Polynesian Cultural Center

On our recent trip to Hawaii we took a day trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  This center is run by the LDS church and showcases Pacific Island Village Life.  Essentially the park is segmented into 6 separate villages and you can visit each village to see demonstrations on different aspects of each villages culture. 

Here is Maizy learning how to swing a Poi ball in Aoteroa:

 

Miles also in Aoteroa learning a stick game:

 

 

 The kids also got tribal tattoos in Tahiti:

 

One of the most interesting experiences at the center was the Canoe Pageant.  There is essentially a river running the length of the center grounds.  Once daily double-hulled canoes travel down this river with representatives from each village on board.  The representatives showcase native dances as the canoes travel down the river.

 

We loved  "the happy people" of Somoa:

Aoteroa treated us to lots of eye popping warrior dancing:

The Hawaii'ns:

 

The Tahitian girls danced beautifully:

 

 

Hawaii'n Royalty closed the show:

 

 

My biggest complaint about the center is that there is not enough time to participate in everything available.  The villages only perform at certain times throughout the day and it is not possible to see everything.  Part of this is due to the fact that the center is only open from 11:00-6:00pm.  Because of this we were literally rushing from one activity to another and not really getting a chance to stop and enjoy any of the details of each of the villages.

 

We also opted to buy tickets for the dinner buffet and show which is called "Ha: Breath of Life."  This show was amazing.  I would definitely forgo a traditional Luau in Hawaii and go see this show instead.  The storyline (which was amazingly similar to the Lion King) took the audience through each of the villages showcased at the center; highlighting native dance and traditions.  My favorite part of the whole show was the Tahitian dancers.  When they came out Maizy yelled, "oh, yeah, shake your booties!" 

 

This is something I would most likely want to do again should we venture to Hawaii in our future.  Hopefully the center will decide to extend their hours to make up for the lack of time and rushed atmosphere created by the limited times of each village experience.  Oh, and the pineapple icecream is amazing!