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MOST RECENT POSTS
Powerful Polynesian symbolism you can see at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesians use symbolic meanings embodied in words, carvings, designs and more to represent deeper or hidden meanings. Hawaiians call those meanings kaona.
Presidents Council Achieving Results at the Polynesian Cultural Center
To say that the executive leadership of the Polynesian Cultural Center is both diverse and deeply committed to their mission to “Preserve and portray the cultures, arts and crafts of Polynesia; and contribute to the educational development” of our students and staff would be an understatement.
Hawaiian Wood Carving Meaning & Tradition
Doug Christy and other senior carvers at the Polynesian Cultural Center teach their skills to a new generation of student workers.
Doug Christy Carries on Father’s Wood Carving Legacy
Doug Christy, a 37-year Maori carver at the Polynesian Cultural Center, continues the legacy of his father, Epanaia Whaanga Christy or “Uncle Barney”.
MOST POPULAR POSTS
Polynesian Cultural Center pioneer: Patoa Benioni
More than 50 years ago, Patoa — who was born in Aitutaki in 1941 but spent most of his boyhood on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands — played a key role as an original Polynesian Cultural Center performer. Today, almost everybody calls him Patoa or Uncle Patoa, but like some Polynesians, his actual name is much longer: Te Are Toa O Te Patoa o Maouna Tama Pikikaa Benioni.
Long-time friend Pulefano Galea’i remembered Patoa … as “a great singer, leader, composer, and a great drummer. But one thing he always had in mind, he wanted to bring people here from the Cook Islands.
“Yesterday Patoa and I sat together watching a full-fledged Cook Island group. “Patoa, you can never be forgotten for all that you’ve contributed to the Polynesian Cultural Center, to Laie, and to all of us,” Galea’i said.
Cook Islands performers thrill at the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Cook Islands group “consists of five drummers, four female dancers, four male dancers, and two weavers plus the group leaders,” said PCC senior manager William Mahoni, who has been coordinating logistics for them. He added they perform every afternoon in a special mini-village located between the PCC’s Hawaiian and Tahitian Villages, and also several evenings each week in the Center’s Hukilau Marketplace
13 Best Beaches in North Shore Oahu
The beaches along the North Shore of Oahu are what dreams are made of. Sand, waves, tropical trees swaying in the breeze and a magical mix of colorful sea life and majestic turtles. What you may not know, however, is how distinctly unique each beach is. Want to learn to surf? Castles might be your best spot. Want to see world class surfing? Then it’s Bonzai Pipeline all the way, baby! Read more to find the perfect beach for your vacation.
Polynesian Cultural Center showcases Cook Islanders
The Polynesian Cultural Center will showcase a group of 17 performers and cultural leaders from the Cook Islands for a six-week run from July 17-August 24, 2017.
PCC manager William Mahoni, who has been coordinating the group’s appearance at the Center, said, “We have had a few small groups and special visitors from the Cook Islands over the years, but this will be the first time we will have a group stay for six weeks. We’re excited.”
PCC Samoan Fire Knives vs. Batons
A former majorette, Sue Ann Long and Polynesian Cultural Center Samoan cultural ambassador Kap Te’o-Tafiti compare twirling batons and spinning fire knives.
Special artisans at PCC’s Te Manahua 2017 festival
The Polynesian Cultural Center’s Aotearoa Village has invited an amazing slate of special artisans from New Zealand to our biannual Te Manahua Festival. The event will be held
in the PCC’s Aotearoa Village from July 13-15, 2017.
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