Luau
/ˈluː.aʊ/noun
A Hawaiian feast or social gathering, traditionally featuring music, dancing, and food.
Did you know?The feast came to be called a lūʻau because taro leaves were a characteristic dish, especially in meals associated with Hawaiian royalty.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian
Proto-Polynesian
*luʔakau
“A reconstructed Polynesian plant-related form, traditionally connected with the Hawaiian word for taro leaves”
Pre-contact Hawaii
Hawaiian
lūʻau
“Young taro leaves used as food”
18th–19th Century
Hawaiian
lūʻau
“A dish or meal centered on taro leaves and other foods”
19th Century
English
luau
“A Hawaiian feast or celebratory meal”
Modern English
English
luau
“A Hawaiian-style party, feast, or entertainment event”
Explore more surprising origins