Southern Oregon University’s Ho’opa’a Hawaii Club celebrated their 15th annual luau on Saturday, April 30, at the McNeal Pavilion. The theme of this year’s event was Kulia I Ka Nu’u, which translates to “Strive for the Highest.”
The evening began with music and a traditional dinner including Kahula Pig, Shoyu Chicken and Haupia for dessert. Traditional dances were performed, celebrating Hawaii and things that are unique to the state, such as the Pikake flower, a species of jasmine native to the islands.
In addition to dance styles from Hawaii, there were also dance styles from Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand, which were all performed by SOU students. In between performances, prizes were raffled off by Katie Bergantino and Dillion Gilbertson. The duo were also the comedy of the evening, playing off each other casually. The prizes consisted of items donated by local businesses, such as gift certificates and shirts.
Photos by Heather Halvorsen/The Siskiyou
