A One of a Kind Hands on Polynesian Cooking Experience

See it, smell it, taste it, love it! Experience the REAL Polynesia

If you venture beyond the urban buzz of Honolulu and head north, you will quickly find yourself in a tropical landscape that has remained relatively untouched. The small town of Laie rests quietly on Oahu’s North Shore and is home to Hawaii’s number one paid attraction, The Polynesian Cultural Center. As detailed in our mission statement, our purpose is to share with the world the cultures, diversity, and spirit of the nations of Polynesia. With this resolution in mind, we have created an all new hands on experience for those who want to experience the REAL Polynesia.

Using a traditional Samoan umu (fire pit), guests now have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves into the Polynesian culture by preparing their own home cooked island meal. Our host, Creasepaul, guides you through each step from beginning to end. As a native of Samoa, he grew up learning how to live off the land and helped prepare fresh, healthy food for his family. After all, it is Samoan custom that men do the cooking.

While the rocks in the umu are heating up, you will learn the proper way to prepare various Samoan foods including taro, green bananas, breadfruit, and coconut cream dishes such as palusami and fai’ai eleni. Once the food is placed on top of the hot rocks and covered in green leaves, you will then learn how to weave your own ma’ilo (coconut leaf plate). You will discover that nothing goes to waste in Samoa. The real treat begins when you uncover the umu and enjoy the delicious food you made. Creasepaul can also teach you alternative methods of cooking that you can bring back into your home kitchen.

In our effort to preserve and portray the cultures, arts, and crafts of Polynesia, we offer this one of a kind opportunity to learn from those who call Polynesia home. This experience provides an intimate look into the culture. Why come all the way to the islands only to never truly experience it?

This activity is held on select mornings during the week. Registration is limited to 10 guests or fewer. Reservations are exclusively offered through Airbnb Experiences. Click below to learn more and book your adventure today.

Here’s what people are saying:

“One of the best experiences we have had on our first trip to Hawaii. The hosts were kind, funny, knowledgeable, approachable, and open to questions about their culture. This experience was the only one of its kind that we could find on the island. It is hands on but not overly difficult and they walk you through every step. The food is sooo good. I highly recommend this authentic experience!”
– Shantae, Orem, UT

“If you visit Oahu and love cooking you need to put this experience at the top of your activity list. If you do not, it is a crime. We learned to cook Samoan style hands on from preparing food and fire to making our own eating bowls woven from coconut palms to eating the fruits of our labor.”
– Matthew, Norman, OK

Creasepaul instructs participants in preparing food for the outdoor umu.

Still not sure what to expect?

This video gives you a visual walk through.

About the Author

Ottley Wright is a social media and marketing assistant for the Polynesian Cultural Center. His family moved from Samoa to the United States when he was young, and he spent most of his youth in the Midwest. His hobbies include long walks on the beach with his wife and eating lots of food.