About this Event
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Pacific Islander culture at BIMA's first-ever Lū’au!
Shop & Eat: Dive into the rich traditions of Micronesian, Melanesian, and Polynesian communities through the universal language of food, featuring local Pacific Islander small businesses and vendors.
Play & Create: Immerse yourself in a day filled with cultural games and hands-on activities throughout the museum, including a lei-making workshop that uses materials from the Pacific Northwest—honoring both the land we gather on and the vibrant cultures we celebrate.
Dance & Sing: Feel the rhythm of the Pacific as you enjoy captivating hula performances and grab your ukulele and friends to sing along to the songs of the islands.
Experience the warmth of a community that feels like a home away from home.
Guest name:
Sunshine from Polynesia
Guest bio:
For over 30 years, Sunshine From Polynesia (SFP) has devoted itself to the teaching, performance, and preservation of the truly unique and beautiful storytelling dance: the hula. SFP was founded in 1978 as a performance company by Lita Hoke and her sister-in-law. In 1985, Lita added dance instruction out of her desire to teach her daughter, Stefanie, the art of hula. Neighborhood children became interested in learning, and SFP evolved into a halau (dance school) where students of various generations come from all over the greater Seattle area. SFP is a family affair for the Hokes. Honolulu-born Coco Hoke, Lita’s husband, anchors the SFP musical group with drums, ukulele, and vocals. Stefanie Hoke Foster, their daughter, is a core dancer. Lita’s own training started in 1972 with Kumu Auntie Marge Hunt. When Auntie Marge closed her halau in 1976 to enjoy a semi-retirement, Lita continued taking occasional workshops from her and also studied with other Kumu for many years to supplement her knowledge.
Lita continues to teach dances that she was taught when she was a student and also creates original dances. Her choreography as well as these earlier dances can be seen throughout SFP’s regular performances at festivals, private events, and benefits. In addition, students perform the dances they’ve learned throughout the year in SFP’s bi-annual ‘main event,’ their own Luau/Recital (Ho’ike).
Guest website/social:
Artwork by: Leilani Kaholo
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 550 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, United States
USD 0.00
