The Polynesian Cultural Center - A Struggling Legacy

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a wonderful blend of multiple Polynesian Cultures brought into one location for all to enjoy. The islands featured in this beautiful cultural center are Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and of course the islands of Tahiti. This concept was created by the LDS Church to create a location for Polynesian islanders to work and attend college. At the heart of the windward part of Oahu, what started out as Church College, later renamed Brigham Young University, was founded to give another option for College in the South Pacific Islands. 

The Polynesian Cultural Center has been praised for bringing knowledge to the rest of the world because of their mission to share the culture through dance, music and education. 

Our Team was lucky enough to attend many of their activities and shows during the day. Then we had the chance to eat at their Luau Buffet at the Hale Ku Ai. We watched their new canoe show, Huki. Also attended their night show, HA. We will breakdown our experience with you all today. Remember, many of us are former dancers from the Polynesian Cultural Center.

All Pictures: Polynesian Cultural Center & Brigham Young University Hawaii

First time back for our Team since 1996. Many of us were dancers in the MANA and HORIZON Night Show. And also danced for the Ali'i Luau and the former canoe show, Treasure of Polynesia. Some of our Ambassadors even danced back in the 'This is Polynesia' Night Show. So, here we go. 

Our first activity for the day, was of course the Villages of each island. We visited Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand and then Tahiti. We also had the chance to visit the Marquise Village. That was fun. The villages remain the same. True to their teachings and values of each culture. We had fun participating as tourists and not the entertainers. Wonderful job to all the Villages at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

During the day of visiting Villages, we were told the Canoe show was about to begin. We took our seats in an area they normally hold the canoe shows, however, we were told they are only doing it in one area. So, we had to move to the one area they hold it. 

The canoe show began, and we were not as impressed as we would have like to have been. It was newer, modern and a copy of Moana. Mostly about Maui, the God who pulled the islands of the water for his people. We have grown up in such a different time of dance and sharing our culture, that this was definitely different. The basics were lost, but the entertainment value was there, for sure. Costumes create the message well, so that is a good thing. As for traditional values, not so much. 

As we moved on to our Dinner Buffet, we were extremely ready to eat and have fun watching their show at the Luau. Of course, we were definitely hungry as well. When we were at the line to get in, they did a little presentation of what they would be serving. That was a great little addition to sharing our foods and culture through example. Brilliant idea. We did not wait long, and we were taking to our table for 11. We patiently waited for the food lines to open. They did a wonderful musical prayer. Prayers are always welcome in any form. Time to eat. The food was amazing. The music was phenomenal. The dancers were young and trying. It was all a great atmosphere. Thank you Luau staff for making it so memorable and keeping it a Luau style environment. 

The night was coming to a close and all we had left to watch was the night show. we had heard varying revues about the show. Some good, mostly bad. So, we went in ready to just be entertained. 

To say the least, we had a few friends leave and just enjoy the ambiance outside of the Theatre, as that was more culturally correct than the show, HA. A lot of Team members did agree it was HA as in laughter. Many of us stayed indoors to continue watching the show. We did leave with sadness to see what had become of the Night Show. Once powerful and full of MANA and ALOHA, now just a desperate reach for acceptance to other shows around the world. It was indeed rough to watch. However, it definitely continues to share the base core of our Polynesian values. That is the main thing.