Tahiti: The legend of the Tiare flower
Let me tell you about the magnificent tiare flower. The ma’ohi, more commonly known as Tiare Tahiti, is the favorite flower of the Creation Gods. According to Tahitian legend, the tiare flower was created by Atea, the Oceanic God of Creation with assistance from Tane,...
Māori Legend: How the kiwi bird lost his wings – a story by Alwyn Owen
The national symbol of New Zealand is the Kiwi bird. They are pictured on the country’s postage stamps. New Zealanders call themselves “Kiwis”. The Kiwi fruit is a major horticultural export from New Zealand. The New Zealand dollar is even nicknamed “the...
Atchara – Pickled Green Papaya
Enjoy this spicy Green Papaya Salad from our neighbors in the Philippines that is becoming popular throughout the islands. This recipe was shared by Kezia Mendoza. Many thanks. It’s been fun learning how to make this dish – I love it so much, I keep a...
The tale of the turtle and the shark – a Samoan legend
Faʻafetai (thank you) to Tipa Galeai, Manager of the Samoa Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center, for this contribution to our series on Polynesian legends. Samoans tell the story of an old blind woman, named Fonueau, of Salega, Savaii (Western Samoa). She had one...
Maui creates the Islands of Hawaii – a Hawaiian legend
Read all about Maui, one of the most recognized demi-gods throughout the cultures of Polynesia. This is because his tales traveled with the early Polynesian explorers as they moved from island nation to island nation. We at the Polynesian Cultural Center hope you...
The Red Prawns of Vatulele – a Fijian legend
The following legend has numerous versions. We took ours from the former Island Manager of the Fiji Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Inoke Suguturaga. There is an ancient story about the beautiful daughter of a chief. Her name, Yalewan-ni-Cagi-Bula, means...
The Polynesian Cultural Center leads the way in uncertain times
NOTICE: In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the State of Hawaii has issued a mandate requiring that all non-essential workers shelter-at-home effective March 24 through April 30, 2020. Due to this action, we have had to close the student filled positions...
Iraia Bailey: Language is the essence of culture
Iraia Bailey, originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), is currently working as a cultural ambassador for the Island of Aotearoa at the Polynesian Cultural Center (Center). He conveys his love for his culture to all he meets. After many years on the journey to...
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