Imu

The Hawaiian earth oven, structurally related to hangi, lovo, and umu, most famously used to slow-cook whole pig (kalua pig) for luau celebrations.

Material & Construction

Heated volcanic stones and a constructed earth pit, with the whole pig and other food wrapped in banana and ti leaves before being covered and steamed for many hours.

Traditional Uses

Cooking kalua pig and other foods for luau celebrations, one of the most internationally recognized examples of Pacific earth-oven cooking given the luau's prominence in Hawaiian tourism.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

Not commercially available as equipment; some restaurant and luau tourism operations recreate imu cooking for visitors, alongside its continued traditional and ceremonial practice within Hawaiian communities.

Care & Maintenance

No standing equipment to maintain beyond stone reuse; the pit is typically reconstructed for each occasion.

The hāngī, lovo, umu and imu are four closely related, independently maintained Pacific earth-oven traditions; imu cooking is at the heart of the Hawaiian lūʻau meal.