POST FALLS — North Idaho residents will be saying Mālō ‘aupito (thank you very much) after attending a new Polynesian luau event Saturday at the Post Falls Pavilion. 

Mary Olson, owner of Friendly Islands Kava, and Toni Kefu, owner of Friendly Islands Grill, spoke of the plan to bring “the spirit of the islands to North Idaho” by sharing their culture with the wider community. 

“Pacific Islander is such a broad term; our demographic here is so small, it’s our opportunity to say, 'Polynesians are here, too.' We want to bring a little Hawaii to Post Falls, Idaho,” Olson said.  

The cultural celebration will feature dances by traditional Polynesian performers at lunch and dinner, live music and authentic island cuisine prepared by food trucks from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 3758 E. Horsehaven Ave.

Lunch tickets have already sold out, but tickets for dinner are still available. 

“You can have a taste of it here in North Idaho,” Kefu said. 

“We’ve always wanted to create a Polynesian hub and our culture is very much about community, relationships, bonding and celebrating,” Olson said. “We want to share that through cultural dances and food.” 

Olson said they were inspired to share more of their culture by the travels of many of their clients to Hawaii or Fiji. 

Family members from Sacramento and Florida are coming to perform. The event also includes a karaoke competition and best dressed Hawaiian attire contest. 

“Nowadays we know in our economy, it can be very difficult to travel so we wanted to say, let’s bring it here and we’re hoping this can be an annual thing,” Olson said. “It’s about sharing our performances, our food and just having a good time.” 

For more information about the Polynesian luau, visit the Friendly Islands Grill or Post Falls Pavilion Facebook pages.