Whether you want sweet or savory, Hukilau Marketplace, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s new outdoor shopping and dining complex, likely has something to satisfy your appetite.
Food trucks and carts run by local families offer everything from crepes and baguette sandwiches to plate lunches, Tahitian-style poke, tropical smoothies and frozen Greek yogurt.
The open-air shopping center, which celebrated its opening last week, was designed as a throwback to 1930s Laie. There are more than 40 shopping, eating and activity options.
Pounders, a spacious new restaurant named after the popular bodysurfing spot, is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Chef de cuisine Sean Priester, former executive chef of Top of Waikiki and owner of the popular Soul Patrol food truck, has devised a menu featuring fresh and local farm ingredients whenever possible.
The restaurant’s showcase is an open kitchen with a kiawe wood-burning brick pizza oven. Priester’s dough is made from Italian "caputo" flour. Pizzas are $12 to $15.
He said the cuisine could be described as contemporary American with a local twist. Starters include seared beef poke, candied bacon and crab cakes with lilikoi dressing. His signature comfort foods, such as pork shank over grits with collard greens and asparagus, a filet mignon with bacon mashed potatoes or a Kuahiwi burger with candied bacon and cheddar cheese, are available as main courses, priced in the $20s.
He’s been "char siu-ing" a beef brisket, which he hopes to offer in a saimin.
If you prefer street food, the Roulotte Court is a fun collection of food trucks inspired by the street scene found on the marina of Papeete, Tahiti.
Seven Brothers, run by the Hannemann family (Mufi Hannemann’s nephews), serves up coconut-macadamia or "garlic-lovers" Kahuku shrimp, along with "poisson cru" (Tahitian-style poke with coconut, cucumbers, raw onions) and a catch-of-the-day plate. The Hannemann brothers also own the popular Kahuku Grill.
For sweets there’s no shortage of options at the Hukilau Marketplace. Aunty Emily’s Bakery, located inside Pounders, turns out everything from macadamia nut chocolate tortes to Fijian-style eclairs and "panipopo," or Samoan coconut pull-aparts. Or visit Tutu’s Sweet Shop for freshly dipped chocolate macadamia nuts, fruits and cookies by Hawaiian King Candies.
There is no admission fee. Free parking, Wi-Fi and plenty of restrooms are available at the marketplace, open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Sundays. Call 800-367-7060 or visit hukilaumarketplace.com.
