59th Annual Lu'au Set for Saturday, April 13

The 59th annual Pacific University Lū'au, presented by student Hawai‘i Club Nā Haumāna O Hawai‘i, takes place Saturday, April 13 on the university's Forest Grove Campus. This year's theme is “E mālama ʻia nā pono o ka ʻāina e nā ʻōpio,” which translates to, "The traditions of the land are perpetuated by its youth."

The annual celebration is considered by many to be one of Washington County's signature events and is believed to be the largest student-run Lu'au on the West Coast. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with an authentic Lū'au meal featuring traditional staples kalua pig, chicken long rice, teriyaki chicken, poi, haupia, coconut cake and punch. A spectacular show, led and performed entirely by Pacific students, will follow at 6:30 p.m. and includes traditional Polynesian dances, music and other entertainment.

As in past years, admission to the Lu'au has sold out in advance, but those wishing to see the show can attend the dress rehearsal on Friday, April 12. Tickets, available at the door, are $20, or $10 for Pacific faculty, staff and students. Enter through the doors on the east end of the Stoller Center to get tickets. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the rehearsal begins at 6:30 p.m.

Pacific's Lū‘au, the primary fundraiser for NHOH activities and community service events, is a large collaborative effort of more than 300 student members, as well as their family members, university faculty and staff, and other local community members.

NHOH was founded in 1959 by 16 students from the islands of Hawaiʻi under the guidance of Dr. Fred Scheller and Dr. A.C. "Hap" Hingston. The club's membership grew rapidly, and by 1962, 60 members represented five of the eight islands of Hawaiʻi. Today, the student club is open to any student interested in learning more about the culture of Hawai‘i. NHOH members actively share their island traditions by performing at various functions both on and off the university campus.

Students from Hawai‘i comprise about 14 percent of the undergraduate student body at Pacific. Pacific has a number of scholarships available for Hawai'i residents, and provides comprehensive support to students from Hawai'i and their families through its Office of Hawai'i Outreach and Programming.

For more information, please visit pacificu.edu/luau.