Laie marketplace welcomes Ray’s chicken

Ray’s chicken is served with steamed rice, pineapple coleslaw and special sauce.

Polynesian Cultural Center may be known for its entertaining exhibits, island “villages” and authentic cultural shows, but its food vendors are not to be missed.

Part of this signature tourist destination is the thriving Hukilau Marketplace, which is popular with kamaaina and offers handmade goods and traditional foods from nine kiosks.

Marketing manager Pane Meatoga says, “With free parking and admission, you don’t have to just go to the Polynesian Cultural Center — you can just come out to Laie for a day to visit the marketplace.”

The chicken is broiled to perfection using kiawe wood.

Meatoga shares that this past Fourth of July, the Hukilau Marketplace welcomed a new food vendor: Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken. Known for its signature grilling using kiawe wood, Ray’s started business in Kona and then moved to Oahu’s Haleiwa, where it became a huge hit with locals as well as tourists. “They have very affordable price points, and their chicken plates with a secret sauce is incredible,” says Meatoga.

“We’re so excited and honored to be part of Polynesian Cultural Center, and happy that we can now tell people that we’re available six days a week, instead of just on the weekends,” says Corrine Tantog, daughter of the owner.

Owner Ray Tantog and grandson Justin at the Hukilau Marketplace eatery.

The menu is kept simple: a full plate ($10.50) with half chicken, steamed rice, pineapple coleslaw and special sauce, or a mini plate ($6.50) with a quarter chicken and the same sides.

Ray’s also offers a full chicken ($12.75), which is fall-off-the-bone tender with crispy skin and meat that is full of juicy flavor. A la carte items include rice ($2.25), pineapple coleslaw ($2.75) and special sauce (50 cents).

As the summer ramps up, Hukilau Marketplace makes Laie a destination to bring your family, whether it’s for shopping or enjoying a piece of Ray’s chicken.

Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken

Polynesian Cultural Center Hukilau Marketplace
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie (And In Haleiwa)
367-7060
Daily, 11 A.M.-8 P.M.