What it is
The Hukilau Marketplace is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment area located adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Lāʻie, on Oahu's North Shore. It was opened in 2015 as part of a major enhancement project for the PCC. The marketplace is designed to evoke the charm of 1950s Hawaii and the spirit of "Old Lāʻie," recreating a hometown feel with quaint shops and traditional food. It serves as a gathering place for both visitors and local residents, offering a diverse array of retail, dining, and activity providers. The name "Hukilau" refers to a traditional Hawaiian community fishing event and feast that inspired the founding of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Visitor experience
Visitors to Hukilau Marketplace can experience a retro ambiance with island music, string lights, and vintage touches. It features over 40 retail, dining, and activity providers, including various food trucks and Lāʻie's only full-service restaurant, Pounders Restaurant. Food options range from Hawaiian dishes and fresh seafood to international flavors like Thai, Mexican, and New Zealand cuisine, as well as sweets like malasadas, crepes, shave ice, and Dole Whip. Shops offer local products, Hawaiian-inspired souvenirs, gifts, apparel, jewelry, and artwork, with some specializing in items like ukuleles or longboards. The marketplace often hosts free live performances and cultural demonstrations. It provides a lively atmosphere where visitors can browse, eat, and relax, serving as a good stop for those exploring the North Shore or visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Logistics
The Hukilau Marketplace is situated at 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy Bldg 5, Lāʻie, HI 96762, USA, directly outside the entrance of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- Access: It is easily accessible by car, approximately a 15-minute drive from Turtle Bay, 30 minutes from Haleiwa, and an hour from Waikiki. Public bus routes also serve the area.
- Hours: The marketplace is generally open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though specific vendor hours may vary. It is closed on Sundays and some Wednesdays, typically when the Polynesian Cultural Center is also closed.
- Admission & Parking: Admission to the Hukilau Marketplace is free, and ample free parking is available in the Polynesian Cultural Center's large parking lot. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available.
- Duration: It can be a quick stop for a snack or souvenir, or a longer visit for a meal and browsing the shops, making it suitable for a couple of hours or as part of a half-day exploration, especially if combined with other nearby attractions.
- Amenities: The marketplace offers restrooms and free Wi-Fi.
- PCC Connection: Guests can purchase tickets for a 15-minute canoe ride into the PCC from the Hukilau Marketplace kiosk.
Safety and cautions
There are no specific safety warnings or major cautions identified for the Hukilau Marketplace beyond general visitor awareness for a public shopping area. As an outdoor venue, guests should be mindful of weather conditions and sun exposure. Standard precautions for personal belongings should be observed.
Editorial take
The Hukilau Marketplace is a highly recommended stop for most visitors to Oahu, particularly those exploring the North Shore or planning to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's a great choice for travelers seeking local food, unique souvenirs, and a glimpse into Hawaii's mid-century charm without the commitment or cost of a full PCC ticket. It fits well as a lunch stop, a place for an evening meal before or after a luau, or simply to browse for gifts.
Prioritize it if:
- You are visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center and want dining and shopping options just outside the main attraction.
- You are driving the North Shore and are looking for a convenient, family-friendly stop for food and local goods.
- You appreciate marketplaces with a specific theme and cultural connection.
Skip it if:
- You are looking exclusively for high-end luxury shopping or a quiet, secluded experience, as it can be bustling, especially around PCC opening and closing times.
- Your itinerary is extremely tight and you only have time for the Polynesian Cultural Center itself.
Not to be confused with:
- The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) itself, which is a separate, ticketed attraction offering immersive cultural villages, luaus, and shows. The Hukilau Marketplace is adjacent to and part of the PCC's campus, but it has free admission and operates independently in terms of access.
- Other towns on the North Shore, like Haleiwa, which offer a different, more surf-town-centric shopping and dining atmosphere.
Source notes
- Hukilau Marketplace Official Website: https://hukilaumarketplace.com/
- About Hukilau Marketplace: https://hukilaumarketplace.com/about-us/
- Polynesian Cultural Center - Hukilau Marketplace: Eating International on the North Shore – Part II: https://www.polynesia.com/blog/hukilau-marketplace-eating-international-on-the-north-shore-part-ii
- Polynesian Cultural Center - Hours of Operation: https://www.polynesia.com/visit-us/hours-of-operation
- Go City - Free things to do near Polynesian Cultural Center: https://gocity.com/en-us/oahu/blog/free-things-to-do-polynesian-cultural-center
- Travel Weekly - 'Sights and tastes of old Laie' at Oahu attraction's new marketplace: https://www.travelweekly.com/Hawaii-Travel/Sights-and-tastes-of-old-Laie-at-Oahu-attractions-new-marketplace
