Try a Hongi Greeting!

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

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

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...

Community News

Coming soon: Ukulele Experience! PCC’s new Ukulele Experience and the Ukulele Experience Gallery, which you will find just before the Ticketed Entrance inside the PCC, will be a great place to learn more about this popular instrument that’s practically synonymous with...

First Tongan in the NFL Emphasizes Education

Two of the five men honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame enshrinement activities at the Polynesian Cultural Center on January 30, 2016, have close personal ties to Laie. One of them, the first Tongan to play in the NFL, took extra time to explain those...

The Beauty of Polynesia

What is the real beauty of Polynesia? The media may focus on pictures of beautiful Polynesian woman dressed in hula skirts, with big brown eyes and long, luxurious hair. These quintessential islanders can make men swoon and women long for such genes. But the real...

Tonga Tapa

  One of my favorite activities to see at the Polynesian Cultural Center is the tapa making demonstration in Tongan. It’s not only fun to watch but very educational at the same time. I just think it’s amazing that cloth can be made out of the bark of a tree. As I...

2016 January News

Other PCC, community news PFHoF players at PCC: The Polynesian Cultural Center welcomed its Class of 2016 inductees into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame during special induction ceremonies on Saturday, January 30 with: Greetings at the PFHoF gallery near the...
Hawaiian Slack-key Guitar

Hawaiian Slack-key Guitar

Listen up for slack key in the Hawaiian Village The popularity of Hawaiian music and instruments such as the steel guitar and ukuleles has spread around the world; and so, rightfully, part of the PCC’s cultural presentation in the village focuses on Hawaiian music...