Polynesian Festival

The Polynesian Festival is a fascinating and fun festival that takes place at Thanksgiving Point at Electric Park. This Festival is very similar to the Renaissance Festival that also takes place here, but slightly different in the fact that it is smaller and all Polynesian heritage based.

The Polynesian Festival is also a three day event like the Renaissance Festival. There are a variety of food vendors - mostly hawaiian food - but also some polynesian food.

The infamous Mo’Bettahs came and sold food as part of a food truck. Aloha Plate (famous at BYU), and others like Hawaiian Grill, Leilani’s Polynesian Place, Ohana Grill, Sweet’s Island Place and Leuila’s Luau. Many shave ice places and Dole Whip places were also there. Shave ice and Dole Whip originated in Hawaii and tourists commonly continue to purchase these commodities when on vacation. They are also very popular here, and make a great festival and party food. Dole Whip is a fresh pineapple ice cream like product. It is super smooth and healthier than ice cream, but not quite frozen yogurt. On the Hawaiian islands, Dole Plantation exists with miles of fresh pineapple and products like Dole Whip, where it is made daily.

Shave ice is often healthier than ice cream as well, and is fun to enjoy on the beach, or in Utah’s case, the lake. Shave ice is pretty cheap to purchase, and is exactly as it sounds. Shaved ice with flavoring and sometimes ice cream in the center to make it taste even more delectable and smooth.

Other polynesian food that are common are the giant roasted pig and chicken that many people order with a side of macaroni salad, coleslaw, and fries. These foods are common for luaus. There are many giant grills where polynesians will roast their meats for sale. It is a really cool opportunity for those are foodies. Besides that, the delicious polynesian mango ‘Otai drink is available for purchase. I hadn’t purchased this before, but it was pretty good. It was very similar to a chunky smoothie with big mango chunks in every sip.

The main stage area provided a host of shows. Hawaiian dancing as well as tongan dancing was taught and performed. The Mr. Lava Lava competition also took place here for the strongest and beefiest men who competed. Polynesian music on ukeleles was also played for a majority of the festival.

As you would probably guess, many vendors sold authentic polynesian products at the festival. Many people bought hawaiian flower dresses and shirts. The popular “Maui” necklace from Moana was also sold with some other customs designs like turtles, swords, coral, and other fishes. Polynesian machetes and swords from their heritage were available for purchase. Many hawaiian flowers to go in hair and shells of all assortments were popular. At these festivals, these products are often more expensive, but most are handcrafted.

The most popular event of the polynesian festival is the grand luau that takes place on Labor Day in the evening.

This luau costs around $40 a person and last for 3-4 hours. Customers enjoy a beautiful waterfall scene in Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens where a buffet of food is served. Hawaiian dancers and other polynesian heritage dancers perform as you enjoy your meal. There are also a plethera of activities for the kids and crafts to enjoy your labor day evening.