When you’re looking for a true Hawaiian cultural experience away from the beaches of Waikiki, a Hawaiian luau can give you that Hawaiian experience you’re looking for!
You’ll get a wide sampling of Hawaiian dishes when you attend a Hawaiian luau, and the Ali’i luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is no different!
A ticket to the Polynesian Cultural Center comes with the chance to explore Polynesian culture and life through a theme park atmosphere. You can opt in to get the Hawaiian luau experience in the evening too!
Here is a review of some of the dishes that you can expect to try at a traditional Hawaiian feast known as a luau.
In true Hawaiian fusion style, many food items that you’ll find on a traditional luau menu have origins from many different countries and regions, including the South Pacific (Polynesia), Europe, and Asia. Once introduced to the Hawaiian islands, a touch of Hawaiian style was added to what has become traditional Hawaiian dishes today.
These are the kinds of Hawaiian foods that you may find on the luau menu at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear to a luau – what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking
Main dishes of the Hawaiian luau
Kalua pua’a
This is pulled pork, Hawaiian style! In a traditional Hawaiian imu ceremony, the pig is prepared in an underground oven, called an imu. The Kalua puaa pork is often prepared with sea salt and banana leaves and is slow cooked so it roasts all day. You can find this roast pork at pretty much all luaus.
Teriyaki chicken or teriyaki beef
You’ve likely had teriyaki chicken or teriyaki beef before! The Hawaiian version of teriyaki sauce may have a hint of orange juice or pineapple juice to go along with your chicken or beef!
Shoyu chicken
Shoyu means soy sauce in Japanese, and the Hawaiian version of shoyu chicken may be marinated in soy sauce, sugar, honey, and chicken broth, along with a few other spices.
Poke
Poke is raw fish that’s another traditional Hawaiian food item. and you can find local Hawaiians eating poke on a regular basis. When you’re in Hawaii, you can find poke at the convenience store, the grocery store, and of course at different restaurants! There are even dedicated cafes that serve poke bowls.
So if, by the time you make it to the Polynesian Cultural Center luau, you have not yet had poke, be sure to give it a try! At the Ali’i luau, Tahitian-style poke is prepared as an introduction to the Hawaiian-style poke. The Tahitian-style poke is thought to be more appealing to those trying poke for the first time. You can eat poke on its own, and you can eat it with rice too.
Lomi lomi salmon
Lomi lomi salmon is a mixed of diced salmon, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s called lomi lomi because of the method of preparation. In the Hawaiian language, lomi has its meaning as to massage or knead. So with the traditional preparation of lomi lomi salmon, the ingredients are “massaged” together with the hands.
Side note!
If you'll be snorkeling on your next vacation, consider wearing these types of UV swim shirts. Also see about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Oahu that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Side dishes of a Hawaiian luau menu
Poi
Poi is another traditional Hawaiian food that is made from taro, which is known as one of the most nutritional starches that exists. Poi is made into a sort of creamy food from boiled taro roots mixed with water. It can be mixed with other ingredients like salt and sugar for different tastes. You can try it at the luau by adding it as a condiment to one of the meat dishes for a taste.
Pipi kaula
You can think of pipi kaula as Hawaiian beef jerky, although typically a bit more moist and tender than beef jerky as you may know it. The phrase pipi kaula can be translated to “beef rope.”
Taro rolls
There will also be taro rolls served at the luau. Made with taro flour, they look just like typical bread rolls. The difference is that the taro rolls have a hint of purple, and you’ll get some of the nutrition that comes with taro!
Rice
Many traditional Hawaiian dishes are eaten with rice, so dish out some rice onto your plate, and then place the meat with your rice!
Salads
You’ll also be able to get your greens at a Hawaiian luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. On the luau menu are traditional salads with a hint of Hawaiian twist to it, like the papaya seed dressing. You may also want to try some potato salad made with Hawaiian sweet potatoes that are purple in color!
Tropical fruit
Well, what’s a Hawaiian meal without some fruit? You’ll also be able to get your servings of fresh fruit at the Polynesian Cultural Center luau too.
Condiments of the Hawaiian luau
For any of the main dishes or side dishes you add to your plate, you can give it extra Hawaiian flavor with sauces! Even if you think you know what it tastes like, it may be different from what you expect because of that Hawaiian twist!
Hot Hawaiian sauce
Sweet chili sauce
BBQ sauce
Desserts of the Hawaiian luau
It’s going to be tough with all the other food you need to try, but save room for some Hawaiian desserts!
Pineapple bars
Guava cake
Chocolate haupia cake
Bread pudding
HAPPY LUAU FEASTING!
More things to do with a ticket to the Polynesian Cultural Center
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear to a luau – what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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