The Lobby | People
A Night in Ancient Hawai‘i By Joyce Mojica Photos by MD Photography
➳ This year’s Annual Club Lū‘au, envisioned by the Entertainment Committee, paid homage to ancient Hawai‘i. With 370 in attendance, the evening was a deeply intentional celebration of pre-Western con- tact Hawaiian culture where every detail honored the richness of the islands long before outside influence arrived. While recreating a night in ancient times presented its challenges, the Committee rose to the occasion, offering a menu composed entirely of ingre- dients native to Hawai’i and brought by Polynesian voyagers. The culinary experience was a journey in itself, one that Executive Chef Brandon Lee approached with great care. Committed to authenticity, he spent con- siderable time researching each dish to ensure the
menu was true to the culture—and it showed. Guests enjoyed time-honored dishes includ- ing lomi ‘ō‘io with ‘opihi and ho‘i‘o fern and ‘ōpae salad, while a pā‘akai tasting and live pa‘i‘ai demonstration offered a meaningful glimpse into the past. Guests were also invit- ed to partake in kava, served from a large wooden kava bowl, a fitting close to an eve- ning rooted in tradition. The entertainment was equally mem- orable. Multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artists Hōkū Zuttermeis- ter and Kaua‘i’s own Kūpaoa filled the night with the sounds of Hawai‘i, while Kumu Hula Darcey Moniz and Hālau Hula ‘O Puka‘ikapuaokalani brought breathtaking hula to center stage. Attendees left the evening with full hearts, praising the beauty of the night, from the thoughtfully simple décor that featured native and canoe plants, to the authenti- cally prepared food. It was an evening that reminded us all of the depth and spirit of our host culture. Mahalo to the Entertainment Committee, OCC staff, talented artists, and every mem- ber and guest who joined us in honoring the heritage of Hawai’i.
8 AMA | MAY/JUNE 2026
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