What should I wear for the tour?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes. Sun protection and a rain jacket are recommended.
Don’t just witness Hawai‘ian culture – live it!
The Imu Mea 'Ai Food Tour takes you on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Hawai‘ian cooking and culture! This immersive experience invites you to participate in ancient traditions, from learning Hawai‘ian chants to preparing a feast in an imu—a traditional underground oven.
Perfect for food lovers and cultural adventurers, this hands-on tour goes beyond the plate, offering a deep dive into Hawai‘i’s food systems, rich customs, and community-centered values. Whether you’re enjoying the flavors or engaging in the preparation, the Imu Mea 'Ai Tour delivers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Hawai'i’s culinary heritage.
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$150 USD
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All ages
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4-hour
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Pāhoa, Big Island, Hawai‘i
Imu Mea ‘Ai Food Tour Features
Begin with a Traditional Hawai‘ian Chant (Oli)
Start your day with an Oli (chant) to set the tone and honor Hawai‘ian traditions, connecting participants to the land and culture. It is essential to be respectful and follow some simple rules when you visit sacred places in the Hawai‘ian Islands. You will learn the significance of the Oli and how it creates the connection.
Hands-On Imu Food Preparation and Installation
Participate in preparing food for an imu, a traditional Hawai‘ian underground oven, and learn how to cook traditional dishes using this method. We guarantee you'll never taste a more delicious (and juicy!) meal.
Observe the Imu Unveiling and Taste the Flavors of Hawai‘i
Witness the unveiling of the imu, where you’ll see the transformation of ingredients into a delicious feast. The Imu Ceremony is a short ritual unveiling the slow-roasted pork in the imu. You will immediately notice the smell of the smoky pork as soon as the banana leaves are pulled back. Irresistible!
Communal Lūʻau Feast
Share in a lūʻau-style meal featuring dishes cooked in the imu, celebrating Hawai‘i’s culinary heritage in a communal setting. The food will be delicious, the entertainment will be mesmerizing, and the atmosphere will be exciting! Enjoy a dinner in the way that only Hawai‘i can provide!
Imu Mea Ai Food Tour Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Included
- What To Bring
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Cancellation
Highlights
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Authentic Hawai‘ian Imu Preparation And Cooking
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Traditional Oli Chant And Protocols
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Engaging Cultural Workshop And Activities
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Observe And Participate In Imu Unveiling
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Experience A Lūʻau Feast With Imu-cooked Dishes
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Learn From Knowledgeable Cultural Guides
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Perfect For Food And Culture Enthusiasts
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Full-day Experience, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Description
Dive into the flavors and traditions of Hawai‘i with the Imu Mea Ai Food Tour, a cultural adventure that brings Hawai‘ian cooking to life! Guided by cultural experts, your journey begins with a heartfelt Hawai‘ian chant (oli), setting the tone for a day filled with hands-on learning and authentic experiences.
Roll up your sleeves as you prepare and cook using an imu, a traditional underground oven, learning techniques passed down through generations. You will also explore cultural workshops and excursions that reveal the Hawai‘ian people's rich history, customs, and values.
As the day unfolds, watch the unveiling of the imu and indulge in a mouthwatering lūʻau feast, featuring dishes cooked to perfection using this time-honored method. Throughout the tour, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Hawai‘ian values such as malama ‘āina (respect for the land), community, and sustainability.
Perfect for food lovers and culture enthusiasts, this immersive experience offers a unique window into Hawai’i’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Itinerary
- 10:00 am - Arrive at the farm. Oli (chant), introduction
- 10:30 am - Gather materials to build the imu (underground oven)
- 11:00 am - Build imu
- 12:00 pm - Remove food from the secondary imu
- 12:30 pm - Backyard, homestyle lu'au (communal feast)
- 1:00 pm - Takeaways, debriefing, and surveys
- 2:00 pm - Pau Hana - End of experience
*Please check for any updates or changes to the schedule before the tour date.
Price & Availability
Wednesdays, once a month; custom group bookings are available by contacting us.
4-Hour Imu Mea Ai Food Tour
| AdultsAges 21 yrs+ | $150.00 |
| YouthAges 13-20 yrs | $75.00 |
| ChildrenAges 0-12 yrs | FREE |
Included
- Traditional Hawai‘ian chant (oli) to begin the experience
- Hands-on imu preparation and secondary imu construction
- Cultural workshops and excursions
- Community-style luau feast
- Expert guidance from cultural practitioners
What To Bring
Instructions
- Advance reservation required: Reserve your spot early, as spaces fill quickly
- Meeting point: Details provided upon booking confirmation
- Arrival time: Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts for check-in
Restrictions
- Ages: Suitable for all ages; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly; no prior experience needed
- Capacity limits: Accommodates 15-50 guests; private groups are available upon request. Contact us.
Cancellation
Any request for a refund 72 hours or more prior to the start of the tour or activity is honored with a full refund.
No refunds are issued for any cancellations inside the 72-hour period, prior to the start of your tour. There is no refund for no-shows. There is no charge for date change or tour change based on tour availability outside of the 72-hour cancellation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
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