Pacific University luau offers chance to share

Some of those who traveled from across the northwest for Pacific University's luau came for the entertainment: the fierce costumes and variety of dance routines.For others, Saturday's event was a chance to be nostalgic: to savor the foods, music, and atmosphere of Hawaiian culture while still on the mainland."It makes you feel like home," said Kara Yamamoto, a 21-year-old Hawaiian who came from California to attend this year's luau.For 53 years now, the college's Hawaii Club, or Na Haumana O Hawai'i, has brought people from all over the region to partake in what has become the college's largest annual production. The event has sold out for many years running, and brought more than 2,000 people to campus this year."How many times will you ever see parents come and take vacations days to help us out with luau?" asked Edna Gehring, a staff member at Pacific who also serves as the Hawaii Club's adviser.
The Saturday night performance followed a feast of Hawaiian staples such as chicken long rice, poi, kalua pork, and coconut cake, among other dishes. Other food basics could be found at the concession stands, where tins of Spam and rows of sweet rolls were sold.Traveling from Salem, Edward Doak decided to stock up on roasted Kona coffee grounds during the show's intermission. Originally from Oregon, Doak lived in Hawaii from 1986 to 1992 while he served in the Army. It's his second time attending the luau, and he'll no doubt be coming back each year, he said. Primarily for the food.Such is the point: to bring a taste of the islands to the mainland. It's why the planning board starts making preparations for the luau well in advance. And why parents of Hawai'i club members ship more than 5,000 pounds of decor and supplies from the islands in advance of the show.It's also why the dancers, musicians, and singers spend hours upon hours planning and practicing for the big night.Kawika Boro, a senior of the music school who sang 12 different numbers for the show, said the luau is his opportunity to reconnect with the music of his culture.