HOUSE CELEBRATES INAUGURAL LAULAU DAY

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – On May 1, the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives celebrated Hawaiian food and culture by recognizing the first-ever “Laulau Day.”

In 2025, the Legislature enacted Act 270, designating the first Friday of May as Laulau Day. The measure was introduced by Representative Darius K. Kila, seeking to raise awareness of laulau’s cultural significance while celebrating local farmers, chefs, and communities that keep the tradition of the Hawaiian food alive.

“Laulau is more than a beloved island staple; it carries deep cultural and historical meaning. Preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian foods helps honor Native Hawaiian culture and ensures these practices continue to be understood and passed on,” said Representative Darius K. Kila (D-44, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Maʻili).

To mark the occasion, Representative Kila delivered laulau to legislators on the Final Decking deadline for fiscal bills, before and after an evening floor session.

Beyond its cultural importance, laulau holds personal meaning for Rep. Kila and his family. “Laulau helped sustain my family. In many ways, it gave us a path to remain here in Hawaiʻi. It carried us through difficult times and helped put food on our table.”

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