Which Hawaiian athlete won the decathlon in the 2001 Olympics? Knowing the answer (Brian Clay) was enough to win junior David Changa-Moon an authentic Hawaiian prize at the 15th annual luau.
“I’ve gone to the luau every year and I think it is a wonderful event. I love the dancing and the music, the flowers are always really nice, and I really like the people,” Changa-Moon said.
The luau, hosted by the campus Hui Aloha club, took place on Sat. April 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Each guest paid $5 for Hawaiian pork, chicken, tofu, desserts and vegetable skewers, plus music and dance performances and a chance to win Hawaiian souvenirs during trivia.
Almost all decorations and prizes were brought back from Hawaii by members of Hui Aloha. Club co-president Mia Langer, junior, said that they try to make this event as authentic as possible. The dancers’ outfits, for instance, were made from Hawaiian cloth and sewn by senior Jill Morita.
“We try to make it like real Hawaii, without the plastic,” said Langer.
Senior Kaston Griffin, the MC for this event, energized the audience by quizzing them with questions such as “What year was Brook Lee crowned Miss Universe?” and “Which elementary school did president Barack Obama attend?” The Testostertones performed, and during quiet moments the attendees could occupy themselves with crayons and paper tablecloths.
This year is Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood, and co-president Carli Ing said that it influenced the tone of this particular luau.
“This year’s luau is special, so we tried to tone down the fakeness and provide people with more information. Hopefully we’ll follow in that direction from now on,” she said.
Planning for the luau extends throughout the entire school year, and the event represents the culmination of the club’s work. Hui Aloha is the campus Hawaiian Club, but both presidents made it clear that you do not have to be Hawaiian to join.
“We have about 20 active members, and only half of them are from Hawaii,” said Ing.
“Throwing this luau lets us all come together and share what we know about Hawaii with the community,”
-Mia Langer, ’10
Langer thought that the luau was a success, but added that it was difficult to get as many people to attend as they had in previous years.
“Because it took place so soon after Spring Break, we had just one week to advertise, sell tickets, and try to solidify our dances,” she said. Both copresidents thought the luau was their favorite club event.
“Throwing this luau lets us all come together and share what we know about Hawaii with the community,” Langer said.
