The Hawaiian luau, the ultimate in Hawaiian hospitality, is a blend of fun and entertainment.
These feasts were held by early Hawaiians to celebrate special occasions such as the visits of chiefs, weddings, and births. Everyone helped in the food preparation, decoration, and entertainment for these lively affairs. This spirit of gaiety is still an essential part of any Hawaiian luau that is held.
The setting for a luau is definitely tropical with fruits and flowers decorating the low, leaf covered, outdoor table. The place setting is simple - a punch cup, fingerbowl, and several leaf dishes that contain condiments - and guests are asked to sit on the ground. No utensils usually are used.
The food at a luau is hearty and plentiful. The highlight of the meal is usually a suckling pig roasted in an imu lined with hot cooking stones. Since it takes many hours to roast the pig, preparation must be started early. Several of the red hot cooking stones are placed in the cavity of the cleaned pig. The pig is then carefully lowered into the hot oven.
Other meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables are placed around the pig and the oven is then completely covered with layers of ti and banana leaves, burlap and finally earth. By the time the guests have arrived, the steamed pig and other foods are ready to be removed from the pit. This uncovering is usually done with great ceremony and dignity as the guests watch with intense interest and anticipation.
An assortment of tropical fruits, punch made from a blend of tropical fruit juices, several salads, other meat dishes such as barbecued spareribs and baked ham, vegetables, and two or three desserts complete the luau menu. Almost any food is appropriate for serving at a luau as long as there is an abundance of food.
After everyone has eaten as much as possible, the luau entertainment begins. This usually consists of Hawaiian music and the hula.
But no matter what the setting, menu and entertainment, the luau is considered successful if it maintains a spirit of pleasurable hospitality and relaxed informality throughout the entire evening.
