The next time you attend a luau, a Hawaiian feast accompanied by music and vibrant cultural performances, don’t be afraid to sample as many foods as possible. If you’re new to traditional Hawaiian foods, you shouldn't miss some of these classic dishes. 

3 Foods You Can’t Miss at a Luau

1. Kālua Pork

Kālua pork is such a common and traditional dish in Hawaii that you’ll find it on most restaurant menus and at every luau in the state. A full pig cooked in an underground oven for hours to create a unique smokey flavor and tender meat. The pork is often paired with cabbage or rice.

2. Haupia

This simple dessert only has two ingredients, sweet coconut milk and arrowroot. One taste is all you’ll need to understand why it’s a popular dish at luau. The refreshing and flavorful coconut treat is most common in a pudding-like form but is also made into haupia pie or cake. Many cooks use it as icing as well. 

3. Laulau

Laulau often contains pork and sea salt wrapped up in taro leaves. The bundle is cooked in an underground hot rock oven until it’s soft and tender. This filling meal resembles a cabbage roll and goes well with rice or potatoes and macaroni or egg salad. Sometimes, locals also prepare a dipping sauce to enrich its flavor.

You’ll find these foods and more traditional dishes at the intimate luau hosted by Experience Nutridge in Honolulu. Their events are hands-on and feature Hawaiian cuisine made fresh with local ingredients. Held at the historic Nutridge Estate inside Pu'u Ualaka'a Wayside Park, their parties are memorable gatherings for friends and family. Call (808) 531-5050 to make a reservation, or visit them online to learn more about the culturally rich experience.