Elio Fiapai, left, and Jude Goodwin perform with coconut shells at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Samoan Luau” where Samoan fare such as sapasui (noodles), fasi pua’a (pork) and faiai elgi (fish with coconut milk) are served. (Cindy Ellen Russell / crussell@staradvertiser.com)
Nina Wu / nwu@staradvertiser.com
Kapeneta Te’o-Tafiti makes an ideal host for the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Island Luau,” which made its debut May 20.
The Samoan Village’s senior ambassador can climb coconut trees or weave a basket of coconut fronds within minutes.
‘ISLAND LUAU’Where: Polynesian Cultural Center When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays Cost: $49.40-$74.95 Info: polynesia.com, 293-3333 or 800-367-7060 Note: Prices include entry to all seven island villages, access to all Go Native! activities at the villages, viewing of “Hawaiian Journey” at the IMAX Theatre and reserved seating at “Ha: Breath of Life.” |
On top of that, he’s a master fireknife dancer, a great storyteller and an artist.
He holds the title of pipi, or talking chief, of Salelologa on Savaii, the big island of Samoa.
Going to PCC’s “Island Luau” is much like being invited to a Samoan home’s backyard, where you become an honored guest offered food, drink and entertainment in an outdoor setting.
Te’o-Tafiti greets the crowd with a big “talofa!” and mixes humorous dialogue with narrative.
“To me the most important part of this is to showcase a living culture,” said Te’o-Tafiti.
Just an hour long, the luau, which is offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at the center’s Samoan Village, packs in quite a lot.
You’ll be greeted with a shell lei, serenaded by a band and introduced to the Samoan chief’s court.
The buffet includes some usual fare such as tossed green salad, teriyaki strip loin and kalua pork and rice but also offers Samoan dishes like raw fish in coconut cream and sweets like puligi (cake) with custard sauce. Don’t miss it when the whole, roasted pig is brought out.
The entertainment includes performances by men and women in joyful Xdances dedicated to the coconut tree, using brooms and coconut shells.
The men do a fa’ataupati, or Samoan slap dance, and a woman solos as her admirers woo her in the background.
There’s a basket-weaving demonstration onstage; guests are invited to learn how to weave a coconut plate.
Couples celebrating engagements or anniversaries are invited (sometimes coaxed) to get up and dance to the Samoan version of the “Hawaiian Wedding Song.”
The highlight is a stunning keiki fireknife dance by Te’o-Tafiti’s two sons, Lafai and Fatu, as well as junior division fireknife champion KJ Ahloy.
KJ, Lafai and Fatu demonstrate their skills with aplomb and confidence, wowing the audience. Lafai and Fatu perform a duo together, while KJ does a solo.
Avii Magele, left, Karen Logo, Tili Lafele and Rita Aumua perform the siva salu dance. (Cindy Ellen Russell / crussell@staradvertiser.com)
The luau price includes access to all seven island villages at the center, as well as a viewing of the 12-minute film “Hawaiian Journey” at the IMAX Theatre, a multisensory experience that tells the story of the people of Hawaii’s connection to the land and their ancestors.
THE documentary, narrated by Al Harrington, takes viewers on an aerial tour of Hawaii, along sheer cliffs and between verdant valleys, providing a connection native Hawaiians have to the isles and their ancestors.
When the scenery moves over a cliff, seats tilt, and when waves crash against a rocky shoreline, seawater mists the audience.
Guests enjoy the food at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Samoan Luau.” Alysha Lynch, left, foreground, and Chris Murphy visited from Newcastle, Australia. (Cindy Ellen Russell / crussell@staradvertiser.com)
Admission to Island Luau will also allow the audience to stay and watch “Ha: Breath of Life,” a coming-of-age story featuring more than 100 performers from across the Pacific.
This summer the Polynesian Cultural Center is also offering kamaaina specials until Aug. 31.
For $15, kamaaina get admission to “Hawaiian Journey” and a full day of activities, including a canoe ride and visits to the island villages and exhibits, including the recently renovated Hawaii Village. For an evening experience, kamaaina can also buy a $25 dinner and show special, which includes admission to “Ha.”