“Wow Laulau, What a Lu‘au!!!”

On March 17th at Venus Nite Club, UTOPIA Hawai‘i held its first ever fundraising event, a Polynesian Lü‘au! Over 200 family and friends came out to support us, and we did not disappoint! With over 24 performers and a home-cooked Island cuisine, including palusami, kalua pig, haka siaine, and more, this was most certainly going to be a night to remember! Our decorated Polynesian ensemble took our guests on the wildest canoe ride through the heart of Polynesia. Only, this was the Polynesia that Captain Cook never wrote about!

In respect to our host culture, UTOPIA Hawai’i appropriately opened the evening by honoring Hawaiian protocols with Oli and Hula. From then on, there was no turning back. Guided by the wind and graceful hula hands, our canoe ride began by venturing from Hilo to Hanalei, stopping only momentarily to savor the poi, pineapples, and Sunshine. The ride soon became turbulent as Hawaii’s finest men roared onto the stage to ask one question: how can I serve you, my Ali‘i? (hmmm, I can think of a few things...)

Before long, a soft, caressing wind would steer our canoe south to Rarotonga. The subtle scent of Tiare began permeating through the crowd, mesmerizing all in her path with the elegance of her smile. From the West, the pounding nafa soon called our canoe leeward where a beautiful Hinaleimoana greeted our guests on the shores of Tonga—does anyone know who those hunky Poly men were backing her up? Anyways, no time for souvenirs, the children of Samoa await our arrival with the morning sunrise.

The setting—a small rural village outside of Apia; the men cook, clean, hunt, and take care of the children. In the highlands, a young, notorious village taupou is anxiously awaiting her opportunity to honor her people for the first time. But before she does, our men cut from their busy village life to perform a slap dance, Chandelier style—you had to be there to believe it! As our taupou made her way to the stage, the crowd could hold it in no longer. Shoes came off, chairs began flying, and security was called—THE SAMOANS WERE IN THE HOUSE. As security regained control, a conch shell sounded from the East and our canoe was ready to continue on. It was hard to leave Samoa, but we finally set sail for home, making one final stop in Tahiti. In true Tahitian flavor, our Vahine Purotu decorated the stage and lead the crowd through Bora Bora, the Tu’amotu’s, and finally guiding us safely back to the pearly shelled beaches of Hawai‘i nei for the closing finale. A true island experience indeed!

Many thanks to all who supported our first ever UTOPIA Hawai’i Lu’au. The night was full of good energy and laughter. A special thank you to Aunty Linda for steering our wa’a and keeping the crowd in stitches—the night just wouldn’t have been the same without you! Tonight marked the true spirit of UTOPIA Hawai’i. It is our hope that by sharing with you the cultural diversity of our group, we will continue to perpetuate everything that is beautiful about who we are. See You Next Year!