Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience

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Summary
Experience Details
What You’ll Experience
Where to Meet
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Duration
4 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 15 guests
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Language
English
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Digital Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Experience authentic Hawaiian culture by building an imu and preparing traditional dishes. This hands-on journey supports local communities and offers a deep connection to Hawaii's heritage.

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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Join a truly immersive Hawaiian experience unlike any other lūʻau or tour. Our guests become active participants, helping to build an imu—the traditional Hawaiian underground oven—and preparing traditional dishes as part of a hands-on journey through Hawaii's cultural heritage. This is regenerative tourism in action: we share Hawaiian values of stewardship and respect for the land, inviting you to forge a reciprocal relationship with nature. Imu Mea 'Ai is owned and operated by Men of PA'A, a nonprofit that empowers Native Hawaiian men through meaningful community work. Your participation supports local development and cultural preservation, offering a unique, authentic experience led by native Hawaiians who are committed to keeping their traditions alive for future generations.

Sample Menu

MAIN
Kalua Pork
Pork steamed in an underground oven
MAIN
Kalua Chicken
Chicken steamed in an underground oven
MAIN
Kalua Vegetables
Vegetables - including local sweet potato, kalo (taro), carrots, celery, and more - steamed in an underground oven
DESSERT
Kulolo
Hawaiian desert made with kalo (taro), coconut milk, and honey

What You Get

Bottled water
Activity Guide
Lunch
Gratuities

Good To Know

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

What You’ll Experience

Learn the art and tradition of indigenous Hawaiian food preparation! An imu is an underground oven that uses materials from the Earth to slow cook food to perfection. In this hands-on experience, you’ll get to participate in building an imu from scratch, guided by native Hawaiians whose families have been cooking this way for generations. After the imu is uncovered, you’ll gather for a backyard-style feast, where you’ll savor the slow-cooked kalua pig and other island favorites. This is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural feast that will nourish both body and soul.

Start Time

Start Time / Opening Hours
30/04/2025 - 30/07/2025
16/04/2026 - 18/06/2026

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting Point

15-1380 Auina St, Auina Street, Hawaii County Hawaii, United States, US, 96778

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The meeting point is a place of residence. Please park on the street and walk up the driveway.
End Point

This experience ends at the meeting point.

Cancellation Policy

For experiences with opening hours, the cancellation deadline is 24 hours before the earliest opening time on the scheduled date.

Read more

from  $160.76 
Book Now
Please note that the time is in Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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Number of Guests
Senior
(60 - 80)
0
Adult
(18 - 59)
1
Youth
(13 - 17)
0
Child
(3 - 12)
0
Infant
(0 - 2)
0
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INSTANT CONFIRMATION
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Earliest available date: May 14, 2025
from  $160.76  per guest
Book Now
Please note that the time is in Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
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