Luaus are still commonly held on all the Hawaiian islands today.
The Hawaiian luau tradition was started by King Kamehameha II in 1819. The King threw a great feast, at which the traditional dish of lu'au, a mixture of coconut milk, meat and leaves of the taro plant, was served -- giving the tradition its long-lasting name. Luaus today are nowhere near as grand as the original feast, but they are fun and provide many great photo opportunities to visitors to the islands.
The Feast
The feast is the most historically significant part of a luau. The original luau was so important because it was held with both men and women in attendance. In doing so, King Kamehameha II was declaring the old religious tradition of men and women eating separately to be dead. Getting your friends and loved ones in the shot, especially if there is a mixture of genders, will serve as a reminder of the cultural significance of the luau to the Hawaiian people.
The Performers
Modern luaus are much more than feasts, they are parties, and like any good party, they have good entertainment. Fire dancers often spin flaming hula hoops, torches and poi around their bodies at blazing speeds, which can make for some interesting photos of moving light. Hula dancers can provide an image of grace and beauty that mimics the serene beaches and mountains of Hawaii.
The Imu
An imu is an underground oven, typically surrounded by rocks, in which a pig is roasted before a luau. This tradition dates back to ancient Hawaiian feasts, and the digging up of the cooked pig is historically a ceremonial process that marks the beginning of the luau. Documenting the uncovering of the pig in photographs can provide an interesting record of an authentic ancient Hawaiian ritual.
The Landscape
Since all authentic luaus happen in Hawaii, they all happen in a beautiful tropical environment. Documenting the sublime sunsets in the clear, pollution-free air of Hawaii with the going-ons of the luau in the foreground or background can provide you with images that will take your breath away for years to come. This scenery influences every part of the luau, from the traditional garb made from local vegetation, to the decorations furnished entirely from local materials. Noting the landscape is equally as important as documenting the happenings for any luau photo album.
Tags: ancient Hawaiian, from local, King Kamehameha, part luau