Hukilau Store at Old Lāʻie Bay
| News at the Center | Cultures of Polynesia
There’s something new at Hukilau Marketplace! The Hukilau Store at Old Lāʻie Bay offers T-shirts and other items unique to this location while embracing the rich history of the hukilau in Lāʻie. The 1,400-square-foot store occupies a building formerly used for ticketing, which became available as more guests now purchase tickets in advance. With this transition, organizers saw an opportunity to create a unique shopping experience.
Hawaiian Tradition with a New Twist
The store design honors the history of the Hawaiian hukilau tradition and the early fundraising efforts of the people of Lāʻie. In the 1940s, residents needed money to build a new church and chose to host a hukilau for the entire island of Oʻahu. Anyone could join in casting nets and hauling in the catch. The fresh seafood was cooked and served alongside entertainment, with guests paying to enjoy the evening. This landmark tradition would ultimately inspire what became the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Old North Shore Feel
The most striking visual element inside the store is a canoe created by master carver Tuione Pulotu, highlighting the history of Lāʻie Bay. The canoe’s sail serves as a screen for projected hukilau videos — a creative touch that adds to the cultural atmosphere.
One wall features an oversized black-and-white hukilau photograph paired with the lyrics of the classic song of the same name. Another displays a mural of the North Shore’s Koʻolauloa Mountains stretching to the rafters. Textured weavings by local craftspeople serve as wall coverings, along with other cultural elements that bring authentic island character into the space.
Exclusive Products
The store’s merchandise includes a variety of exclusive items. A one-of-a-kind display case (104” x 194”) presents the full selection of T-shirts, including several designs created by local Oʻahu artists. These winning designs were selected from the Polynesian Cultural Center’s T-shirt competition held in June 2024.
The store has also partnered with Robert Ah Puck, owner of the Big Red Store in Hauʻula. Guests can bring their own digital artwork to be printed on full-color custom shirts using the in-house digital printing machine, producing unique and durable souvenirs.
Additionally, the shop offers polo shirts created exclusively for The Hukilau Store at Lāʻie Bay by Nike, Ogio, and Travis Matthews. Designs range from subtle island-inspired motifs to bold Aloha patterns. Inventory will continue to evolve, ensuring new and fresh offerings over time.
Whether you’re looking for new Hawaiian apparel or simply want to experience the history of the hukilau tradition, a visit to The Hukilau Store at Lāʻie Bay is well worth the stop!
