Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Visit the Drift Lounge, in Scottsdale, AZ. Modern style of tiki
Monday, April 27, 2009
Visit Tiki Island, Chinese - Polynesian Restaurant. Classic Tiki Bar
Hours:
11:15 am - 10 pm Mon-Thur
11:15 am - 12 am Fri, Sat
Noon - 10 pm Sun
Contact Info:
Tel: (781) 391-0477
Fax: (781) 391-5891
E-mail: tiki_island@netzero.com
Location:
269 Middlesex Ave., Medford, MA 02155
Web site:
http://www.TikiIslandRestaurant.com
Hawaiian Leis, Meaning and Uses.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
TIKI GETAWAY: Moorea A Exotic Island in Polynesia
Moorea - An Exotic Island in French Polynesia
Author: Wolfgang Jaegel
Moorea is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in French Polynesia, after Tahiti - the main island. Occupying an area of about 50 square miles, Moorea is located roughly 20 kilometers west of Tahiti, in the Society Archipelago's Windward Group. By air, Moorea is only ten minutes away from Tahiti, and by water it is less than an hour's ride from the main island.
With shady as well as crystalline lagoons, tranquil meadows, towering mountains, beautiful pineapple plantations, astounding waterfalls, and lush green areas, Moorea is truly a tropical paradise. No matter you are couples, single, or one vacationing with your family or friend, Moorea is a great vacation spot for all types of holidaymakers, boasting of plentiful natural splendor as well as water adventure options.
Visitors touring to Moorea can engage in an array of activities, from diving amongst the vivid marine life and strolling along the white sandy beaches to indulging in traditional massages as well as Polynesian spa treatments and savoring exotic cuisines. In short, a visit to French Polynesia would not be complete without taking a tour to the magnificent island of Moorea.
With trident shape, Moorea is much famed for its two magnificent bays: Cook and Opunohu. Probably, the most popular among the attractions in the island is Moorea Dolphin Center, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Dedicated to the conservation of the marine life, the Dolphin Center is home to a large number of welcoming bottlenose dolphins can be seen here.
Taking a tour to the dolphin center would be a great way to swim along these beautiful, friendly creatures as well as to learn about their interesting environment. Another prime landmark of the Moorea Island is Tiki Village Theater, where craftsmen live and work and where one could spectacle great Tahitian shows including Tahitian party nights as well as performances of more than 50 dancers including fire dancers, musicians, and other artists.
Set in a pristine environment near a spectacular lagoon, Tiki Village Theater is also a great spot for getting married as well as renewing your marriage vows. Tiki Village allows honeymooners and couples to choose from three types of wedding packages such as Princess Wedding, Royal Wedding, and Royal Deluxe Wedding. Princess Wedding includes authentic Tahitian village, the service of the chief of the village and the High Priest, band of local musicians, marriage certificate made of Tapa, crowns of flowers for couples, bottle of champagne, photographs of the ceremony, and transportation back to the hotel.
In the case of Royal Wedding Package, almost everything covered in the princess wedding is also included in this package plus arrival of couples by canoe from the hotel, carrying of couples in the Royal Chair by four Polynesian warriors, a romantic cruise on the Royal Outrigger canoe accompanied by a band of musicians, and honeymoon night on the Royal Floating House. When comes to the Royal Deluxe Wedding, it consists of singing of Tahitian mamas during the wedding ceremony and spectacular Tahitian dance shows, apart from that are included in both the Princess Wedding and the Royal Wedding packages.
Top attractions in Moorea also include Maison de la Nature, Mou'a Roa, where you can reach by foot via the Vaianae Valley. It is much noted for its lush green setting, and is a great place to savor delicious natural home made jams made of pure honey and dried fruits.
Apart from these, Moorea allows visitors to engage in a number of adventure as well as fun filled water activities such as boat cruising, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, and surfing. Tourists have also option to engage in such activities as parasailing, land tours, and helicopter sightseeing tours.
In order to cater to needs and preferences of the growing number of tourists in the region, a good number of upscale hotels and resorts operate here, such as, Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort, whose exterior structure is based on the ancient mythology of the region, ie, the pyramid-like central buildings representing the male energy and the brilliant fringed hutu blossoms and verdant plant life, the female energy of the island.
