Hawaiian Imu Cooking Experience Big Island: Build & Feast Underground

Build a traditional imu, cook kalua pork in the earth, eat what your hands prepared

You’ll help build an authentic Hawaiian imu oven with native hosts on Oahu, learn to prepare traditional dishes side by side with locals, and share a backyard feast featuring kalua pork and kalo vegetables. Expect laughter over imperfect folding techniques, honest conversation around the table, and a taste of true island hospitality you’ll remember long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hands-on Hawaiian imu cooking experience

• Build traditional Hawaiian imu oven
• Prepare kalua pork, chicken, and vegetables
• Slow cook food in underground oven
• Uncover imu and gather for feast
• Enjoy backyard-style Hawaiian cultural feast

The experience

Hands covered in damp earth, I watched smoke curl up from the pit as someone handed me a bundle of ti leaves: soft and fragrant, almost sweet. Our guide, Keola, grinned and showed us how to layer them over the hot stones. “This is how my grandfather did it,” he said, and I tried to copy his folding technique but mine looked like a mess. Nobody minded. The whole group was laughing at our attempts, and honestly, it felt like being let in on a family secret.

I’d read about Hawaiian imu cooking before but standing there in Oahu’s humidity (sweat mixing with the smell of roasting pork). I realized how much work goes into this day trip imu experience. There was something grounding about it, literally. Keola’s cousin told us stories about kalo (taro) while we chopped vegetables together. She teased me for calling it “taro” instead of “kalo.” I still think about that moment when everyone went quiet just before we lifted the cover off the oven. The steam hit us first (rich, earthy, almost sweet), and then the sight of kalua pork falling apart under its own weight.

The meal itself felt more like a gathering than a tour. We sat around mismatched tables in the shade, eating kalua chicken and vegetables straight from banana leaves. Someone passed around kulolo for dessert (sticky with coconut milk and honey), and Li laughed when I tried to say it in Hawaiian (I probably butchered it). It wasn’t fancy or staged. Just people sharing food they cared about. I left full but also kind of grateful for being part of something real, even if just for an afternoon.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for building and filling the imu oven together with your local guide, plenty of bottled water to keep you cool in Oahu’s sun, plus a hearty lunch featuring kalua pork, chicken, vegetables from the earth oven, and homemade kulolo dessert: all shared around backyard tables before heading out again.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and WednesdayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Not recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Imu Mea 'Ai Food Tour Hawaii

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is included in the Oahu imu cooking class?

The experience includes bottled water, an activity guide, and lunch featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes cooked in an underground oven.

Is this hands-on or just a demonstration?

This is fully hands-on. You’ll help build the imu oven and prepare food alongside local hosts.

Where does the imu cooking experience take place?

The activity takes place on Oahu and is run by Men of PA'A, a local nonprofit group.

What kind of food will I eat during this tour?

You’ll enjoy kalua pork, kalua chicken, steamed local vegetables including kalo (taro), and kulolo for dessert.

Does this Oahu tour support local communities?

Yes, your participation supports Men of PA'A’s work empowering Native Hawaiian men through cultural preservation projects.