Performers deliver a haka during Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi’s 2025 lūʻau, energizing the audience with one of the event’s most celebrated traditions. The dance will not be included in both shows at this year’s expanded event, as the earlier hōʻike offers a condensed program without it.

Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi, the university’s Hawaiian culture club, is expanding its signature annual lūʻau this year by offering two shows tomorrow, March 28 — a first for the organization. The addition comes after years of tickets selling out quickly, leaving many students unable to attend what has become one of the most anticipated cultural events on campus. 

The new earlier exhibition, or hōʻike, will serve as a condensed version of the full lūʻau experience. Unlike the evening’s main event, the hōʻike will not include the group’s celebrated haka performance or a formal food service, but it will still offer attendees an authentic taste of Hawaiian music, dance and culture. 

Kawena Kekauoha, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and this year’s lūʻau chair, said the decision to add a second show grew organically from years of community feedback. 

“In previous years, we’ve sold out very quickly, so expanding felt like the right next step,” Kekauoha said. “This idea grew from input from students, faculty and staff who wanted more opportunities to attend.” 

Kekauoha also credited the team behind the scenes, saying support from the club’s executive board gave her the confidence to take on a project of this scale. 

“They have all been incredibly supportive every step of the way,” she said. 

Despite differences between the two shows, Kekauoha emphasized that the spirit of the event will remain consistent. 

“Although the two shows may have slight differences, they will carry the same passion, heart and love that we bring every year,” she said. 

“There is so much work happening behind the scenes — from the executive planning, the countless hours our dancers spend rehearsing, to the time and energy our supporting organizations contribute. It truly takes a village.” 

The hōʻike is also being offered at a lower price point, a deliberate choice to make the event more accessible. Attendees of the earlier show will receive first access to the country store and a first look at performances before the main lūʻau begins. 

For students who have attended before, the expanded access is a welcome development. Sorin Beals, a junior in the Heider College of Business who has attended the lūʻau the past two years, said the production quality is a major reason demand has grown. 

“It’s obviously a high-quality production,” Beals said. “The people involved have clearly put in a lot of time and effort. They also get support and volunteers from friends and even family back home. It’s all very well-done, and I think that’s why the demand is so high.” 

Beals said he plans to attend again this year and is looking forward to seeing his friends perform. He is especially anticipating the haka. 

“The haka is the best because it gets everyone hyped, and you can feel the power even from the audience” he said. 

“I’m also excited to enjoy the Hawaiian food again,” Beals added. 

Tickets for the morning hōʻike March 28 are still available at cuhoike.org. While the evening lūʻau is already sold out, those interested in the hōʻike are encouraged to act quickly, as tickets historically go fast.