Get a Glimpse Into this Under-the-Radar Lūʻau on Oʻahu

Many people make the winding trip on Tantalus-Round Top Drive to the top of Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside for the panoramic views. Yet, few people—visitors or locals—know about the small-scale lūʻau at the park.

The Nutridge Estate is nestled on the slopes of Mount Tantalus, overlooking Honolulu. The estate opened in the 1920s as one of the Islands’ original macadamia nut farms, however, the region’s history goes back further. In ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), puʻu ʻualakaʻa translates to “rolling sweet potato hill,” which points to the Native Hawaiians of old who cultivated ʻuala (sweet potato) on these slopes.

Today, the estate hosts an intimate backyard-style lūʻau unlike others you’ll find around the Islands. Its hillside perch provides unparalleled views—especially as the sun sinks below the horizon. But what really sets this lūʻau apart is the homey setting. Unlike larger productions, which can resemble Vegas-style shows, this lūʻau never has more than 70 guests. The result is a more personal and culturally enriching experience.

Here is a glimpse into a lūʻau at the Nutridge Estate.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The evening begins with an ʻoli (chant) to ask permission to enter the grounds. 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Guests are led throughout the property and each nook serves a different purpose for the lūʻau. Here, guests learn about the origins of lūʻau as well as traditional cooking methods in an ʻimu (underground oven).

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

A small group of performers dance hula throughout the evening. With the intimate venue, guests are always close to the excitement.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Guests are greeted with a complimentary mai tai.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The Nutridge Estate, which once was a macadamia nut farm, continues to grow macadamia nut trees along with native plants, including ʻulu (breadfruit). Being perched on the hillside of Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside, the property offers sweeping views of the island. 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

In enclave of trees, guests watch dances from across Polynesia, including Samoan, Aotearoa and Hawaiʻi. 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The evening includes mesmerizing fire-knife performances.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Between performances and dinner, there is an intermission known as makahiki.  In ancient Hawaiʻi, makahiki was a season of peace and rest. People participated in sports, dance, feasts and religious festivals. At this time war was kapu (taboo).

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The views of the sun setting are unparalleled at Nutridge Estate. 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The backyard-dining setting allows for guests to mingle with other parties.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The buffet includes a variety of Hawaiian and local food unique to Hawaiʻi. 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The meal is one of the most important parts of any lūʻau. At Nutridge Estate guests are served succulent kālua pig, flavorful pulehu chicken, savory lau lau, white rice and creamy haupia. Instead of poi, you can enjoy locally made kalo (taro) burgers. 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Beautiful hula performances carry on throughout the evening.

Learn more about the Nutridge Estate at experiencenutridge.com.