Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Activity Guide
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
15-1380 Auina Street
Pāhoa, HI 96778, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
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.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5488284P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 143 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Explore the journey of Kona coffee from tree to cup on this immersive farm tour. Start with an introduction to the various species of coffee...
$5
Cooking a Baumstriezel on an open campfire within an environment almost like a Botanical Garden is the experience you get at Baumkuchenfarm. Eating the warm...
$65
You get a brief description of the history of the property. We show you our vanilla Greenhouse and give you some background and show you...
$10
Set Sail down the Majestic Kona Coastline with breathtaking views of landscaped ledges of ancient lava flows. As you arrive at the "World Famous Captain...
$179
Travelers Who Bought This Activity Also Bought
Hawai‘i Island’s only working salt farm, featured on Guy Fieri’s “Guy Hawaiian Style,” is located on a scenic 7-acre oceanfront site in the Hawai‘i Ocean...
$27
Why Choose Us for Your Manta Ray Night Snorkel? The strongest light power out of any operator…! Choose us if you want the most manta...
$15
A must do while in Hawaii! It's a lifetime opportunity to see up close manta rays feeding and interacting with other ocean creatures under the...
$94
Our tours depart from the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii. Discover the beauty of Kona's underwater world aboard Marian, a 36-foot (10-meter), custom-designed glass-bottom boat....
$72
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Hawaii customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the activity start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the activity start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the activity local time (HST).
- This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lunch.
- Bottled water.
- Activity Guide.
- Gratuities.
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This activity requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Hawaii. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Activity Guide
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
