Discover the Spirit of Polynesia at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Located on the beautiful island of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Polynesia.
As one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations, the PCC brings to life the spirit of Polynesia through its meticulously crafted villages, authentic luau, and spectacular evening show. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of the Polynesian Cultural Center, highlighting its various attractions and activities that make it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
A Brief History of the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center was founded in 1963 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) with the goal of promoting cultural understanding and appreciation among the people of Hawaii and the world.
The center was built on a 42-acre site inThe Polynesian Cultural Center was founded in 1963 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) with the goal of promoting cultural understanding and appreciation among the people of Hawaii and the world.
The center was built on a 42-acre site in Laie, Oahu, which was once a small rural town surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. Over the years, the PCC has evolved into a world-renowned attraction, showcasing the diverse cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Maori people of New Zealand.
Laie, Oahu, which was once a small rural town surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. Over the years, the PCC has evolved into a world-renowned attraction, showcasing the diverse cultures of Polynesia, including Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Maori people of New Zealand.
A Gateway to Polynesia’s Rich Heritage
Established in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center was founded to educate visitors about the diverse cultures of Polynesia while providing a platform for young locals to pursue higher education through the profits generated by tourism. With its unique focus on cultural preservation and education, the center engages guests in activities and events that transport them to the heart of Polynesian tradition.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the warm spirit of Aloha, setting the tone for the incredible journey ahead. The center is divided into eight separate villages, each representing a unique island culture, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and more. Every village offers hands-on activities which allow visitors to delve deeper into the traditions and practices of the Polynesian islands.
Exploring the Villages
The Polynesian Cultural Center is home to six distinct villages, each representing a different Polynesian culture.
Visitors can explore these villages, which are designed to replicate the traditional architecture and way of life of each respective culture. The villages are staffed by knowledgeable guides who share stories, customs, and traditions of their ancestors, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
1.Hawaii Village: Learn about the history and customs of the Hawaiian people, including traditional hula dancing, lei making, and Hawaiian tattooing.
2.Samoa Village: Discover the rich cultural heritage of Samoa, including traditional tattooing, wood carving, and coconut husking.
3.Tonga Village: Explore the kingdom of Tonga, known for its majestic architecture, traditional clothing, and lively music and dance.
4.Fiji Village: Experience the vibrant culture of Fiji, including traditional ceremonies, music, and dance.
5.Tahiti Village: Immerse yourself in the romantic culture of Tahiti, known for its beautiful music, dance, and art.
6.Maori Village: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Maori people of New Zealand, including traditional carvings, weaving, and the famous haka war dance.
The Luau
No visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center would be complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau. The PCC’s luau is a grand feast that features a wide variety of local specialties, including kalua pig, poke, laulau, and haupia. Visitors can enjoy the delicious food while being entertained by live music and dance performances, including hula dancing and fire knife dancing.
The PCC hosts one of the most sumptuous luaus on the island, known as the “Ali’i Luau,” offering an unforgettable dining experience amidst the backdrop of stunning sunsets and lush landscapes.
Guests are treated to a buffet-style feast featuring a wide array of traditional Hawaiian foods—succulent kalua pig cooked in an underground oven, rich poi, fresh fish, and tropical fruits are just a few highlights. Additionally, the culinary adventure is enhanced with live music and traditional hula performances, creating a festive atmosphere that invites participation and celebration.
The Ali’i Luau also features an impressive array of storytelling, where guests can listen to enchanting tales from the islands while reveling in the flavors of Polynesia. The combination of food, fantasy, and fellowship encapsulates the essence of a true Hawaiian gathering.
The Evening Show
The highlight of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s attractions is the spectacular evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life.” This 90-minute production tells the story of a young Polynesian boy’s journey through life, love, and sacrifice, featuring stunning music, dance, and acrobatic performances. The show features over 100 performers from across Polynesia, showcasing their unique cultural traditions and talents.
Described as a visual and auditory masterpiece, “Hā: Breath of Life” showcases the shared history of Polynesia, from creation to exploration. The show highlights various cultures, featuring extraordinary performances from each island, specifically focusing on the themes of love, family, and adventure.
The vibrant costumes and skilled choreography capture the essence of island life, inviting audiences to journey alongside the performers as they share their customs and history.
Other Attractions and Activities
In addition to the villages, luau, and evening show, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a range of other attractions and activities, including:
1.Canoe Pageant: A colorful parade of canoes representing each of the Polynesian cultures, featuring traditional music and dance.
2.Hawaiian Journey: A scenic tram tour that takes visitors through the beautiful Hawaiian countryside, highlighting the island’s unique flora and fauna.
3.Pacific Theater: A state-of-the-art theater that showcases a variety of Polynesian performances, including music, dance, and drama.
