Hukilau Marketplace, an island-inspired retail and dining center, has opened at Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center.
The first phase of the Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie, Hawaii just opened to the public; an additional 40-plus retail, dining and activity businesses will be ready for the Feb. 20 grand opening.
Hukilau Marketplace, with its own separate entrance, stands out in front of the Polynesian Cultural Center and easily accessible for anyone making the scenic drive on Kamehameha Highway. It offers visitors a chance to “experience a piece of Polynesia’s culture without having to pay admission,” said Alfred Grace, president & CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center. “We’ve put a lot of research, planning and thought into offering foods, products and a quality experience reminiscent of the sights and tastes of old Laie, making a day trip to the North Shore even more worthwhile.”
Hukilau Marketplace
The marketplace is built partially on underused parking spaces and blended into an underutilized section of the PCC grounds next to the Pacific Theater, site of the Ha: Breath of Life evening show. Hours for the marketplace are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Laie General Store
Many of the stores have longstanding ties to Laie and Oahu’s North Shore, among them the two newly opened anchors—Laie General Store and Hapa Home Store. Laie General Store pays homage to the legacies of three beloved neighborhood businesses—Goo’s Plantation Store, Laie Credit and Laie Curios. The decor and memorabilia are reminiscent of Laie’s plantation era when these family-run community stores were formed, including an exact working replica of the old jukebox that sat in front of Goos’s for many years. Laie General Store offers Hawaii and Polynesian-style souvenirs. Hapa Home Store features island-inspired furnishings and lifestyle products.
Hapa Home store, an anchor at Hukilau Marketplace
Nona’ Tropical Threads, offering island fashions for men women and children, is named after Nona Warner, the PCC’s recently retired seamstress. Other shops will specialize in ukuleles and high-end Hawaiian jewelry. Eateries will include Pounders, a full-service restaurant serving local specialties; Polynesian Bakery; and Roulotte Court, providing a Tahiti-inspired “street eats” experience with plates of steak, fish and chicken served from food trucks. Various kiosks and carts will sell foods, handicrafts and local artwork. In addition, there will be free, live entertainment.
Outrigger Canoe Paddling, Polynesian Cultural Center
Another new PCC attraction is the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame exhibit gallery, which was dedicated Jan. 24 in the new guest orientation center adjacent to Hukilau Marketplace. The gallery showcases Polynesia’s greatest football players, coaches and contributors with plaques, photos, mementos, an interactive display and wall of honor. The six 2015 inductees honored at the Hall’s recent dedication were preceded by the inaugural class of seven inducted in 2014.
The non-profit PCC, staffed by students from neighboring Brigham Young University-Hawaii, has entertained more than 37 million visitors since its founding in 1963 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It consists of six recreated island villages—Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tahiti, Tonga and Fiji.
Samoa Umu Cooking
$100 Million in Improvements
The Hukilau Marketplace is one of the PCC’s last major projects being completed as part of the $100 million in facility and experiential improvements that have been ongoing for the past five years. Other recent improvements of note include:
- A rejuvenated Hawaii Village with a design and presentation inspired by the ahupuaa (land division used by ancient Hawaiians, usually extending from the uplands to the sea) that features new activities, architecture and exhibits honoring the native Hawaiian culture.
- Hawaiian Journey, a new cinematic experience housed in a theater built to resemble a volcano and shown on a state-of-the art, high-definition, digital projection system with a 40’x74’ screen, the largest in Hawaii. The presentation brings to life the story of native Hawaiians and their connection to the aina (land) utilizing special effects that touch all senses.
- Renovation of Hale Aloha, home to the Alii Luau experience that features delicious cuisine and the lively entertainment of the Hawaiian Islands.
- Revitalized Samoa Village, historically one of PCC’s most popular venues due to its fire making and coconut husking demonstrations.
- Renovated Aotearoa Village, featuring intricately designed carvings in the native Totara timber of New Zealand honoring Hawaikiroa, the ancient Polynesian navigator.
(www.polynesia.com, www.hukilaumarketplace.com)
