The Story of the Lūʻau

Explore the story of the lūʻau and learn how it showcases the music, the hula and traditional food preparation, and the importance of sharing these traditions through the generations. This three-part series explains why the lūʻau holds a unique position within Hawaiian celebrations and significant events, such as births, graduations, weddings and many more ‘ohana (family) gatherings.

Part one
The Story of the Lūʻau: The History and Culture of the Lūʻau
Vicky Holt Takamine, renowned kumu hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance), and Kealoha Domingo, Chef and Hawaiian cultural practitioner, explore the story of the Native Hawaiian tradition of lūʻau and discuss why it plays such an important role in Hawaiian culture.

Part two
The Story of the Lūʻau: Traditional Foods explained by Chef Kealoha Domingo
Chef and Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kealoha Domingo elevates the art of cooking to a new level by honoring the connection to the ‘āina (land), kanaka (humankind), and mea ʻai (food). Kealoha learned the traditions from his father and is sharing that knowledge with his son, Kahikinaokalā. He presents the foods associated with lūʻau and illustrates the values associated with sharing them in community.

Part three
The Story of the Lūʻau: Hula, an expression of cultural understanding
Kuma, Vicky Holt Takamine, along with her son and granddaughter, illustrate how hula expresses cultural understanding and is an essential element in the Lūʻau experience. They also demonstrate how a new contemporary hula is created.

This program received Federal support from the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.