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The Best Places to Get Lau Lau on the Big Island of Hawaii
Lau lau is one of Hawaii’s most cherished traditional dishes, a mouthwatering combination of pork (or sometimes fish or chicken) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection. The smoky, tender meat and earthy flavor of the taro leaves make it an authentic taste of Hawaiian culture. If you’re visiting the Big Island, you’ll undoubtedly want to try the best lau lau the island offers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top spots to indulge in this authentic Hawaiian delicacy, from local favorites to family-run establishments.
What is Lau Lau?
Before diving into the best places to get lau lau, let’s discuss what makes this dish unique. Lau lau begins with pork, beef, chicken, or fish wrapped in luau leaves (the edible leaves of the taro plant). These bundles are then enclosed in ti leaves and slow-cooked—traditionally in an imu, an underground oven, or nowadays, more commonly in steamers.
The result? It is a savory, tender dish embodying Hawaiian comfort food's essence.
Top Spots for Lau Lau on the Big Island
Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market isn’t just a place to buy fresh produce; it’s also a hub for local Hawaiian food, including lau lau. Some vendors prepare lau lau daily, using family recipes passed down through generations. You’ll find both pork and fish variations and sides like lomi lomi salmon or poi.
- Location: 67 Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720
- Why It’s Great: Fresh, handmade lau lau with ingredients sourced locally.
- Pro Tip: Visit on Wednesdays or Saturdays for the full market experience when all vendors are present.
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Kaaloa’s Super J’s Authentic Hawaiian
Super J’s is a legendary spot for authentic Hawaiian food on the Big Island. Their lau lau is known for its hearty portions and perfectly balanced flavors. Family-run and incredibly welcoming, this eatery is a must-visit for those seeking traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
- Location: 83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
- Why It’s Great: Authentic home-style Hawaiian cooking with generous servings.
- Pro Tip: Pair your lau lau with their delicious mac salad or haupia for dessert.
Da Poke Shack
While primarily famous for its poke, Da Poke Shack also serves a stellar lau lau that keeps locals and tourists returning. Their pork lau lau is tender and smoky and pairs beautifully with their signature poke bowls.
- Location: 76-6246 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Why It’s Great: A convenient location with consistently great food.
- Pro Tip: Grab a combo plate to enjoy lau lau alongside Hawaiian favorites like kalua pork and lomi salmon.
Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ
Located in the Queens Marketplace on the Kohala Coast, Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ is a fantastic stop for flavorful lau lau. Known for their modern spin on Hawaiian dishes, Ippy’s lau lau retains all the traditional flavors while offering a slightly elevated dining experience.
- Location: 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
- Why It’s Great: Convenient location for travelers near Kohala resorts.
- Pro Tip: Try their combo plates to enjoy lau lau alongside teriyaki beef or garlic shrimp.
What to Look for in the Perfect Lau Lau
When searching for the best lau lau, keep these factors in mind:
- Taro Leaves Quality: The luau leaves should be tender, not harsh or stringy, and have a slight earthy sweetness.
- Meat Tenderness: Whether pork, chicken, or fish, the meat should be tender and juicy, falling apart quickly.
- Traditional Cooking Methods: Lau lau cooked with an imu or steamed for hours tends to have a deeper, more authentic flavor.
- Sides and Pairings: Traditional sides like poi, lomi lomi salmon, or haupia elevate the experience of eating lau lau.
Final Thoughts
Whether exploring Hilo’s bustling farmers market, savoring home-cooked dishes in Captain Cook, or grabbing a quick bite at KTA, the Big Island offers endless opportunities to enjoy this Hawaiian staple. Each spot on this list showcases a unique take on lau lau, so don’t hesitate to sample multiple locations during your trip!
Embrace the aloha spirit and dig into the rich flavors of Hawaiian cuisine—lau lau is a dish that truly captures the heart of the islands.
