Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center (also known as the PCC) is located in Laie, Hawaii and is one the most visited attraction in Hawaii. The center welcomes more than one million visitors per year.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is unique among the LDS 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 of Latter-day Saints 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 fun things to do and learn about from Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Marquesas, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). 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, who are from the various islands featured in the PCC. They contribute greatly to the teaching and understanding of their cultures. The Cultural Center has divided the center into sections and refers to them 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 Zealands 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, watch tower 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.

Marquesas You can see dances like the Pig Hunt Dance, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, try food, and a replica of the High Chief’s compound. You can also see exhibits that demonstrate the artwork of the Marquesas people.

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) This exhibit was just recently added in 2003 as a part of the 40th anniversary of the Polynesian Cultural Center. In this part of the PCC you can see replicas of the moai, the large carved stones that have made Easter Island so famous. Visitors can also see a canoe house, a gardening pit (a way of growing staple foods that were invented for places where there was little soil), and other buildings.

Other Links: Official site of the Polynesian Cultural Center http://www.polynesia.com/ http://www.hawaiiweb.com/html/polynesian_culture_center.html http://oahu.aloha-hawaii.com/tours/polynesian+cultural+ctr./