Polynesian Cultural Center Pays Tribute To Queen Lili‘uokalani With All-New Hawaiian Lū‘au

Lā‘ie, Hawai‘i – The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) debuts a new show for its award-winning lū‘au, the Ali‘i Lū‘au featuring ‘Onipa‘a, A Tribute to Queen Lili‘uokalani. The new lū‘au show, which celebrates Hawai‘i’s last ruling monarch, will also be the only authentically Hawaiian lū‘au on O‘ahu.

“We are excited to share with our guests, a brand-new show accompanying our award-winning lū‘au at the Polynesian Cultural Center,” said Alfred Grace, president and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center. “Our mission at the Center is to further perpetuate the cultures, people and history of Polynesia through education and hands-on activities. In this same vein, we are honored to be able to share with our guests a glimpse in time that historically and accurately captures Hawai‘i’s rich history through Queen Lili‘uokalani’s life.”

The Ali‘i Lū‘au featuring ‘Onipa‘a, A Tribute to Queen Lili‘uokalani will take its audience through the various stages of the late queen’s life through her own words. The family-friendly production showcases original compositions from the Queen Lili‘uokalani’s archives. New period costume pieces including replicas of Queen Kapi‘olani’s iconic peacock feather gown and then Princess Lili‘uokalani’s ribbon gown were also designed and are featured in the show.

Additionally, revamped seating, a redesigned stage, new lighting and new satellite stages, encourage guests to join in on the interactive lū‘au show.

“It has been an honor to be able to not only pay tribute to Queen Lili‘uokalani and all that she’s done for the people of Hawai‘i, but humbling to be choreographing a show through her own words,” said Pōmaikaʻi Krueger, Kumu Hula for the Polynesian Cultural Center. “Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure that all the finite details are in place, such as learning the two styles of hula – hula kahiko and hula ‘auana – to the handmade costume pieces, and the food presented at the lū‘au in order to authentically showcase Hawai‘i’s unique culture and history. We are extremely proud of the show and am excited to share the queen’s story with our guests.”

In Hawaiian, “‘onipa‘a” means “steadfast,” and the queen’s motto in which she lived by. The new lū‘au show follows the first and only queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom through her life as princess, ascension to the throne, travels and the end to the Hawai‘i monarchy. Each transition through the queen’s life marks her resolute loyalty to the people of Hawai‘i as she navigates the changing times through integrity and honor.

Those who attend the Ali‘i Lū‘au featuring ‘Onipa‘a, A Tribute to Queen Lili‘uokalani are greeted with a flower lei and aloha as they enter the lushly landscaped Hale Aloha Theater, which features a lagoon and dramatic waterfall. From every seat in the house, which can accommodate up to 500 people, guests will see the presentation of the pig as it is uncovered from the imu (underground oven) and blessed. The Royal Court takes the stage and an oli (Hawaiian chant) is performed signaling the start of the new lū‘au show.

The buffet-style menu includes traditional lū‘au buffet which includes selections like kālua pig (steamed pig), island chicken with huli huli sauce and vegan entrees upon request. Other options include lomilomi salmon, poi, taro rolls, salads and a variety of desserts.

For more information about the Ali‘i Lū‘au featuring ‘Onipa‘a, a Tribute to Queen Lili‘uokalani, visit www.polynesia.com. To make reservations or purchase tickets to the Polynesian Cultural center, please visit www.polynesia.com or call 1(800) 367-7060. In Hawai‘i, please call (808) 293-3333.

Keep up-to-date with exclusive offers and promotions with the Polynesian Cultural Center’s ‘Ohana Club. ‘Ohana Club members enjoy complimentary admission to members-only events, special offers and seasonal coupons from the Polynesian Cultural Center, a discount on Polynesian Cultural Center Kama‘āina Annual Passes, and other loyalty rewards.

Membership is free for all Hawai‘i residents with a valid Hawai‘i ID. Registration for the ‘Ohana Club can be completed online at www.polyneisa.com/residents or by calling the Center’s Ticketing Office at (808) 293-3333.

ABOUT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Located on O‘ahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the only cultural tourist attraction of its kind in the world and a favorite of all visitors to Hawai‘i. An engaging, interactive celebration showcasing the people, culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia, the PCC has entertained millions of visitors from around the world since opening in 1963. A non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue goes to daily operations and to support the education of its student-employees from neighboring Brigham Young University-Hawai‘i. For more information, visit www.polynesia.com.

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