Luaus are an integral part of Polynesian culture, and in the past, these celebrations included authentic Hawaiian food and hula dancers. While luaus are held for all kinds of reasons today, a baby’s first birthday remains one of the most popular occasions to host this traditional feast. Here’s what all new parents should know about these grand parties and why they’re the perfect way to celebrate Baby’s first birthday.

How Luaus Evolved Over the Years

The first luau was hosted in 1819 when King Kamehameha II abolished the religious custom of separating men and women at mealtimes. To spread goodwill among his people, the king hosted a grand feast, and he served the best Hawaiian foods and dishes, including poi, poke, and kalua pig. Over the next 200 years, luaus evolved to include music, dancing, and other dishes, but at their core, they remained a celebration of Polynesian culture and togetherness.

Why Luaus Are Popular for First Birthday Parties

Native Hawaiians hosted luaus to celebrate life’s milestones. Before modern medicine, many babies didn’t survive their first year of life. Because of this mortality rate, first birthdays in the Hawaiian Islands warranted a large celebration. Today, many babies in the Aloha State survive their first year of life. True to tradition, locals host some version of a luau to celebrate their little one’s milestone.

If you want to host a traditional luau with authentic Hawaiian food for your child, contact the team at Four Sisters Kitchen in Wailuku, HI. This locally owned company offers banquet catering to clients across Maui. These professionals are experts in creating delicious Hawaiian food, such as kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, and squid luau. Dedicated to customer service, they’ll also provide silverware and warmers for your event. View their catering menus online, or call (808) 242-1135 to discuss your party’s needs with a caterer.