Mission Houses Museum is holding its first-ever gala event to benefit the organization and its educational programs, on Sept. 13 at Moanalua Gardens.

Part of the festivities of "Magic at Moanalua — A Benefit Poi Supper" will include an exclusive interior viewing of Moanalua Gardens' historic Chinese Pavilion.

Scheduled for a complete restoration project later this year, the structure dates to the turn of the century and is completely handcrafted from sandalwood and other precious woods, event organizers said.

The fundraiser "offers a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to support a venerable cultural and educational institution while at the same time sharing with one another for a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said David de la Torre, executive director of Mission Houses Museum.

"With our modern, contemporary version of the poi supper as well as scheduled entertainment, Moanalua Gardens will never look better and viewing the interior of the Chinese Pavilion will truly be an experience you won't want to miss."

Among the event highlights will be the dinner, which includes assorted 'ahi poke, taro blini, lomi salmon, mahimahi lau lau, chicken long rice, chili garlic edamame and lychee with ginger cream cheese.

There will also be a live auction of items including a Kamaka 'ukulele, a Ricardo Dellera koa jewelry box, a calabash by master woodworker John Tuthill, and a koa-framed giclee by Gene Pressler, circa 1928, of a surfing girl.

Packages up for bid include an afternoon in the country painting with artist Russell Lowrey while photographer Linny Morris stirs up a Proven'al dinner for eight; a camp out for 10 on the museum lawn, with a midnight guided walking tour through the graves; and a dinner in the museum's Frame House dining room, where guests will be treated to a period or contemporary dinner.

Mission Houses Museum connects the story of the American Protestant missionaries and their descendants to the history and culture of Hawai'i to give present generations of residents and visitors a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, Hawai'i's rich and complex history.

The museum's education programs all revolve around themes of literacy, language and learning.