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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 (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hands-On Hawaiian Imu Cooking and Cultural Dining Experience?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-5488284P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 148 traveler reviews collected by Cool Hawaii and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
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 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
