Five Things to Do on Your First Trip to Oahu, Hawaii – No. 2
After our visit, I was tempted to rate the Cultural Center as my favorite experience.
There are several facets to the Center. First, much of this 42-acre park includes representations of six authentic Polynesian villages including Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga.
At each village we were able to experience elements of each culture performed by natives of that country. Each presentation takes 15-20 minutes, and all were entertaining and informative. Presentations include indigenous music, cultural demonstrations, and stories.
First, we took a river tour through all of the villages riding in a native canoe with a native guide. Traveling by boat, barge, or canoe is common among Polynesian cultures.
For a closer look at the various cultures, we walked the village paths, surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical flowers. Experiences included musicians and native dance performances, demonstrations of different musical instruments found throughout Polynesia, and discussions of different customs and traditions of each country.
We also watched an island native climb a tall palm to harvest a coconut.
Throughout the Center there are displays and shops relating to the country you are visiting.
By the end of the afternoon, we had an appetite, and were ready for the luau, with the opportunity to indulge in as many as 20 different items including authentic Polynesian dishes such as the whole roast pig that had been prepared that day on the grounds near the luau.
As we sat down, we were treated to a (non-alcoholic) pineapple smoothie—in the pineapple—that was delicious!
I confess I did not identify or learn the names of the various dishes, except that I did get a chance to taste poi. The serve-yourself buffet included several “flavors” of poi, fish, rice, roast pork, greens with dressing.
I confess I did not identify or learn the names of the various dishes, except that I did get a chance to taste poi. The serve-yourself buffet included several “flavors” of poi, fish, rice, roast pork, greens with dressing, etc.
For dessert, there were an assortment of native confections, cakes, and several flavors of ice cream.
That evening, we moved to the theater to watch what is billed as the “most spectacular show in the islands”—the action-packed “HA: Breath of Life” drama of the days before European sailors had discovered the islands. More than 50 performers acted out a story of true cultural and personal passion—and action that concluded with fiery batons flying across the stage from every corner of the huge theater.
I assume that they change the actual story of the drama from time to time, but I am certain they always include plenty twirling and flying fiery batons.
Of course, throughout the village there are opportunities to purchase not just souvenirs, but some beautiful hand-crafted jewelry as well as beverages decorated with native flowers and flavored with tropical fruits.
Things to Know: Bring a camera! Plan an entire day, including the luau and evening performance. Prepare to be “food adventurous.” The luau will include familiar dishes—pork, fish, and vegetables, and some unfamiliar dishes including poi. There are several other more conventional places to eat as well as shops for souvenirs, jewelry, postcards, etc. Note, cameras are NOT permitted in the evening theater performance (see images here)!
There are several price packages including the basic park entrance or additional charges for ukelele lessons, the luau, and theater drama.
Click here for more information on the Polynesian Cultural Center..
During dinner, we were entertained by the current reigning queen and a reenactment of her history interpreted by a troop of extraordinarily talented performers.
That evening, we moved to the theater to watch what is billed as the “most spectacular show in the islands”—the action-packed “HA: Breath of Life” drama of the days before European sailors had discovered the islands. More than 50 performers acted out a story of true cultural and personal passion—and action that concluded with fiery batons flying across the stage from every corner of the huge theater.
I assume that they change the actual story of the drama from time to time, but I am certain they always include plenty twirling and flying fiery batons.
Of course, throughout the village there are opportunities to purchase not just souvenirs, but some beautiful hand-crafted jewelry as well as beverages decorated with native flowers and flavored with tropical fruits.
Things to Know: Bring a camera! Plan an entire day, including the luau and evening performance. Prepare to be “food adventurous.” The luau will include familiar dishes—pork, fish, and vegetables, and some unfamiliar dishes including poi. There are several other more conventional places to eat as well as shops for souvenirs, jewelry, postcards, etc.
Note, cameras are NOT permitted in the evening theater performance (see images here)!
There are several price packages including the basic park entrance or additional charges for ukelele lessons, the luau, and theater performance.
Click here for more information on the Polynesian Cultural Center..
Renaissance Musings 