A number of exciting projects to benefit our communities are moving forward!
Recent newsletters have focused on the Foodland & Aloha gas station and McDonald's relocation. In this edition we highlight the Polynesian Cultural Center's Hukilau Marketplace, and feature some photos of on-going construction of the Laie hotel.
PCC's Hukilau Marketplace Opening Early Next Year
An impressive new variety of Polynesia-inspired dining, retail and product offerings is coming to our community next year with the opening of the Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
As residents have noticed during construction, the Hukilau Marketplace will be placed out front of the PCC and be accessible to those making the scenic drive on Kamehameha Highway. Scheduled to open in January 2015, Marketplace admission and parking (with validation) will be free as visitors and residents shop, eat, or simply stop to stretch their legs from a day of sightseeing on the North Shore. There will be also free, live entertainment to enjoy on a regular basis.
"The Hukilau Marketplace is a huge undertaking for the Polynesian Cultural Center and a first for us, as people will be able to come and experience a piece of Polynesia's culture without having to pay admission," said Alfred Grace, President & CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center. "We've put a lot of research, planning and thought into offering foods, products and a quality of experience reminiscent of the sights and tastes of old Laie, making a daytrip to the North Shore even more worthwhile."
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| Hukilau Marketplace - new dining and retail offerings |
Encompassing 119,000 square feet and positioned closer to Kamehameha Highway, the Hukilau Marketplace is being built next to the Pacific Theater, site of the award-winning Ha: Breath of Life evening show. Entering through the PCC won't be necessary as the Hukilau Marketplace will have its own separate entrance and be open for longer hours, 10 am-10 pm, Monday through Saturday.
The diversity of new shops, dining options and product offerings will appeal to both visitors and residents (examples below). Notably, the Hukilau name and the dining and retail offerings are a tribute to Laie's fascinating heritage and longstanding legacy of cultivating the people and culture of Polynesia. As long-time residents will recall, the hukilau was the inspiration for creating the PCC experience, which opened in 1963.
Long before the PCC was established, fishermen in Laie used to "hukilau" or throw nets around schools of fish, then bring them to shore for the community to enjoy. The experience was so enjoyable, it led to a catchy tune, The Hukilau Song, composed in 1948.
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| Conceptual rendering of Pounder's Restaurant |
Grace added, "Everything about the Hukilau Marketplace will be true to our community, with many specialty foods and goods that aren't readily available elsewhere on Oahu. It's being designed to appeal to visitors and residents alike with an experience that is in keeping with our celebration of Polynesia's culture and people."
Following is a preliminary listing of the dining and retail offerings being introduced at Hukilau Marketplace in January 2015. A more complete listing will be available closer to the opening date.
- Pounder's Restaurant - Full-service restaurant serving island-inspired entrées for lunch and dinner (and eventually breakfast, at which time it will open at 6:00 a.m.).
- Polynesian Bakery - Offering traditional Polynesian baked favorites, such as meat pies, panipopo, malasadas, etc.
- Roulotte Court - Providing a Tahiti-inspired "street eats" experience, with plates of steak, chicken and fish served from food trucks.
- Confection Store - Offering chocolate-dipped treats, cookies, and candies.
- Food/Retail Kiosks and Carts - Spread throughout the marketplace, these kiosks and carts will provide various offerings, such as barbecue plates, specialty hot dogs, crepes, frozen custard (such as lilikoi and haupia), baked goods, as well as Polynesian handicrafts, local artwork, community t-shirts and headwear, etc.
- Laie General Store - Offering souvenirs, gifts, and handy items of convenience.
- Hapa Home Store - Offering specialty home furnishings and lifestyle products.
- Free Entertainment - This open stage area located in front of Pounder's Restaurant will present guests with live performances of music and dance on an ongoing basis.
- In addition, PCC is finalizing contracts with vendors to provide the following:
- Ukulele Shop
- High-End Hawaiian Jewelry
- Sports/Outdoor Activities - Ocean sports and bicycle sales, rentals, etc.
- Specialty Burgers
- Ice Cream
- Lunch Wagon
- Shrimp Truck
A few leasing opportunities are still available. Providers of quality products and services consistent with what the Hukilau Marketplace is offering can contact the PCC for more information.
A community open house and dedication is expected sometime before the official opening of the Marketplace - we'll keep everyone informed as details become available!
Laie Hotel Construction Photo Update
Construction of the Laie Courtyard by Marriott hotel is moving ahead, on schedule. The photos below were taken over the last couple of weeks and chronicle the good progress.
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Aerial view of Laie hotel construction site
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View of construction facing makai
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View of construction facing towards Laie Point
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Hotel wing - note the layout of future rooms taking shape
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View across the entryway towards hotel wing
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We'll continue to provide our community with updates as work on this project and others move forward.
