b'ROYAL FEASTN owadays, the l`au is regarded among Hawai`is cherished traditions. But when first introduced by King Kamehameha II in 1819, it represented a complete break with ancient Hawaiian custom whichin deference to a THIS PAGE: Culinary events, such as Mealanis Taste ofrigorously held religious systemrequired men and women to the Hawaiian Range and the Hawai`i Food & Wine Festival,eat their meals separately, among many strictly followed beliefs. have been an important part of the Waikoloa Beach ResortUnder Kamehameha IIwhose given name was Liholiho, experience from the very beginning, celebrating the statesbut who was named successor by King Kamehameha I, uniter many cultural influences, and wide range of local grown,of the islandsmany of the traditional religious practices and caught, and raised foods. symbols of Hawai`i were discredited, temples were destroyed, and the old religious kapu system was dismantled. To symbolize for our chefs to choose from, says Wong. With local beef,this break with the ancient ways, he brought men, women and coffee, abalone, and kampachi locally sourced, we look forwardali`i l`au together for a regal feast, and the was born.each year to seeing some great innovations and creativity fromTodays l`au are often spectacular affairs with Polynesian our guest chefs. music, chanting and dancing, and of course bountiful plates of While signature culinary events such as the Hawai`i Food &food. Typical fare will include an imu (pictured above) pig, that is Wine Festival are popular annual gatherings, every day, in fact,cooked in the ground from morning until evening, various types of pokel`auis a dining adventure at Waikoloa Beach Resort, where three, and of course poi. At a resort , guests will be often dozen restaurants, lounges, coffee shops, and take-out eater- by treated to a Polynesian review, with music and dances from around the Pacific. Backyard l`auies present an enticing smorgasbord that perfectly represents are also a popular way for Hawai`iand the world. locals to spend a weekend evening, with great food and music.8 5'