NightLife: Pacific Island Paradise

Get ready for an unforgettable NightLife dedicated to the vibrant Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Celebrate Pasifika arts, culture, and science with a night of CHamaru food, Polynesian dance, Samoan Tatau (tattoo), and more.

Featuring a special Pacific Island Paradise playlist curated by bella d.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Talk & Tatau
African Hall

• At 7:30 PM, Join Ponipate Rokolekutu, Assistant Professor at the Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies under the Department of Race and Resistance Studiesat San Francisco State University, as he unveils the intricate ties between colonialism, land alienation, and the marginalization of Indigenous communities in Fiji.
• At 9:00 PM, Learn about the Samoan art of Tatau (tattoo), a century-old tradition representing community, power, status, respect, and honor. Catch a live demo from Si'i Liufau, owner of A Town Tattoo and specialist in Polynesian and traditional cultural tattoos.

Island Rhythms
Piazza
8:30 PM

• Immerse yourself in island rhythms with a music and dance performance from MANUIA Polynesian Revue, a Bay Area dance organization dedicated to preserving the music and dances of the Polynesian islands for over 20 years.

Prubechu
Science Today
8:00 PM

• Grab a seat and hang with Chef Shawn Naputi and Shawn Camacho, the talented minds behind the restaurant Prubechu, as they share the flavors and traditions of Guamstyle cuisine and the rich Indigenous CHamoru culture.

Community Corner
Swamp
6 - 10 PM

• Stop by and say hello to M.A.N.A. Pasefika - A doula program created by and for Pacific Islanders of Melanesian, Micronesian, and Polynesian descent. Learn how they are working to maintain Ancestral knowledge & Autonomy within the community. Kava samples will also be available with a donation.

Cocktails & Cuisine
6 - 10 PM

Food available for purchase at the Academy Café and cocktails available at bars located throughout the museum.

• Fish Suruwa (Fijian Fish Curry) - Tender chunks of halibut simmered in aromatic coconut milk; served over basmati rice.
• Sapa Sui (Samoan Chop suey) - Wok fried vermicelli, bell peppers, onions, carrots, Bok choy, soy sauce. Served with your choice of chicken or mushrooms.
• Oka (Samoan ceviche) - Citrus marinated ahi tuna, red/green onion, cucumber, tomato, coconut milk.
• Hawaiian Spam Pizza - Marinara, mozzarella, pineapple, onion, SPAM.
• Pani Popo (Samoan coconut rolls) - Sweet Hawaiian rolls baked in coconut sauce, topped with toasted coconut flakes.

Specialty Cocktails

• Mahalo (Gratitude) - A tropical tiki cocktail with a refreshing twist. Rum, orange liqueur, and orgeat syrup that adds a nutty sweetness to balance the tartness of lime.
• Aulelei (Beautiful) - A vibrant blend of vodka, guava, orange, pineapple, and lime juice, with the rich, silky finish of coconut cream.
• Aroha (Love) - Seductive notes of coconut, pineapple, and aromatic bitters compliment smooth yet smoky tequila and a vibrant blue curacao beneath a toasted coconut garnish.

Your support is crucial for Maui. In the face of devastating wildfires, we're sharing a few donation options offering critical disaster relief.

• 'Āina Momona
• Hawaii Community Foundation
• Maui Humane Society
• Hawaii People's Fund
• Hawaii Food Bank

A few don't-miss NightLife details:

• NightLife guests are no longer required to provide proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. We still strongly encourage all guests to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, and to mask up indoors. As always, if you’re feeling under the weather, please NightLife another time. View health and safety information here.
   
• Please note: The rainforest will be closed for infrastructure maintenance during this event.
   
• Morrison Planetarium is now open at NightLife with 4 showtimes. To maximize staff and guest safety, planetarium passes are required and capacity is limited. Passes are available online in advance for an additional $5 while supplies last to reserve a seat at a 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, or 9:30 pm planetarium show. Please see our FAQs for more details. (Please note: A limited number of standby seats will be available for all showtimes as space allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drink are not permitted inside the planetarium.)
   
• Beverages are available at various bars throughout the building, but food must be enjoyed outdoors or in the Academy Café only.
   
• NightLife is for adults 21+ only. Valid, physical photo ID required.
   
• Still have Qs? See our FAQs here.