Difference between revisions of "Polynesian Cultural Center"

Latest revision as of 13:09, 1 April 2024

The Polynesian Cultural Center is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is Hawaii's top paid-admission visitor attraction.

The Polynesian Cultural Center (also known as the PCC), owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is located in Laie, Hawaii, on 42 acres and is one of the most visited attraction in Hawaii. The PCC was opened and dedicated in 1963 and not long after became an enormous success. Today, the center welcomes more than one million visitors per year. It has long been Hawaii's top paid-admission visitor attraction. In late March 2022, actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson visited the PCC with his family to celebrate his Samoan heritage. Johnson, who topped the Forbes’ list of highest-paid actors in recent years, described the day as a “beautiful, unforgettable, soul-enriching and mana-fueled visit” on Instagram.[1]

The Polynesian Cultural Center is unique among the Church’s sites to visit because it is one of the few that is not a historic site. It is also one of the few sites owned by the Church of Jesus Christ that charges an admission fee. There is some information about the history of the Church among the Polynesian people, but most of the Center is dedicated to shows, music, food, and entertainment that celebrate the different cultures of Polynesia.

At the Polynesian Cultural Center there are many fun things to do and plenty of opportunities to learn about about the cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Marquesas, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and other islands. The exhibits and activities about Rapa Nui are the newest part of the Polynesian Cultural Center, and additions that cover other Polynesian Islands are being added. The PCC is staffed for the most part by students from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, many of whom are are from the various islands featured in the PCC. These students contribute greatly to the teaching and understanding of their cultures.

The Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU-Hawaii, and the Laie Hawaii Temple all work together to serve and unite the community and those who visit it. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who served on the PCC board of directors, made the following statement while at BYU-Hawaii:

Wherever we come from, however we speak, whatever our history, whatever our heritage, whatever our language, whatever our education, our hopes and our dreams, we are going to come together, and it is going to be better in a place like Laie.... I know [this statement] seems extravagant in a Church of [then] 11.5 million ... [but] more and more ..., not less and less in this big wide Church that is going everywhere ... Laie is going to be a symbol of what we are trying to do... (emphasis added).

Mission Statement

The mission statement of the Polynesian Cultural Center, as found on the Center's official website is as follows:

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a unique treasure created to share with the world the cultures, diversity and spirit of the nations of Polynesia. In accomplishing this we will:

• Preserve and portray the cultures, arts and crafts of Polynesia.
• Contribute to the educational development and growth of all people at Brigham Young University-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
• Demonstrate and radiate a spirit of love and service which will contribute to the betterment, uplifting and blessing of all who visit this special place.

Polynesian Cultural Center Sections

There are approximately three dozen distinct groups of Polynesian people. The Polynesian Cultural Center showcases the people and island nations of Hawai'i, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti and Tonga. In addition, the PCC has a Marquesas tohua (ceremonial structure) currently closed to visitors, and the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) exhibit featuring seven hand-carved moai or stone statues.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is divided into different sections referred to as islands. In each area you can learn about one of the cultures featured in the Center.

Hawaii There are five demonstrations given about the Hawaiian culture each day. Visitors can learn about Hula, the traditional foods, how a lei is made and other Hawaiian crafts. Visitors can also play Ulu Maika (a Hawaiian game like bowling), and Konane (Hawaiian Checkers). There are also exhibits, and performances that teach more about the Hawaiian Culture.

Samoa Demonstrations are given six times a day featuring how the Samoans make fire, climb coconut trees, and cook. There is an exhibit of traditional Samoan homes, as well as more information about the history and traditions of the Samoan people.

Aotearoa (New Zealand) New Zealand's native people the Maori developed a culture very different from the other Polynesian cultures. Much of this stems from the fact that New Zealand experiences all four seasons. There are five demonstrations given a day that “explains the symbolic significance of their beautiful meeting house, unique carvings, facial tattoos, the ancient origins and meanings of sticking out their tongues and twirling poi balls.” In this part of the PCC you can also see the Haka dance, play a Maori stick game called tititorea, and get temporary tattoos that look like the traditional Maori tattoos. You can also see a traditional forty-foot war canoe, watchtower and carver’s hut.

Fiji There are demonstrations that explain the war drum, coconut in Fijian cooking and other parts of the culture. You can see a replica of a bure kalau, a Fijian temple, and other significant building of the Fiji culture.

Tahiti Demonstrations of traditional dances and music are given daily. You can learn how a flower or shell Tahitian lei is made, sample traditional coconut bread, take a walk through a garden with native plants of Tahiti and even go fishing. You can also explore a replica of a typical Tahiti village.

Tonga Tonga is one of the few Polynesian islands that is still ruled over by a King who is a descendant of the prominent chief. At demonstrations in the PCC you can hear the ta nafa or drum presentation, learn one of the traditional dances, play lafo, and even throw a tolo spear. You can visit a replica of one of the Queen’s summer palaces, a typical family home and other buildings.

External Links

• Official site of the Polynesian Cultural Center
• The PCC Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
• Deseret News, "Hawaii’s labor missionaries made great contributions," by Steve Fidel
• "Episode 181: BYU–Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center: Teaching and sharing the ‘aloha spirit’ and love of Christ"