Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center
Stir gently, and let the “ingredients” simmer. Yield: A winning, dynamic formula that resonates with international guests when they visit this unforgettable oasis in the middle of the Pacific Ocean known as the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC).
The facility is the only visitor attraction of its kind to feature the multinational diversity of Polynesia. Some traditions preserved at the facility are no longer practiced in Samoa and Tonga. For example, you won’t find thatched roofs in modern-day Polynesia.
Background on PCC
The Center’s success is credited to bold leadership, a well-trained staff, community support, and 29 million people who have visited the attraction since it opened in 1963. The PCC has received numerous awards over the years. The popular attraction celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2003. The facility is located in La`ie, on the northeastern coast of Oahu, and has been Hawaii’s number one paid visitor attraction since 1977.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the PCC as a non-profit attraction dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Polynesia, while providing jobs and scholarships for students at the adjoining Church College of Hawaii, which was renamed Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 1974.
Where the Sea Meets the Sky
“Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky,” is the highlight of the Center’s evening experience. The production is the largest Polynesian revue in the world, featuring a cast of more than 100 islanders.
Performers from Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, the Marquesas and Hawaii share their songs and dances from ancient to modern times. It’s staged with fiery volcanoes, brilliant fountains, multi-level stages and dazzling special effects.
A visit to the PCC wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the fascinating cultural dynamics of this spectacular production. You’re treated to a sumptuous feast for the senses – including a stage floor designed to radiate energy, sounds and rhythmic complexities of Polynesian dance, music and lyrics.
A Visually and Aurally Striking Production
The “Rainbows of Polynesia” canoe pageant began in the afternoon in the section of a Center-wide man-made freshwater lagoon fronting the Islands of Samoa village and turned around at the Islands of Tahiti village.
The pageant was a visually and aurally striking production punctuated with a liberal dose of youthful, agile dancers festooned in vibrantly colored costumes of exotic Polynesia – moving to alternately relaxed and frenetic rhythmic syncopation.
It was exciting listening to the medley of lyrical Polynesian music, skillfully choreographed to culturally dynamic dances in motion, aboard sleek canoes adorned with flowers native to Polynesia.
You can also take daytime tours aboard village canoes meandering along the Center’s peaceful lagoon – lined with palm trees serving as shady sentinels for the seven island villages you’ll see on the leisurely, educational cruises.
The Grand Tour of Polynesia
During the course of the day, you’re treated to a tour de force of seven Polynesian islands in a lush, colorful 42-acre setting representing Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, the Marquesas, and Hawaii. It would cost travelers upwards of $10,000 were they to actually travel to these islands. Here’s a glimpse at two of the seven island villages:
Islands of Samoa village
American Samoa is a U.S. territory and Western Samoa is independent and ruled by a head of state. Western Samoa is commonly known as Samoa. The Islands are located 1,800 miles northeast of New Zealand.
The most memorable moment at this village was watching an engagingly witty – and equally charming – native Samoan trade rapid-fire quips and barbs with an international gathering of adoring visitors.
A captivating one-man show, he excited the crowd when he kindled a fire, by rubbing sticks together. The coup de grace was delivered when the native Samoan opened a coconut with his bare hands and a small stone.
Halfway through the presentation, several visitors who were observers at the beginning of the show were transformed into eager participants. During a portion of the presentation, another native Samoan, without footwear, scampered up and down a coconut tree gently swaying in balmy tradewinds.
The Islands of Hawaii village
Hawaii consists of eight main islands and is 2,390 miles from California, 3,850 miles from Japan, 4,900 miles from China, and 5,280 miles from the Philippines. Hawaii is the most isolated population center on Earth.
At the Islands of Hawaii village, you can learned how to perform the hula, and marvel at the history and lore of the widely recognized dance. Be sure to try your hand at the ancient versions of checkers (konane) and bowling (ulumaika). Konane is played on a board (papa) with a shallow dip gouged into a flat surface to hold playing pieces.
The surface of the board has numerous holes in which are placed dark pieces (lava pebbles) and light pieces (coral fragments).
The holes are filled alternately with dark and light pieces. Two participants sitting opposite each other play the game, and as the competition continues, fewer pieces remain on the board.
The objective of the game is to be the player who is able to move pieces, when the opposing player is unable to move pieces.
Ulumaika (ancient Hawaiian bowling) is played on the lawn (flat ground). Two wooden stakes are used, as well as a rolling stone shaped like a short, wide cylinder.
