Hula, Aloha, Lei!

I think the original poster is talking about a luau, not Iuau. It's a Hawaiian feast. People may cook a whole pig in the ground, in an imu. Traditional dishes of kalua pig, lau lau, lomi salmon, poi, poke, opihi and haupia may be served. In Hawaii, people associate luaus with celebrations. When a baby turns one year old families throw baby luaus to celebrate. There are graduation luaus as well and in Hawaii there are companies who throw luaus catered to tourists.

I love your description and now I am hungry!