Laualaua

Laualaua is a term that appears in various Oceanic language contexts and in English-language writings with differing, often uncertain meanings. There is no single, widely accepted definition, and some sources treat laualaua as a variant spelling or transliteration of related terms rather than a distinct concept.

In its most commonly attested usage, laualaua is encountered as a compound related to the Hawaiian dish lau lau. In this sense, the word is connected to the Hawaiian word lau, meaning leaf, and the dish’s traditional method of wrapping meat in taro or ti leaves before cooking. Lau lau as a dish is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and is typically prepared by wrapping seasoned pork, chicken, fish, or other fillings in leaves and steaming or baking the bundle until tender.

Lau lau itself carries cultural significance in Hawaii, where the dish is associated with family gatherings, celebrations, and luaus. The preparation is labor-intensive and reflects techniques of wrapping, steaming, and layering flavors that are characteristic of traditional Hawaiian cooking.

Because laualaua is not consistently used as a standalone term in a clearly defined sense, it may also appear as a misspelling or archival variant of related terms, or, more rarely, as a proper name in some Pacific Island communities. Given the variability in attestation, readers should consult regional dictionaries or historical texts where the term appears for precise usage.

See also: lau lau.