The stakes are fastened in the ground, about six inches apart – about 15 feet from where players stand. The objective of the game is to roll the stone between the two stakes.
A visit to this village wouldn’t be complete without sampling the unique taste of poi – a traditional staple in the Hawaiian culture. Poi is made from peeling, pressure cooking and grinding the root of the taro plant.
Poi has a purplish appearance with a consistency much like yogurt, but thicker. Its taste is not overwhelming. Poi is one of the most nutritious and healing dishes, is low in fat, sodium, and gluten and is lactose-free.
A Smorgasbord of Sensory Delights
The Gateway Restaurant seats about 1,000 diners and is considered the largest restaurant in the South Pacific. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
The Alii Luau, held in the evening, is the winner of the coveted Kahili Award for preserving Hawaiian culture. The secluded luau site includes a beautiful tropical lagoon, a 15-foot high waterfall, and an underground imu oven for baking luau pig.
You can either enjoy the tropical open-air ambiance, or a Polynesian hut, which seats more than 500, even if it rains. The luau begins with a warm shell lei greeting as you enter the site.
After the ceremonial lifting of a pig from the steaming rocks of the imu, a conch shell (seashell) blows to announce the arrival of Hawaiian royalty – the Alii (nobility) Court.
A regal, colorful presentation features the court in traditionally vibrant hues of red and yellow. This exciting cultural and culinary journey into Hawaii’s ancient past will stimulate your curiosity and tastebuds.
Fascinating fare served at the luau includes delicious lomi lomi salmon (salted, diced salmon with tomatoes, and other ingredients); sumptuous kalua pig (pig cooked in the imu); tasty ahi poke (fresh tuna with seaweed, sesame oil and other ingredients); delectable chicken long rice (chicken, long rice and other ingredients); and sweet pineapple haupia (a dessert made with fresh coconut milk, crushed pineapple and other ingredients).
Revel in the authentic slice of Hawaiiana, which begins with hula kahiko (ancient dances) expressing vignettes of Hawaii’s past. You’ll be fascinated with performers treating you to an exhilarating tour of Hawaiian music.
You’re transported back in time to the pre-World War II and post-World War II periods in paradise, as well as a melodic infusion of Hawaiian steel guitar. Join in the singing and dancing – it’s an essential part of a breathtaking luau experience.
It’s suggested that you see “Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky,” the largest Polynesian revue in the world, when the luau ends. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as the popular show attracts capacity crowds.
The Treasures of Polynesia sells authentic Polynesian handicrafts, as well as a variety of other unique merchandise. You’ll also discover a wide selection of keepsakes, rare art and souvenirs at Shop Polynesia, the Art Gallery and the Hukilau Store, located on the ground floor of the IMAX Theater.
Something For the Keiki (Hawaiian word for child)
Youngsters of all ages can enjoy 20 ancient games and educational arts practiced by Polynesian children for hundreds of years. Called “Keiki Activities,” each village at the PCC features authentic, native activities that sharpen skills, improve coordination, and spark the mind. Children can choose from a variety of activities, including facial tattooing (Ta Moko), spear throwing (‘O’oihe), and performing rhythms (Derua). These activities are available during the day.
Von Orgill is PCC’s president and chief executive officer. “The renovation of the front entrance building and courtyard is the second phase of our plan to improve upon the overall experience for people entering PCC,” Orgill notes. “There will be more authentic dÃ?©cor and native plants.”
Some Helpful Tips
You can smoke only in designated areas, and tops and footwear are required. Rental strollers and wheelchairs are available at the PCC’s Customer Service facility.
Film and raincoats are sold at the Treasures of Polynesia or at Shop Polynesia. Guests should not pick flowers, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted or sold at the Center. During the evening performances of “Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky,” the use of flash with cameras, or other light emitting devices are not permitted.
Rather than rushing from one village presentation to another, choose several, then explore the village buildings and chat with village natives. If you’re visiting the Center during the day – especially during the spring and summer months – take some time to apply sunscreen, and be sure to drink lots of water.
When balmy tradewinds subside, and “Kona” winds (blowing from the south) prevail, heat and humidity levels rise.
You’ll easily find the solace of shade, because the Center is generally landscaped with lush flora – including trees that offer soothing respite for those unaccustomed to tropical climates.
Although the one-hour drive to the PCC is scenic, the attraction accommodates visitors staying in Waikiki who prefer not to drive to the facility, by arranging for transportation to the Center.
For more information about the PCC, call 1-808-367-7060, 1-877-722-1411 or visit the web site at http://www.polynesia.com.