4.Shopping and Dining: The PCC offers a range of shopping and dining options, including traditional Polynesian cuisine, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Perfect Polynesian Cultural Center Holiday Tour
The Polynesian Cultural center (p.c) is a family-targeted cultural theme park and living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii The p.c is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), was committed on October 12, 1963, and occupies forty two acres (17 hectares) of land belonging to nearby Brigham young university–Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii).
The Polynesian Cultural center is one of the most regularly visited visitor locations in Hawaii, attracting 700,000 visitors annually.
The Polynesian Cultural center is the venue for the yearly world fire Knife Dance competition, in which contestants display their ability with blazing swords.
Since it opened its doors in 1963, over 32 million humans have visited the center.
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Howard W. Hunter is credited with transforming the newly organized Polynesian Cultural center from an unprofitable and unknown entity into one of the most famous tourist points of interest in Hawaii.
Further to the daylight hours exhibits and demonstrations, Polynesian Cultural center functions an evening show for an extra price.
As of 2009 the show is a multicultural Polynesian show titled Hā–Breath of lifestyles which The new york times defined as “a brilliant, energetic production that highlights music and dance from the indigenous cultures of the South Pacific”.
The show features songs and dances from throughout Polynesia, which includes the hula, tamure, otea, titi torea, haka, poi, meke, tauʻolunga, and Taualuga.
Past shows include “this is Polynesia”, “Mana: The Spirit of Our people.”, and Horizons: wherein the sea Meets the Sky.
The show reportedly has a cast of 100 performers and they perform six-evenings-a-week.
The Polynesian Cultural center encompasses 8 simulated tropical villages, wherein performers show numerous arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia.
Bisitors may take a free shuttle tour of the university and see the LDS Church’s Laie Hawaii Temple and its related visitors’ center.
The Lagoon hosts a parade of canoes that showcases the signature dances of every of Polynesian culture.
Top 15 Activities to Experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center
The current show, “Huki: A Canoe celebration”, which premiered in August 2018, became preceded by “Rainbows of Paradise”, “that is Polynesia” and “historical Legends of Polynesia”.
Similarly to the villages, the Polynesian Cultural center has a special exhibit dedicated to Rapa Nui (Easter Island or Isla de Pascua) and a tribute to the 1850s LDS mission.
Visitors can also take part in a luʻau, consisting of the Aliʻi Luʻau (“Royal feast”), which gives traditional Polynesian fare, which includes pork cooked in an imu (an underground oven).
They could observe the roasted pig in the imu prior to the meal.
The Polynesian Cultural center has its own unique impact theater as well as a lagoon in which visitors can take canoe rides accompanied by a manual or paddle by themselves.
Polynesian Cultural center hosts many unique events, highlighting Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian and Māori cultures along with a Christmas festival.
The Polynesian Cultural center used to host a Haunted Lagoon but discontinued this festival in 2013 due to it not being profitable.
Other festivals include Moanikeala Hula festival and global Fireknife Championships and Micronesia Betelnut festival.
At Polynesian Cultural Center, youʼll experience this island custom first-hand. Named “Hawai’iʼs Most Authentic Luau” by the Kahili Awards, our Aliʻi Luau puts you at the center of it all.
From authentic Hawaiian music and food to traditional hula and learning about luau history, itʼs a must-do for visitors from all over the world.
The Kalua Pork, stone-fired and slow roasted. The delicate flavors of the Poi.
Sweet pineapple accenting the meal both with its refreshing flavor and colorful displays.
These are things you would think make the best luau in Oahu. You’d only be partially correct.
While the Polynesian Cultural Center takes great pride in making our Luau the most delicious, we also embrace the Hawaiian culture to make it the most authentic.
As the Luau began to grow in both recognition and in size, visitors from all around the world began to flock to be a part of this cultural celebration.
The more people came, the more the feast became something even more elaborate, a full-on party with traditional dancing and entertainment.
That’s why today’s Luau in Oahu is so much more than just the fantastic food, it’s the Hawaiian culture brought to life in every way.
That’s why we focus on the details others miss, or may not even think matter.
Everything from the type of dancing to the patterns of decorations has significant meaning rooted in history.
In order to bring that to life, you must know it, embrace it, and perfect it. Which is exactly what we do in our Ali’i Luau.
While you can clearly see why we bring the authentic traditions of ancient Hawaii to life better than any other Oahu Luau, our feasts are just as unrivaled.
We slow cook our foods using ancient methods and recipes, ensuring the flavors you taste today are the same as King Kamehameha II did during the very first Luau.
We have menus that accommodate every palate and every diet.
In Hawaii, food is the foundation of every festivity.
