Hawaii: Day 4 - Polynesian Cultural Center

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We spent the fourth day at the Polynesian Cultural Center near the north shore of Oahu. They provided us transportation from our hotel.

It is a living museum of the culture of Polynesian islands. This cultural center represents seven islands of the Polynesia: Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Aotearoa, and Marquesas.

Polynesian cultural center is divided into above mentioned villages. All the villages exhibits and conducts activities of respective cultures. They also participate in some common activities like Canoe Pageant “Rainbows of Paradise” and a multicultural show "Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky". There is also an IMAX theater, a lagoon for canoe ride, and an open-air auditorium. There are several options for food and beverages also. In a way, this is like a theme park without rides! But, more entertaining in its own way!

A unique thing about this places is, almost everyone who works here is a native from the respective Polynesian island and a student at nearby Brigham Young University, Hawaii. This cultural center is a non-profit organization. All the money earned is spent for some kind of scholarship program for these students. In return, they have to work here part-time or full-time. This way they represent their islands in the cultural center and study at BYU debt free.

You can even hire a guide who will escort you to each and every village at the right time so that you can attend the maximum activities. We decided to use the self-guided brochure and explore on our own.

Some of the activities I still remember are, Hawaiian music demo, Samoan kitchen demo, welcome ceremony of Aotearoa, etc.

The best feature was their night show: Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky. It is a must see! This two-hour long show includes a performance from each island and combinations. We are really glad we didn’t miss on this one! No doubt this was one of the best shows I have ever witnessed!

Useful Link:
Polynesian Cultural Center

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Photos

Canoe Pageant
Tonga at Canoe Pageant

Samoan Kitchen Demo
Samoan Kitchen Demo at the Polunesian Cultural Center

Moai of the Easter Island
aka Heads of the Easter Island

Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky
Evening show at PCC is a must watch!