Almost all top-end resorts in the area come attached with an array of facilities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, fitness centers, spa facilities, tennis courts, and Jacuzzi.Aside from typical hotel guest rooms and suites, many of the resorts in the area also provide opportunities for the guests to stay in incredible overwater bungalows, all of which are luxuriously appointed and surrounded by landscaped setting.
There are also some hotels that render superb packages in the form of wedding packages, honeymoon packages, and packages to enjoy a number of activities in the area. Even some hotels arrange facilities for island tours in order to explore the attractions of the island.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Cultural Learning in Hawaii, Tiki style
Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii
Author: Terry Reim
Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii, located in Laie, Oahu about an hour's drive from Waikiki, showcases 7 native Polynesian villages that give visitors the rare opportunity to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Together with the Center’s authentic luau and the world's largest night show, the Polynesian Cultural Center has become the most popular paid visitor attraction in the Hawaiian islands..
All the Romance and Excitement of the South Pacific
Many South Pacific nations are represented at the Polynesian Cultural Center, where recreated villages, exhibits and hands-on activities highlight 8 of them: Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaii, Marquesas, Tahiti, Tonga and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
• Meet, learn about and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga
• Watch Hawaii's only canoe pageant
• Experience an authentic Hawaiian luau, a Hawaiian food feast and dinner-show feast fit for an ali'i (royal
chief) complete with Imu ceremony, Hawaiian dances, Hawaiian music and entertainment
• Enjoy our world-famous evening show, “Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky”
• Enjoy family activities from all of Polynesia.
Founding of the Nonprofit Polynesian Cultural Center
The Center is a 42-acre facility on the North Shore of Oahu. Founded in 1963, the nonprofit Center was created so that the Pacific Island students of nearby Brigham Young University Hawaii could work their way through college by sharing their island heritage with visitors.
As early as 1844, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (popularly called the Mormons) were working among the Polynesians in Tahiti and surrounding islands. Missionaries arrived in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) in 1850. By 1865, the LDS Church had purchased the 6,000-acre plantation that encompasses all of Laie.
The students come from an area that covers approximately 12 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. At the heart of the PCC experience are the island villages, which offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about — and participate in — the customs of each island.
Travel Throughout Polynesia in a Single Day
Visitors are encouraged to take part in a number of authentic activities, representing everything from island games and crafts to food preparation and war training skills. An authentic Hawaiian luau, all-you-can-eat buffets, a canoe pageant, an IMAX™ theater, shops and the world's largest evening show are all part of the experience.
With its large lagoon, waterfalls, lush tropical flora, and an "erupting" volcano, the Polynesian Cultural Center captures all the romance and excitement of the South Pacific islands. A visit here represents a chance to travel through Polynesia in a single day, and participate in the celebration of centuries of Polynesian culture — no passport is required.
Several villages provide more adventurous activities than the normal cultural presentations that have been scheduled throughout the day. These new activities now available include Spear Throwing, Fire Walking, Wood & Tiki Carving, Fire Pit Cooking, Tree Climbing, Fire Starting, Fire Knife Dancing, Tattoos, Haka Dance, Maori War Canoe, Coconut Husking.
The Polynesian Cultural Center has become world-renowned as a special place of enchantment, entertainment and education. The allure of old Polynesia lingers among the Pacific island people who demonstrate their traditional arts and crafts and perform their lively songs and dances at the Polynesian Cultural Center from noon till 10pm, 7 days a week.
All Day Package on Oahu
All Day Package for Polynesian Polynesian Cultural Center on Hawaii is the best way to experience the cultural, diversity and spirit of Polynesia. The Ambassador Package - with or without luau or transportation, is a great way to enjoy this unique Oahu treasure. Or take a Deluxe Circle Island Tour to explore many of Honolulu's most scenic areas, tropical forests, Dole Plantation and Northshore surfing beaches, along with a visit to the Polynesian cultural Center.
Resources:
http://www.hawaiiactive.com/activities/oahu-polynesian-center-day.html
http://www.myhawaii.net/category/oahu-luau-pcc.html