In fact, the word Luau itself comes from one of the favorite dishes from that first feast in 1819 — lu’au, made of taro leaves and chicken steamed in coconut milk.
Bring your appetite and get ready for a buffet feast like no other.
Enjoy traditional luau foods such as lomilomi salmon, chicken long rice, kalua pork and all the poi you can eat.
Many of the dishes at a traditional Hawaiian luau offer a blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian-influenced flavors.
So when planning for your own luau, try to include traditional favorites to give your guests an authentic luau dining experience.
Whatever you settle with, one thingʼs for sure – everyoneʼs taste buds are in for a real treat.
Thereʼs more to a luau than just good food and music.
As a host, one of the things you worry about is whether your guests are having a good time – and if theyʼll leave right after getting their fill of mai tais and chicken long rice.
To keep everyone entertained, try adding some serious fun into the mix with unique games and activities.
From traditional Hawaiian games to popular games with a Hawaiian twist, itʼs a great way to break the ice and get the party started.
1.PASS THE COCONUT
Like the popular game of “hot potato,” but using a coconut, have everyone sit in a circle.
Play Hawaiian music or strum an ukulele while participants pass a coconut around.
Stop the music and whoever is holding the coconut is “out.” Continue until there is one person left.
2.ULU MAIKA
Similar to lawn bowling, ʻulu maika is a traditional ancient Hawaiian game that requires concentration and coordination.
Place two wooden or metal stakes in the ground, 6 inches apart and about 15 feet away from where the players are standing.
The goal is to roll your stone smoothly between the two stakes.
3.KONANE
The Hawaiian version of checkers, Konane requires two players to play.
Using a wooden board (or cardboard) with 64 impressions, fill each impression with alternating black and white stones.
Opponents take turns jumping over each otherʼs pieces – up, down, left or right – and removing them from the board. The person with the last jump is the winner.
4.HULA HOOP ʻTIL YOU DROP
Line everyone up and see who can go the longest or do the most hoops in a timed contest.
For an even more challenging competition, double or triple up hula-hoops on the final two participants.
5.HAWAIIAN PICTIONARY
.Make a list of Hawaiian places or things and write each one down on a sheet of paper, then mix them in a hat or bag.
Each team assigns an artist who pulls a sheet out and draws clues for their team members to guess.
They have two minutes to guess correctly or the opposing team has a chance to steal. Play up to 10 points.
6.HAWAIIAN LIMBO
How low can your guests go?
Using a broom or any long stick, have two people on opposite ends hold the stick up at various heights, starting from high and ending with low.
Play your favorite Hawaiian music while participants try their luck at this back-bending classic.
7.KUMU HULA SAYS…
Similar to “Simon Says,” pick someone to be the Kumu Hula, or hula teacher, to play the caller.
They must say “Kumu Hula says…” followed by a hula move and directions.
If they give directions without saying “Kumu Hula” says, anyone who does the move is eliminated. Play this until only one person is left and crowned the winner.
• Huli: rotate while swaying hips
• Hela: point right foot forward and sway to the left, then point left foot forward, and sway to the right
• Haʻa: stand with knees bent
• Ami: rotate hips counterclockwise without moving shoulders
• Imua: go forward
• Iluna: go up
• Ilalo: go down
• Ihope: go back
• Kaholo: two steps to the left, two steps to the right
• Lava: stop
8.PINEAPPLE BOWLING
Set up five to ten pineapples “pins” about 15 – 20 feet away from each team.
Take turns trying to knock down the most pineapples by using coconuts as bowling balls.
9.ALOHA BINGO
Customize bingo cards with luau or beach-themed stickers, clip art or words.
Use seashells to mark your card as each item is called out. The first person to get Bingo must yell “ALOHA!”.
10.ALL THE POI YOU CAN EAT
Place a small bowl of poi in front of each participant.
With two minutes on the clock, they must eat as much as they can – without using their hands or utensils.
To make it kidfriendly, use tapioca, rice pudding or yogurt as substitute with purple food coloring.
11.HULA SKIRT RELAY
Each team gets a full hula outfit including a grass skirt, coconut top and lei.
One by one, each member has to put on the full outfit, run to a checkpoint and back, then pass the outfit on to the next player in line.
Alternatively, you can also use beach clothes for a beach theme.
12.SAND BUCKET TOSS
Using a sand shovel, dig ping pong balls out from the sand and toss them into a bucket 5 – 10 feet away.
The person who fills their bucket up first is the winner.
13.BANANA CHIP POKER
Set up a few poker tables around the area. Instead of regular poker chips and cards, use island-themed cards for playing and banana chips for betting.
