Polynesian Cultural Center

The whole purpose for our wonderful family vacation was a birthday present to a wonderful brother of mine. Ok, not really, but it worked out well enough that we could celebrate his birthday on Oahu. If I remember correctly, he went out for a run in the sand that morning, so we took to making a nice breakfast and made sure it welcomed him happily back from his run.

Our afternoon plans included a visit to the world-famous Polynesian Cultural Center. A highlight of our vacation, at least for me, the PCC offered paradise-like foliage, 7 fun villages to visit and learn about different Polynesian cultures, a canoe parade showcasing music and dance from each village, a tasty luau, and a mesmerizing evening show.

Samoa Village

We learned to weave these cute fish before the main performance in the village.  

The spokesman was really quite the comedian. He wove humor into his demonstration of coconut harvesting, cracking, draining, and milking. 

 

I was not aware of some tidbits of information he shared with us, so I thought I'd pass it along. Coconut water is the liquid that flows from the interior of the nut once the shell has been cracked. Coconut milk actually comes from scraping the flesh from off the shell, and then wringing it out piece by piece. 

 

Canoe Pageant

My mom found someone she new from back home! The world is a small place really. :) 

 

   

After quite some time and coaxing, along with leaning the stroller back, our exhausted baby finally fell asleep right before the canoe pageant actually began. What a blessing - he needed a nap.

Hawaii was first to take the stage . . . well, canoe really. Their music was primarily Ukulele focused and though men were traditionally the ones who danced the hula, these lovely ladies took on the role as our modern day and age is used to

Tahiti followed bringing with them the warm, bright color of the sun. Contrary to the intro/theme of Hawaii Five-0, the fast-shaking dancing is not native to Hawaii, but is actually a Tahitian-style of dance. I know, TV lied to us; go figure.

Tonga came next and was the first canoe with male dancers as well as female. Though they did two different dances, the women primarily used slow hand motions and footwork while the men primarily clapped, hit the ground, and shouted.

 Following this performance, Aoetera demonstrated the Mauri war dance as well as another dance where the women used Poi Balls.

I loved the colors of the Samoan dancers' dress. I'm sure their dances were quite lovely as well, but I was a bit distracted watching the Asian gentleman in front of us dancing along. It was great!

 

Fiji offered quite the energetic show for the final canoe of the pageant. This included so much banging, stomping, and rocking that the driver/guide fell off near the end!

Tonga Village
Following the cultured river show, we enjoyed visiting more of the villages in the Center. Our first stop was Tonga. They pulled out the nose flute and drums - traditional musical instruments - and began demonstrating how each was traditionally used. As Munchkin was still asleep, I quickly tried to get out of the crowd and away from the village so he could stay asleep. Alas, this was to no avail once those big drums started beating and the laughter of the crowd rose from the audience seating area.

Tahiti Village
The next village on our list was Tahiti. I found this one quite entertaining as they demonstrated a traditional marriage ceremony - complete with that traditional fast-shaking dance. Unlike our civil wedding ceremonies, their promises and vows are . . . well, I can't ruin the secret - you'll just have to go see for yourself! I can promise though, that it is fascinating and well worth it. 

Hawaii Village
This village offered a demonstration of traditional hula including the meaning of some of the foot and hand movements as well as the dancers' instruments.

 

Our Munchkin was SO intrigued by everything here! He absolutely loved the music and was so interested in the movements the dancers were making - maybe he understood their body language and the story they were telling?

 

 This village became the last visit for the afternoon as all the villages closed for the evening to allow guests to attend their respective Luau.

Luau
Our luau dinner took us back near the front entrance to the park and provided some beautiful music and dance entertainment. We also had the wonderful opportunity to see an entire pig lifted from below ground. The traditional oven/steamer, Polynesians would prepare the pig, then bury it below ground on hot coals for an entire day to let it cook. Then they would dig it out and have a nice meal for a special celebration.

 

Before our turn for the buffet came, we were able to try all 3 flavors of the smoothie-in-a-pineapple they offered. My favorite was strawberry - YUM!

 

The foliage just outside of the pavilion offered a prime location for family pictures following dinner. We just couldn't pass up the opportunity.

 

And my brother couldn't let the opportunity pass to tease his nephew. So Munchkin stuck his hand in Michael's mouth to grab his tongue . . . too bad Michael didn't let go.

Evening Show - Ha: Breath of Life 

With full tummies and a tired baby who skipped his second nap, we wondered the souvenir shops briefly before trying to get our little one to sleep again. We almost, ALMOST had him, before we had to head to the outdoor auditorium for the evening show. Unfortunately, strollers aren't allowed inside, so we had to remove Munchkin, which in turn, woke him up more. With all the new people around to look at and the lovely music inside, there was no way he was going to fall asleep any time soon. He even thoroughly enjoyed just over half of the evening show through droopy eyelids.

 

It was a wonderful show to end such a great day with family. With time constraints and a baby's schedule to keep in mind, we were unable to see all of the villages we wanted to. Our other plans also did not allow us to return again, but if I could go back, I would definitely plan 2 days for the PCC!