—————There’s something about Hawaiian food that’s special ——————
Back when I was much younger, the only time we would be able to eat our favorite Kalua Pig, Lau Lau, Lomi Salmon and poi was when there was a lu’au. Families, neighbors and friends would all gather at the luau site to prepare for the big event, putting the pig in the imu, picking opihi, fishing and gathering ti leaf and torch ginger to decorate the tent and tables. It took 3-5 days, all hands on deck. We’d spend days together decorating and just plain bonding. There was much anticipation leading up to the big event where we take out the pig from the imu and eat all the delicious awesomeness our grandpa’s, grandma’s, aunties and uncles had been preparing for a week.
A typical Hawaiian luau would have these food items;
- Shoyu or Limu Poke
- Raw Crab
- Kalua Pig
- Lau Lau
- Squid Luau
- Chicken Long Rice
- Lomi Salmon
- Poi
- Rice
- Haupia
- Kulolo
Fast forward 40 years and lu’aus are still a tradition with the Hawaiian people. So much so that Hawaiian food is now available at dining establishments across the islands so we can eat Hawaiian food anytime of the day!