Though Hawaii is a beautiful and modern vacation destination, tourists and locals alike can still find food prepared traditionally. The umu cooking method has been a part of Hawaiian culture for generations. If you’d like to participate in an umu demonstration during your trip to the island, here’s what you should know about this style of cooking. 

What Is Umu?

Umu is a cooking method that turns the ground into an oven. It’s created by digging a pit in the earth and covering it to trap heat and smoke inside. Food placed within the hole will steam, bake, or smoke.

This method cooks large batches of food without additional equipment like pots and pans. Cultures throughout the world have prepared food using pit ovens, including Samoa and Hawaii.

The choice of food cooked in an umu depends on the location, however. For instance, Hawaiians use it for whole pigs, taro, sweet potatoes, fish, and bananas. 

How Is an Umu Prepared?

Umu cooking is not a fast method. A traditional feast can take hours to prepare.

First, the pit is dug at least two feet into the ground. It must be wide and deep enough to hold the food, wrappings, and rocks, which provide the heat.

Next, a fire is lit at the bottom of the pit with wood like kiawe that will impart a delicious flavor. After the fire is made, volcanic rock is laid on top. It can take anywhere from one to three hours to perfectly heat the stones. 

While the pit is heating up, the food is prepared in plant wrappings like grass, banana leaves, and coconut palm leaves. Coconut milk is sometimes added to aid the steaming process and enhance the flavor of the food.

Once the food is ready for the oven, the stones are removed from the bottom and placed on top of the carefully wrapped meal. The entire setup is then covered with leaves and mats to trap the steam and perfectly cook the food.

If you would like to see an umu demonstration firsthand, Toa Luau in Haleiwa, HI, is the place to go. As one of the premier tourist attractions on the island, they provide guests with traditional Hawaiian entertainment amid breathtaking scenery. Their luau parties feature a variety of activities like umu demonstrations, kava ceremonies, and Polynesian dancers. To learn more about their packages, call (877) 778-8505 or visit them online today.