Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Polynesian Cultural Center Special Shows



Between traveling through the different island villages, we were able to see some of the amazing shows the PCC offers. It really was amazing how much we were able to fit in in one day!

In the afternoon, we were able to get some good seats for the grand canoe show entitled Huki: One 'Ohana Sharing Aloha. Huki means "pull", from the legend of Maui pulling up the islands of the Pacific out of the ocean, to the history of Laie pulling fishing nets at its world-famous hukilau. As we all learned from Lilo and Stitch, 'Ohana means family. And Aloha means love, it is the connection between humans.



This production explodes with Polynesian spirit, stories, and fun depicting the allure and adventure of ocean life through ancient myths and customs, inspiring local history, and favorite island songs. 

The story begins, as tradition holds, with the great demigod, Maui –who founded the Polynesian nations of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga and Samoa as he explored the vast Pacific.










Huki is unique not only in the story it shares, but in how it is presented. Live musicians set the tone while native performers present the epic tale while floating upon a beautiful lagoon on large double hulled canoes.











We had gotten these little treats to enjoy while we watched the show and they were soooo good! Second favorite snack of the trip, after the chocolate covered gummy bears.












Shortly after the canoe show, we got to attend the authentic Luau for lunch!


We were welcomed with fresh flower leis 


We got to watch as they uncovered the Kaula pig which had been stone-fired and slow roasted.




While the Polynesian Cultural Center takes great pride in making their Luau the most delicious, they also embrace the Hawaiian culture to make it the most authentic.  They slow cook all their foods using ancient methods and recipes, ensuring the flavors we taste today are the same as King Kamehameha II did during the very first Luau. 




So yummy!


A little luau history:

"There was a time in ancient Hawaiian history when men and women weren’t allowed to eat together. They were separated at meal times, and even ate different foods. In 1819, that all changed. King Kamehameha II put an end to those practices and had a feast for everyone to enjoy the Pacific’s greatest flavors. Men, women, children, and royalty all dined and celebrated as one — and the Luau was born.

As the Luau began to grow in both recognition and in size, visitors from all around the world began to flock to be a part of this cultural celebration. The more people came, the more the feast became something even more elaborate, a full-on party with traditional dancing and entertainment. That’s why today’s Luau in Oahu is so much more than just the fantastic food, it’s the Hawaiian culture brought to life in every way. Everything from the type of dancing to the patterns of decorations has significant meaning rooted in history."
















We absolutely loved this luau, it is such an amazing experience with stunning entertainment and delicious food.

We ended our time at the Polynesian Cultural Center by attending their dramatic night show, Ha: Breath of Life. Ha tells the symbolic story of Mana and his beloved Lani, punctuated by Polynesian dance, music and blazing fire knives. It is a Pacific isle saga of birth and death, love and family, tragedy and triumph.


Pictures weren't allowed during the performance so I borrowed some from the internet.

This stunning evening show features over 100 Polynesian natives, special effects, animation and surround sound.






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