A long-standing tradition for Pacific, the annual Lu’au performance shows off diversity, culture and dedication to dance. Presented by Nā Haumāna O Hawai’i, the visual appealing talent demonstrated during Lu’au draws in 2,000 audience members.
“The importance of Lu’au to Pacific is that it helps the Hawaiian community share our culture with the world and it shows that Pacific University is supportive with perpetuating the Hawaiian culture,” said junior Landon Aano who is a dance instructor, dancer and a member of the Lu’au board.
“We have a couple new dances, new people and a few surprises during Lu’au,” said Aano.
Students in NHOH bond as an ‘Ohana over the two month training period before Lu’au, but many of the students are surrounded by their actual ‘Ohana. More than 100 parents, siblings, grandparents, aunties and uncles come, many a week in advance to work on decorations, making this the largest student organized Lu’au on the west coast.
“Students should come to Lu’au because it is exciting and they get to see their fellow classmates in a different element than school or sports,” said Aano. “It is also great to spend quality time with friends and enjoy great company. ”
A dinner will be served for those who purchased it with their ticket or for a block meal price at the University Center. The prepared meal includes native Hawaiian foods.
Every year there is an average of 5,000 pounds of cargo shipped from the Hawaiian Islands to Pacific. At tables there will be specialties flown in from Hawai’i such as fresh pineapples, cookies, chocolate covered macadamia nuts, leis, jams, jellies and more.
Sixteen students founded the The Hawaiian Club, now known as NHOH, in 1959. From then it has grown to represent eight Hawaiian Islands and includes mainlanders interested in Hawaiian culture, all of which make up its more than 300 members.
It all begins April 13 with the 53rd annual Lu’au dinner at 4:30 p.m. in the UC. Doors open for the show at 5:30 p.m. The Lu’au performance starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Stoller Center. For ticket information visit boxofficetickets.com and search for Lu’au. For further questions contact luau@pacificu.edu.
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