7 Polynesian Dishes You Have to Try at a Luau

Luaus are a great place to try traditional Polynesian dishes that are both unique and delicious. Here are a few you can’t miss!

1. Kalua Pork

Kalua pork is one of the staples of a Polynesian luau. This salty pork is roasted until tender, shredded, and mixed with a tangy barbecue sauce. As one of the oldest traditional dishes, you can find it at almost any luau. 

The word kalua in Hawaiian means to cook in an underground oven. For many luaus, kalua pork is still made in the same way it was hundreds of years ago, in a traditional earth oven called an umu. Lava rocks, wood, and leaves make up the oven that roasts the pig much like a smoker.

2. Poi

Poi might seem a little strange to visitors, but it’s been part of luau food for hundreds of years. This dish is made from taro (also known as kalo, a root vegetable similar to sweet potatoes) that are cooked, mashed, and mixed with water to create a creamy paste. The amount of water added can change its consistency.

• 1-finger poi: almost dough-like, traditionally a “rich man’s poi“
• 2-finger poi: thick, but creamy
• 3-finger poi: very liquid, historically a “poor man’s poi”

By itself, poi doesn’t look like much, but its slight sweetness complements salty foods like kalua pork or laulau perfectly.

3. Lomi Lomi Salmon

This dish is traditionally made from salted salmon, tomatoes, onions, and green onions. It’s best served cold and is a common side dish at a luau. The flavors are best when the dish has time to marinate, so it’s often made the day before the event. The saltiness of the salmon, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the tang of the onions combine for a mouthwatering dish.

The name “lomi lomi” means knead or massage in Hawaiian, and describes how the salmon is prepared and mixed with the other ingredients.

4. Laulau

Laulau is another must-have luau food. Traditionally, you take pork and salted butterfish, wrap that in taro leaves (edible) and then in ti leaves (not edible) to steam in an umu. This slow-cooked dish is rich in flavor and will leave your mouth watering. It’s a great dish to pair with poi, rice, or both!

5. Huli Huli Chicken

Huli huli chicken is everywhere in Hawaii, but this dish hasn’t been around nearly as long as the others on this list. The marinade and style of cooking were invented by Ernest Morgado in the 1950s. Huli means “to turn” in Hawaiian, reflecting the cooking method of turning the chicken halfway through cooking.

Though you can buy the sauce in the store, many places have opted for “huli-style” chicken with their own recipes.

6. Taro Rolls

Taro rolls are a delicious side at any luau. They are similar to most bread rolls—made with eggs, flour, sugar, and yeast—but they do have Polynesia’s secret ingredient: poi. The poi adds a lovely color and moisture to the rolls. This luau food doesn’t disappoint, even for picky eaters.

7. Haupia

Haupia is a coveted Polynesian treat. The simple ingredients (coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and water) combine to make a firm pudding that is light and creamy. It’s usually served with your meal, but you should save it for the end. Haupia’s light sweetness provides a perfect dessert and palate cleanser.