Nineteenth annual Luau to take place Apr. 6

On Saturday, Apr. 6, the Ho’olokahi Polynesian Alliance (HPA) will be putting on their 19th annual luau, a night of cultural immersion celebrating Polynesian culture.

The annual luau is one of the biggest student-lead events that the community can attend, with students having the opportunity to eat Hawaiian food, listen to music and have a good time. “We choreograph various dances of Hula, Tahitian, Haka, all of which are different types of dances of different Polynesian cultures,” HPA Coordinator Shelbi Tomita said.

The luau is $25 for student admission, and $35 for general admission. There is also a VIP table option, which hosts 10 people at $40 each. “We offer different types of VIP tables, mainly for sponsorships. Sponsors can choose what kind of VIP table they want and that can either include logo advertisement around campus versus only on the program, meet and greets, etcetera,” Tomita said. “VIP get seconds on food, unlimited open bar, and tables closer to the stages compared to General Admission.”

HPA is actively recruiting and is now the biggest alliance of the Cultural Inclusion Council, formerly known as the Cultural Diversity Board. Tomita stressed that the club isn’t just for students of Polynesian nationality, but welcomes others that would like to learn more about the culture in general. “Like every alliance, our club is designed to be a home away from home. Hawaii students make a big change coming to a state so different from what they’re used to,” Tomita said.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Apr. 6, with dinner at 6 and a show at 6:30, located in the University Center Ballroom.