Katie Sagal

Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Looking for something new and exciting to check out on your next Hawaiian vacation? The Hukilau Marketplace, located adjacent to the perennially popular Polynesian Cultural Center, is a brand new attraction in Oahu this season. This haven of old-time Hawaiian culture is the perfect destination for travelers. In fact, you couldn’t find a better place for great artisan souvenirs and authentic dining in all of Oahu! Combine a visit to the Hukilau Marketplace with other great attraction visits and save when you use a Go Oahu® Card. Enjoy top tours, museums, and cruises for 55% off combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Image of Fire, Flame,

What’s Inside the Marketplace?

Image Credit: hukilaumarketplace.com
The Hukilau Marketplace offers a wide variety of authentic vintage Hawaiian experiences, goods, and food. With more than 40 shops, places to eat, and attractions, the Marketplace should be added to anyone's Oahu vacation itinerary. Many of the stores at the Hukilau Marketplace have longstanding ties to Laie, the North Shore, and Polynesia, so they offer distinctive items not available at any other major tourist shopping center in Hawaii. Here are a few of our favorite highlights.

Performances at the Marketplace

Soak up the enchanting performances of native music and dance that occur daily. This isn’t your conventional tourist-fare, either – this is real authentic dancing you would see decades ago in Old Laie. It’s a great complement to the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali'i Luau. Best of all, these performances are totally free!

Dining at the Marketplace

Image Credit: hukilaumarketplace.com
Looking to dine Hawaiian-style? Then you’ve come to the right place! Enjoy the food that was popular in the 1950s, from pani popo to lupulu and more. Learn about these authentic dishes as you chow down, and then ask for more! The fare here can compete with any expensive dinner elsewhere. A few places to check out include... Pounders Restaurant is a full service restaurant which has island inspired menu items for both lunch and dinner. Named after Pounders Beach, which is a popular Laie bodysurfing spot. Poi Boy Dogs is a small kiosk that offers quick, grab-and-go style food featuring polish hot dogs. Mmmm. Aunty Emily's Polynesian Bakery sells Polynesian baked favorites like panipopo (Samoan desserts featuring bread smothered in coconut milk) and malasadas (Portuguese fried donuts).

Shopping at the Marketplace

Image Credit: hukilaumarketplace.com
If you’re in the market for a unique souvenir that truly reflects traditional Hawaiian culture, you’ve come to the right place. The Hukilau Marketplace features dozens of kiosks and little shops that offer everything from aloha wear to island home décor. You’ll also find locally-made artisan jewelry and other crafts, plus Polynesian paintings and sculpture. Hapa Home is an island inspired home accent store, including throw pillows, wall coverings, island and hula-style ceramics, art pieces, Hawaiian style quilts, wicker baskets, and more. Na Hoku Jewelry is located in the Hapa Home store and features Hawaii and island style fine jewelry which includes Tahitian black pearls and mother of pearl. There is also an impressive selection of diamond and gem creations as necklaces, pendants, chokers, earrings, and more. Nona’s Tropical Threads offers island style clothing for men, women and children. Even better, your purchases can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Insider Tips for Visiting

Image Credit: hukilaumarketplace.com
When planning your trip to the Hukilai Marketplace, a few things to keep in mind...
  • Admission is totally free! Parking is totally free! Yay for free things!
  • The term “hukilau” refers to an impromptu luau on the beach, notably in Laie. “The Hukilau Song” is, in fact, named after this popular event. Let’s all sing along now!
  • Be sure to leave some time to explore the famed Polynesian Cultural Center, one of Oahu’s most popular attractions.
  • Don’t forget to partake in the fun canoe rides available at the marketplace!
  • Follow the Hukilau Marketplace on social media for up-to-date info about current events and new offerings.

Hours & Location

Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 9:30 pm 55-370 Kamehameha Highway Laie, HI 96762 Contact Info: 800-367-7060

Save on Admission

So be sure to add the Hukilau Marketplace to your Oahu itinerary! And remember, if you’re interested in visiting the adjacent Polynesian Cultural Center and other great Oahu attractions, you can save up to 55% on admission with the Go Oahu® Card.
Love this article? Why not share it:

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 90 days from your purchase date.

Find out more

Help

Confused? We're here to help!

See our FAQs

We're kind of popular, but don't just take our word for it.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon