Columnist Muriel Stevens: Strip home to Hawaiian trappings

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 | 8:17 a.m.

Except for traffic similar to the crush on Kalakala Boulevard in Honolulu and a long-ago memory of Aku Aku Polynesian restaurant at the Stardust, there was little on the Strip to remind one of Hawaii ... until now.

With the Wednesday opening of the Hawaiian Marketplace on the Strip in front of the Polo Towers (3743 Las Vegas Blvd. South) the Aloha spirit, mainland-style, has come to Las Vegas.

Hawaiian Marketplace is said to be modeled after Waikiki's noted International Marketplace, a place I spent many happy hours while studying Asian cooking with George Miashira, who owned Honolulu's favorite cooking school.

Hawaiian Marketplace is a mix of many Hawaiian cultural styles, offering hula dancers, Samoan fire-knife dancers, lei makers, an animatronic bird show and other family-oriented entertainment. Themed kiosks offer a variety of goods and foods. It is still a work in progress, yet there's much to see.

A serious attempt has been made to create the lush garden atmosphere of Hawaii. I just wish there were more island-type restaurants and original shops. Among the many speciality retail stores are Yokahama Okadaya, Orange Green Fashions, Glamor Fashion, Moment For Ever, Aqua Planet and Aloha Las Vegas. Opening soon is Crazy Eli/Fabulous Vegas.

There are more than 30 kiosks, stand-alone carts and thatched huts selling a variety of merchandise that includes Zebra Shoes, Tropical Jewelers & Gifts, Las Vegas Charms, Kleopatra's Treasures, Magiff Nail Products, South Beach Style, Maui-Wowee Gifts, Funky Beads and much more. All of these retail outlets are open.

Outlets in the mostly fast-food Food Pavilion are not yet open. Among those coming soon are JJ's Soup & Salad, Boone's Barbecue, Greek Isle Grille, Mr. Hot Dog and more. Hamada Japanese restaurant and Tabla Indian restaurant are open along with Lava Lounge, Cafe Capri, and China Star Super Buffet. Hamada, Tabla and China Star offer service from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Marketplace hours are: Sunday to Thursday 9 a.m to midnight; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Entertainment begins at 11 a.m.

For easy access to Hawaiian Marketplace use the Harmon Avenue entrance to Polo Towers parking lot or valet service. Bring a camera. There are many photo ops, including the imposing statue of King Kamehameha. This statue was officially sanctioned by The Royal Order of King Kamehameha. It is only the second statue of the popular king outside of Hawaii.

Team Aloha, a colorful group that entertains visitors with dancing, storytelling and craft-making, is a Las Vegas-based, island-born troupe who shares the lore of the islands.

Boulevard mall expansion plans: A multimillion-dollar renovation of the Boulevard mall will begin this summer. There will be two new entrances and "a new streetscape of shops and restaurants," according to a news release. The Promenade that connects the east and west wings will be "significantly widened," and the roof will be raised for a more open effect. A children's soft play area and a family restroom will be part of the renovation. Completion of the dramatic renovation is expected in the fall of 2005.