A system and method for generating a hierarchical LUT for implementing a color transformation within a color imaging system. In one embodiment, a coarse LUT is received which comprises a plurality of sub-cubes arrayed on a plurality of coarse levels on a structured coarse grid. Each of the sub-cubes encompasses at least one coarse LUT node. Sub-cubes in the coarse grid are identified that are bisected by a boundary surface of the gamut. Then, each of the identified coarse LUT sub-cubes are associated with fine LUT which comprises a plurality of fine LUT nodes arrayed on a plurality of fine levels on a structured fine grid. A hierarchical LUT is generated from the coarse LUT and the associated fine LUTs. Thereafter, the hierarchical LUT can be used for color transformation within a color imaging system.