Hawaiian Underground Oven Cooking Class in Pāhoa
Build an imu and share Hawaiian culture through food and community
Duration
4 hrs
Includes
Imu building, luʻau meal
Highlights
Join local cultural practitioners and community members for an interactive introduction to Hawaiian traditions. Connect food, family, community, and mālama ʻāina—care for the land—through shared participation.
- Connect with local cultural practitioners and community members
- Discover how food, family, community, and care for the land are connected
- Engage with Hawaiian values, traditions, and stories
- Explore a living cultural tradition shaped by generations
- Share an interactive cultural exchange in an outdoor setting
Itinerary
- Welcome & Check-In Meet your cultural hosts, check in, and get settled before the experience begins.
- Hawaiian Protocol & Introduction Learn about the significance of the imu and participate in a traditional Hawaiian welcome and cultural orientation.
- Hands-On Imu Workshop Help build a traditional Hawaiian imu (underground oven) while learning about its history, purpose, and cultural importance.
- Cultural Demonstrations & Storytelling Engage in interactive cultural activities, hear moʻolelo (stories), and learn about Hawaiian values, traditions, and mālama ʻāina.
- Imu Unveiling Witness the opening of a previously prepared imu and discover how food has been cooked using this traditional Hawaiian method.
- Farm-to-Table Hawaiian Feast Enjoy a delicious meal featuring imu-cooked pork, chicken, taro, sweet potato, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onions, and mushrooms.
- Talk Story & Community Connection Share manaʻo (thoughts), ask questions, and connect with your hosts while learning more about Hawaiian culture and community.
- Closing & Aloha Conclude the experience with final reflections, photos, and a heartfelt aloha from the Imu Meaʻai ʻohana.
Important details
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under 18
- Closed-toe shoes are required for hands-on activities
- Requires independent walking on uneven natural ground and standing for extended periods
- Follow safety instructions and respect cultural protocols throughout the experience
- The experience takes place outdoors and runs rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe
- An allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed
Cancellation Policy
Full refund for cancellations made 15+ days before the tour. 50% refund for cancellations 7–15 days before. No refund within 7 days; rescheduling may be available. Full refund if the operator cancels or reschedules due to safety concerns or weather.
Product ID: E8HCGQ
FAQs
Wear closed-toe shoes. Bring sun protection, a water bottle, and a rain jacket.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and remain under their supervision.
Requires independent walking on uneven natural ground and standing for extended periods. This experience is not recommended for significant mobility limitations.
Meeting details
15-1380 Auina Street, Pāhoa, HI 96778
