative, not only in the flavors but also in the display of the food. For example, the fruit salad can be served on bamboo skewers or in a bowl created from a hollowed out watermelon. The larger professional luaus use each dish on the buffet table to create a uniquely shaped display.

When planning a luau menu, don’t forget about creating the perfect dessert. Lemon bread or coconut pie are easy desserts, though there are also many other unique desserts. A traditional luau dessert is Haupia, made with coconut milk. Warm three cups of coconut milk and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan.  Then add half a cup of cornstarch, and wait for it to thicken the mixture. Chill in a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Food is very important to the overall ambiance of a luau. This feast for the senses often combines traditional Hawaiian dishes, many of which have been a staple of the Hawaiian diet for centuries, with luau-style cuisine that is actually a combination of several cultures. When planning your own luau feast, incorporate plenty of tropical fruits and teriyaki sauce. Draw the inspiration for your menu from the island environment; an array of tropically-inspired foods will bring the right atmosphere to your luau.

That’s unfortunate, because there are a lot of delectable dishes unique to Hawaii, a blend of indigenous traditions and settler’s culture. Don’t head out for Indian or sushi until you’ve had a few meals that include these excellent Hawaiian dishes.

• Barbecue sticks: Pork is not the only meat in town! Hawaii is also home to a few large cattle ranches, found mostly on the Big Island. Beef, chicken and, yes, pork are marinated in teriyaki sauce and then spitted on sticks – the perfect treat for your inner carnivore!
• Donkey balls: Don’t worry, it’s just an Island way of poking fun at uptight mainlanders. Donkey balls are chocolate covered macadamia nuts, one of the best treats the Island has to offer. The company is proud of its name too. There are also dried and chocolate-covered strawberries and coffee beans for your sweet tooth.
• Ono: Why this fish doesn’t appear at more luaus is a mystery, although it may be because it disappears almost as soon as it is caught. There is simply no better-tasting fish out there; people have been known to consume it right on the dock or in the boat! It is best lightly seared, though maybe with a touch of teriyaki sauce for the doubters.
• Hawaiian corn: Considering the absence of ANY tasty vegetable at a tourist oriented luau, it can only be assumed that Hawaiian corn has been deemed too delicious for the masses. It’s simply the best corn to be found, anywhere.
• Fruits: Mango, papaya, guava, and ka’u oranges are all great fruits if you get tired of coconuts and bananas (although how one can get tired of plantains is beyond us). Ka’u may look nasty, but the general rule is that the uglier it looks, the better it tastes!

All of those reasons for attending a luau are strong, but what most of us really picture at these gatherings are mounds of savory foods and thirst (and consciousness) quenching drinks.

The reality of today’s Hawaiian luau is that for many resorts and hotels, it presents a great way to make a lot of money without a lot of expense. One area that you might see expenses cut is the very area which attracts most people to luaus – the food. Before you pay the (often exorbitant) cost of attending a luau, check to see what’s on the menu. Here are some things you will want served.

Meat

You will have pork, that’s a guarantee. You need to make sure that the pig roast is done in such a way as to make the end product palatable. Specifically, make sure you see that teriyaki sauce has been added. Poriou, in her wisdom, has declared this sauce acceptable at Hawaiian religious feasts, recognizing that without it, roast pig just tastes like smoke.

Chicken is also usually on the menu. Chicken’s pretty good any way it’s prepared, but again, look for some variety. Some combination of everyone’s favorite white meat, teriyaki sauce (again!) and pineapple makes for a great topping on a dish of rice.

Did someone say shish kabobs? They better have, if you are paying $40 per person! Pork and chicken marinated in teriyaki between slices of vegetables and pineapple (again! Yay!) had better be on that list.

You would think that with the availability of fish, there would be more of it, and more varieties, served at a luau. However, aside from ahi tuna there aren’t many delectable offerings from the sea at a luau. If all there is on the menu is salmon, look somewhere else.

Fruits and Vegetables

If meat’s not your game, you want to pay SEVERE attention to the fruits and vegetables included at the luau before you pay. There are not too many of these, and what passes for traditional Hawaiian vegetables are unsatisfying, to say the least.

Don’t pay up if all you see as far as veggies are purple yams and poi. You won’t be able to fill up on either, we guarantee it.

Beverages

Okay, here is where a LOT of luaus will fool the unwary tourist. Alcohol is a big part of the traditional luau, and most will advertise an open bar. What they don’t tell you about is the lack of variety at that open bar.

Sure, all you can drink Mai Tai cocktails and Budweiser might work for some, but let’s face it: when you’re in Hawaii, you want pina coladas. Most of the time, though, this quintessential tropical drink is left off the bar’s chart. Because this can be the main “hook” offered by a resort luau, make sure you ask what drinks are actually served before you pony up the cash!