Polynesian Cultural Center

Coordinates: 21°38′20.63″N 157°55′12.97″W / 21.6390639°N 157.9202694°W / 21.6390639; -157.9202694
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Polynesian Cultural Center
Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
SloganOne Ohana Sharing Aloha
Area42 acres (17 ha)
Websitepolynesia.com

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a family-centered cultural

Oahu, Hawaii.[1] The PCC is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), was dedicated on October 12, 1963, and occupies 42 acres (17 hectares) of land belonging to nearby Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii).[2]

The PCC encompasses eight simulated tropical villages where performers demonstrate various arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia.[3] Visitors may also take a free shuttle tour of the university and see the LDS Church's Laie Hawaii Temple and its associated visitors' center.

Seventy percent of the PCC's approximately 1,300 employees are students at BYU-Hawaii.[4] Since opening, the PCC has provided financial assistance to more than 12,000 BYU-Hawaii students.[5] Students may work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and 40 hours during breaks. As a non-profit organization, PCC's revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.

History

In early 1962, LDS Church

Party's first secretary, Xi Zhongxun, father of current Chinese leader Xi Jinping, visited the PCC during a tour of the United States.[8] After the September 11 attacks, attendance suffered at the PCC.[9] In 2004, the PCC doubled its advertising budget, "to promote local music, dance and food festivals."[10]

Entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center

The PCC is one of the most frequently visited destinations for

Fire Knife Dance Competition, where contestants display their skills with blazing swords. Since its opening in 1963, over 32 million people have visited the center. Howard W. Hunter is credited with transforming the newly organized PCC from an unprofitable and unknown entity into one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions.[12]

Activities

A Fiji Temple at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Hā–Breath of Life

In addition to the daytime exhibits and demonstrations, PCC features an evening show for an additional charge. As of 2009, the show is a

titi torea, haka, poi, meke, tauʻolunga, and Taualuga. Past shows include "This is Polynesia", "Mana: The Spirit of Our People.", and Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky. The show reportedly has a cast of 100 performers, and they perform six evenings a week.[14]

Huki: A Canoe Celebration

The Lagoon hosts a parade of canoes that showcase the signature dances of each Polynesian culture. The current show, Huki: A Canoe Celebration, which premiered in August 2018, was preceded by Rainbows of Paradise, This is Polynesia, and Ancient Legends of Polynesia.

Villages

Each major of Polynesian culture has its section centered on a traditional village. Hourly performances and cultural learning experiences take place in these villages. Villages include:

In addition to the villages, the PCC has a special exhibit dedicated to Rapa Nui (

imu (an underground oven).[11] They can observe the roasted pig in the imu prior to the meal. The PCC has its own Special effect theater and a lagoon where visitors can take canoe
rides accompanied by a guide or paddle by themselves.

Special events

PCC hosts many special events, highlighting Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, and Māori cultures and a Christmas festival. The PCC used to host a Haunted Lagoon but discontinued it in 2013 because it was not profitable. Other festivals include the Moanikeala Hula Festival, the World Fireknife Championships, and the Micronesia Betelnut Festival.

  • The Tahiti Village show
    The Tahiti Village show
  • Rower in a traditional canoe at the Polynesian Cultural Center
    Rower in a traditional canoe at the Polynesian Cultural Center
  • 2022 photograph
    2022 photograph

See also

References

  1. ^ Cooper, Jeanne. "Playing tourist at Hawaii’s popular Polynesian Cultural Center", San Francisco Chronicle, 20 December 2012. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  2. ^ Friedman, Fredrica S. "Oahu's Riches: Beaches, Crops And History", The New York Times, 2 July 1978. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  3. ^ Carlton, Michael. "Oahu's North Shore Beach: The Waves Beat On", The Washington Post, 11 January 1981. Retrieved on 10 March 2020.
  4. ^ "New evening show portrays devotion, loss, and love". Presidents' Report. Brigham Young University-Hawaii and Polynesian Cultural Center: 9. October 2009.
  5. BYU Magazine
    , 2001. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  6. ^ "Polynesian Cultural Center Celebrates 50 Years of Education", Church News, 10 September 2013. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  7. ^ Fidel, Steve. "The Hukilau: A legacy of Laie", Deseret News, 29 October 2009. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  8. ^ Perlez, Jane. "When Xi’s Father Visited, He Met Mickey Mouse and Wore a Leie", The New York Times, 21 September 2015. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  9. ^ Lee, Gary. "Lei of the Land", The Washington Post, 17 March 2002. Retrieved on 10 March 2020.
  10. ^ "Learning to Relax", Newsweek, 118 February 2004. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  11. ^ a b Levine, Arthur. "Polynesian Cultural Center: Explore the history of Hawaii and five more islands", USA Today, 12 April 2018. Retrieved on 14 March 2020.
  12. ^ "President Howard W. Hunter: The Lord's "Good and Faithful Servant"". Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  13. ^ Tsui, Bonnie. "36 Hours on Oahu", The New York Times, 19 May 2016. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
  14. ^ "Behind the Scenes at Polynesian Cultural Center", Hawaii Business, 10 March 2012. Retrieved on 11 March 2020.
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