Polynesian Cultural Center
Most people go to Hawaii for fun, not education, but one of the most fun places on Oahu also happens to be educational. When you've had your fill of sand and salt water, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center for a change of pace. It's on the northeast coast, about an hour's drive from Honolulu along the spectacular coastal highway. From the minute you enter the beautifully landscaped garden-like grounds, you feel like all of Polynesia is spread before you. There are seven distinct areas representing the different islands - Tonga, Tahiti, Marquesas, Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Samoa. The "islands" feature the houses, crafts, activities, music and games of each area.
It can be a bit overwhelming, so don't forget to pick up a map at the entrance. They're available in English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, so you won't get lost no matter where you're from. You might want to get the lay of the land (or water) by taking the canoe ride on the waterway that snakes its way through the entire park.
There's lots to see, so you'll want to plan your day so you don't miss the various performances -- especially the 2:30 p.m. "canoe pageant" that features costumed dancers performing on boats on the central waterway. There are also mini-concerts of traditional island instruments and demonstrations of traditional skills like climbing a palm tree or opening a coconut. But best of all are the activities you can participate in yourself, like learning to do the hula or weave palm fronds or play the drums or throw a spear. If you want a little cool rest in the heat of the day, you can let yourself be dazzled by the IMAX movie, "Coral Reef Adventure," included in the general admission price. The corals and fish are stunning, and it's a lot easier than learning to scuba dive!
For those who are interested in the educational aspect, many of the islands include high-quality authentic exhibits of arts and crafts, and re-creations of typical houses. One of the coolest things about the park is that the people working there come from the islands they represent. And in the evening, there is a luau and show featuring the tradition and culture of the various islands.
The main down side of the PCC is that it's kind of pricey. The regular admission price is $45, and it rises to $88 and above if you include the optional luau and show. I guess the consolation is that the PCC is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Polynesian students attending the neighboring campus of Brigham Young University.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The landscaping is beautiful
Be sure not to miss the canoe pageant
Tongan house
Inside the Tongan house
Display of Fiji craft items
Here is a lady weaving palm fronds
You can learn to weave palms too
Learn the hula
Play the drums
Throw a spear
Don't try this yourself!
Fresh coconut is delicious
The boat ride is relaxing - great photo opportunities
Official Website: http://www.polynesia.com/
Tips:
* The opening hours are not real long (around noon to 5:30 p.m.), so check online for the exact
times and get there when it opens to get your money's worth. There are enough activities to
keep you busy the whole time
* Be warned - the park is closed on Sunday.
* There are little shops with Polynesian-themed items scattered throughout the park, but the
two biggest and nicest shopping areas - the Mahinalani Gift Shop and the Pacific Marketplace
- are located near the entrance and are open later than the others.
* Don't miss the mock-Easter Islands giant heads. This is the place to take your tacky tourist photo.
* There are different packages depending on whether you want meals or a show. With some of the
packages, you can return for free within three days.
Getting there:
For directions to the Polynesian Cultural Center, click here.
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