Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center with my Mormon smile – a highlight! I love this place.
Although I’m no longer a member, I have huge respect for what the Church of Latter-Day Saints does to support the youth of Polynesia. Over 80% of the workers at the Polynesian Cultural Center also go to school at the local BYU Hawaii, and are able to fund their education through this work.
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Spending the Day at the Polynesian Cultural Center
We arrived at the opening, right at 11:45 am – as there is so much to do and see at the Polynesian Cultural Center. At the beginning, I scheduled what we would do – to make sure not to miss anything.
There are six “islands” where there are replicas of Polynesian villages – with Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Aotaro (New Zealand), Tahiti, and Fiji. You can visit each island for a presentation, or visit when there isn’t a presentation for activities to do throughout the day. Each day there’s also a canoe pageant, where the story of the Polynesian Cultural Center is told.
In the afternoon we had lunch at the luau with the story of Queen Liliakalani told and reenacted while you’re eating.
Don’t Miss the Evening Show
At the end of the night, “Ha: Breath of Life” is the main attraction – a beautiful show telling the story of an islander man growing up, and starting his own family, with trials and tribulations along the way.
The fire dancers are incredible, mystical, and enchanting!
I’ve hardly seen anything more stunning. When the grandma character came out to hula for her grandson and teach – tears filled my eyes. So beautiful.
After spending the full day experiencing all the island of Polynesia, I was tired but fulfilled. I would go back for a third time if I got the chance!
