Cultural Learning in Hawaii, Tiki style

This is a great overview on a must see tiki travel destination.

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

About the Author:Terry Reim has more than 25 years’ experience as an editor and writer in newspaper, magazine, trade book, textbook, and technical publishing, He has also authored numerous books himself, including the 13 annual editions of the Daily Planet Almanac (1975-1987) and Kicking the Bucket (with Kim Long, 1986). While Managing Editor of Horses Magazine in Carlsbad, CA for four years, and DesertUSA.com, an online travel and adventure guide to the American Southwest for three years, he authored dozens of articles as well. Terry lives in Maui, Hawaii.  Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii