The Hawaiian Imu: A Timeless Tradition of Cooking and Community

Come Thanksgiving morning on the Windward side of Oahu you’re sure to pick up the unmistakable smokey scent of imu in the air as families and communities come together to unearth their holiday cooking done Hawaiian style. The spirit of a communal shared feast blends perfectly with the communal aspects necessary to build and cook in an imu. Turkeys in particular make a great fit for imu cooking as there’s no chance of eating a dry bird after this kind of slow cooking!

The Hawaiian imu, an underground oven, is one of the most iconic symbols of traditional Hawaiian cooking. This ancient technique dates back centuries and remains a cherished practice that connects the diverse communities of people that call these islands home to the deep cultural roots and traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia. The imu is not just a cooking method; it’s a celebration of community, a nod to sustainability, and a testament to the ingenuity of early Hawaiians.

A Brief History of the Imu
The imu has its origins in Polynesia, brought to the Hawaiian Islands by the first settlers. For centuries, it was an essential part of daily life, used to cook large quantities of food for families, villages, and special occasions. Early Hawaiians perfected the imu as a sustainable and efficient method for slow-cooking meals, allowing them to prepare food for large groups using minimal resources.
Imus were especially significant during ʻahaʻaina (feasts) and lāʻauʻaikane (community gatherings), including the famed luʻau. These occasions were marked by communal celebration and sharing, with food cooked in the imu serving as the centerpiece of the event.

Modern Use of the Imu
While the imu is no longer a daily cooking method, it is still widely used during special occasions, such as  luʻau. Hotels and resorts in Hawaii often showcase imu cooking during their luaus, offering visitors a glimpse into Hawaiian culinary traditions. In local communities, the imu continues to bring people together for weddings, graduations, holidays, and other celebrations. Families and neighbors work together to prepare and manage the imu. The process is collaborative, requiring teamwork to dig the pit, prepare the materials, cook the food, and finally, uncover and serve the feast. This communal effort fosters a strong sense of connection and keeps the tradition alive for future generations.

How the Imu is Built

Building an imu is a labor of love and an art passed down through generations. The process begins by digging a large pit, usually about 2-3 feet deep and wide enough to hold the food being cooked. Smooth lava rocks are placed at the bottom of the pit because they retain heat well without cracking.
The imu is heated using a fire built atop the rocks, with hardwood or kiawe (Hawaiian mesquite) used as the fuel. Once the rocks are glowing hot, layers of green vegetation, such as banana leaves, ti leaves, and coconut husks, are added to create steam and prevent the food from direct contact with the rocks.
The food, often wrapped in banana or ti leaves, is then placed on top of the vegetation. A final layer of vegetation is added before the entire pit is covered with burlap sacks, mats, or even sand to trap the heat and steam. The food cooks slowly over several hours, often overnight, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes.

What’s Cooked in an Imu?
Traditionally, the imu was used to cook large quantities of food, making it perfect for feasts and gatherings. The centerpiece is often kalua pig, where a whole pig is seasoned, wrapped, and placed in the imu to roast and steam to perfection. The term “kalua” refers to the cooking method, not the flavor, though the smoky, earthy aroma of imu-cooked dishes is unmistakable. Other traditional imu-cooked foods include uliuli (sweet potatoes), ulu (breadfruit), and fish wrapped in ti leaves. In modern times, creative chefs have added new items like turkey, beef, and even vegetables like taro and squash to the imu, blending tradition with contemporary tastes.

The Imu’s Cultural Significance
Beyond its role in cooking, the imu is a symbol of Hawaiian values like aloha (love and compassion) and mālama ʻāina(caring for the land). The method itself is environmentally friendly, relying on natural materials and sustainable resources. It embodies the Hawaiian spirit of working with the land and sharing abundance with others.

Each year before Thanksgiving there are lots of organizations on Oahu host community fundraisers where residents are invited to drop off food to be cooked in an imu the day before Thanksgiving and then picked up the following morning. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavor and tradition of the imu while supporting communities committed to helping those in need throughout Oahu.

Want to participate in a Thanksgiving Imu?
Check the list below of organizations you can reach out to for more details to volunteer or purchase a ticket to drop off your turkey for the 2024 holiday:

Hawaii Kai: Lunalilo Home Thanksgiving Imu Fundraiser
The Lunalilo Home offers Kupuna care to elders of Hawaiian ancestry in 3 distinct ways: an adult residential care home, an adult day center and kūpuna meals-to-go. Proceeds go to help fund their mission to care for Hawaii’s kupuna in need.
Go to their website: Lunalilo.org
imu@lunalilo.org or (808) 344-5298

Kailua: Kailua High School Imu Fundraiser
Supporting the Kailua High School athletics program
Go to their website for details: kailuahighschool.com/apps/news/article/1664567

Kaneohe: Key Project’s Annual Imu
Non-profit organization Providing a variety of social services to communities from keiki to kapuna on Oahu’s windward side
(808) 239-5777 or info@keyproject.org

Kaneohe: Hakupuu Thanksgiving Imu Fundraiser
Hoala Aina Kupono in partnership with Hakipuu ohana will be hosting a Thanksgiving Imu Fundraiser to support maintenance of Hakipuu loʻi.
Buy tickets here: eventbrite.com/e/hakipuu-thanksgiving-imu-fundraiser-tickets-83392472129

Kapolei: Kapolei Community Development Corporation’s Imu Fundraiser
A nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lifestyle and well-being of Kapolei’s homestead communities.
visit their website to buy imu tickets: kcdchawaii.org

by Honolulu Vibes