How to Carve a Tiki Statue

by | May 6, 2016 | News at the Center

Fun Fact: Tiki is a Maori word; ki’i is the Hawaiian equivalent, but we’ll stick with the Maori version because it’s so prevalent. Also, the plural form of Polynesian nouns in their respective languages is not made by adding S — some writers won’t even add an S when...

Samoan Gardening

by | May 5, 2016 | Cultures of Polynesia, Samoa

 Before Europeans arrived in our islands, Samoans typically subsisted on farming and fishing. Breadfruit, banana, taro, giant taro and, of course, coconuts are the most common food crops, and are still cultivated today.  When trading with other islands became more...
Banana Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie

by | Apr 15, 2016 | Eat Polynesia!

  This month we present an all time favorite, not just here on the islands, but across the world….Banana Cream Pie. It even has it’s own day in the U.S. – March 2 – “Banana Cream Pie Day”!   Undoubtedly, the ingredient that...

Elvis, Ukuleles and a New Kumu Hula

by | Mar 30, 2016 | News at the Center

Other PCC news Experience our new ukulele shop Perhaps no other musical instrument — except, maybe, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar — is as synonymous with Hawaii as the ukulele . . . which makes it even more appropriate that the newest addition to the Polynesian Cultural...

Polynesian Royalty

by | Mar 30, 2016 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

We love our Polynesian royalty  Most people in modern Hawaii cherish the many reminders of our aloha state’s royal heritage. For example, we’re the only state graced by a royal palace — Iolani Palace in Honolulu; the Kamehameha Schools are the sole beneficiary of the...

PCC Restores Waka Taua

by | Mar 30, 2016 | News at the Center

PCC Restores Waka Taua As indicated in The King’s Canoe, the PCC’s Maori waka taua is currently being renovated — this time by PCC master carver Kawika Eskaran, a Hawaiian who also played a key role in carving BYU–Hawaii’s 57-foot traditional twin-hulled...

A King’s Canoe

by | Mar 30, 2016 | Aotearoa, Cultures of Polynesia

Correcting a Maori waka taua photo caption  Several months ago a woman in New Zealand contacted the PCC to tell us we had mis-identified her great-grandfather in a picture caption of our 60-foot-long 40-man waka taua or war canoe that’s been permanently berthed in the...

Try a Hongi Greeting!

by | Mar 24, 2016 | Cultures of Polynesia

I continue to be impressed and have the highest respect for the “hongi”, a traditional Maori greeting in New Zealand. There is something about it that is so different than the formal handshake in modern western culture, or even a traditional kiss on the cheek.  It is...

Tongan Traditions and Customs

by | Mar 20, 2016 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

One of the beautiful aspects of Tongan Society is their emphasis on sharing. Tongans share stories, they share resources and they share their blessings with joy and thanksgiving.  Everyone has a role to play unique to their individual status in Tongan Society. It is...

Laughing To the Beat: Tongan Drumming

by | Feb 26, 2016 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

Laughing to the beat: Tongan drumming For many years Polynesian Cultural Center visitors from around the world have been enjoying the humorous attempts by audience “volunteers” to play like islanders do during the Tongan Village’s drumming show: There’s just something...