14. LUAU MUSIC
Come for the food. Stay for the music. When it comes to parties, everyone knows music plays a big role in setting the mood.
Kick your luau off with live entertainment and professional hula dancers or take it down a notch with subtle Hawaiian melodies played on slack key guitar or ukulele.
You could also put together a mix of your favorite island artists or stream live music from popular radio stations in Hawai’i.
No matter whatʼs playing, just make sure the beat goes on. Here are a few traditional songs that we recommend for your luau party.
• Taumua Kuo Siumafua
• Bula Laie
• Luau Song
• Hukilau Song
• Pearly Shells
• He Hawaii au, au a ia
• Waikaloa
• Hawaiian War Chant
• Aloha Oe
Here are other recommended Hawaiian songs for your luau party:
CLASSIC
• Don Ho
• The Brothers Cazimero
• Kalapana
• Cecilio & Kapono
• Makaha Sons
• Gabby Pahinui
• Keola Beamer
• Jerry Santos
• Kapena
• Kaʻau Crater Boys
• Peter Moon Band
SLACK KEY
• Gabby Pahinui
• Danny Carvalho
• Makana
• Mike Kaʻawa
• Led Kaʻapana
• Dennis Kamakahi
• George Kahumoku
• Sonny Lim
• Jeff Peterson
• Aunty Genoa
• Daniel Ho
CONTEMPORARY
• Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole
• Na Leo Pilimehana
• Kealiʻi Reichel
• Hapa
• Amy Hanaialiʻi Gilliom
• Willie K
• Brother Noland
• Danny Couch
• Natural Vibrations
UKULELE
• Jake Shimabukuro
• Troy Fernandez
• Herb Ohta Jr.
• Kimo Hussey
• Derek Sebastian
• Ernie Cruz Jr.
• Brittni Paiva
• Bryan Tolentino
• Don Baduria
POPULAR
• Sean Naʻauao
• Jack Johnson
• Ekolu
• Fiji
• Justin
• Keahiwai
• Opihi Pickers
• Raiatea Helm
• Ten Feet
• Three Plus
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
• The Beach Boys – Surfinʼ USA
• Elvis – Blue Hawai’i
• The Surfaris – Wipeout
• Hawai’i Five-O – Theme Song
• Don Ho – Tiny Bubbles
The perfect enhancement to any tropical party is selecting a wide variety of luau music and the right luau music will take your luau party to a whole new level and add to the authenticity.
Hula and musical festivities have always been an integral aspect in the luau celebrations.
In Old Hawai’i, before the introduction of Western mediums like the guitar or iconic ukulele, Hawaiian luau music consisted mostly of drums and other handmade instruments.
A staple in most musical performances was the deep-voiced pahu drum, which got its dark resonance from its shark-skin drumhead.
The ipu was a gourd-like drum often accompanying the pahu. The ipu differs from traditional drums because the player either uses a horizontal surface or the palm of their hand to create sound.
Hula performers also took part in the musical process with several instruments that were incorporated into their dances.
Several rattles were commonly used; the ‘uli’uli—a gourd filled with tiny beads or seeds, and adorned with brightly colored feathers—and the pu’ili—a bamboo rattle that dancers struck upon their shoulders or upon other pu’ili—are probably the most recognized.
Dancers also took smooth stones between their fingers and used them in castanet-fashion to create an instrument called ‘ili ‘ili.
While many traditional types of Hawaiian music and the art of hula continue to perpetuate the local culture in the islands, modern Hawaiian luau music has grown into a wide variety of genres.
Stringed instruments like the slack key guitar, ukulele, and bass have become popular in modern bands.
Singers regularly incorporate English and Hawaiian into their songs, which cover topics from love to a deep appreciation of the land and Hawaiian traditions.
The amalgamation of ancient and modern musical instruments and styles is a testament to the ever-evolving culture of the islands.
You can find a number of hawaiian luau music cds online or you can create your own playlist of luau music.
Practical Information for Visitors
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open daily, with various ticket packages available to cater to every visitor’s needs. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, allowing for a smoother entry and better planning.
The PCC also offers various tour options, including a guided tour that enhances the visitor experience with additional insights from knowledgeable guides.
Accessibility is a priority, with facilities designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. The Center also provides a range of dining options, catering to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed.
Ready to experience the best luau in oahu & Polynesian Cultural Center?
When it comes to choosing a Luau, don’t settle for one that only focuses on part of the celebration. Experience the true Luau and all the rich culture it offers.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Polynesia. With its meticulously crafted villages, authentic luau, and spectacular evening show, the PCC offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, music, or dance, the Polynesian Cultural Center has something for everyone. So why not come and discover the spirit of Polynesia for yourself? Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center today and experience the magic of this incredible attraction.
