The Awe of the Haka

by | Feb 3, 2015 | Aotearoa, Cultures of Polynesia

Story by Polynesian Cultural Blogger, Bobby Akoi, Jr I was in high school when I first witnessed my first haka in Hilo put on by a dance troupe from New Zealand. The first thing that came out of my mouth was, “WOW”.  It was so powerful it gave me goose bumps all over...

Hukilau Marketplace is OPEN!

by | Jan 20, 2015 | News at the Center

By the time you receive our PCC February eNewsletter, our new Hukilau Marketplace should be ready for its grand opening, now tentatively set for February 20. Of course, we’ll cover that event for you; but meanwhile, here is a recent aerial photo of construction...

Hula Dance History in the Hawaiian Village

by | Jan 20, 2015 | Cultures of Polynesia

Honoring our hula heritage:  Next to aloha and Hawaii, perhaps no other Hawaiian word conjures more imagery of our beautiful islands and friendly people than hula. Kaipo Manoa, our Hawaiian Village manager or “chief,” explains more about our popular dance form. “For...
Chinese Tea Cookies Recipe

Chinese Tea Cookies Recipe

by | Dec 31, 2014 | Eat Polynesia!

People from the Laie area love and adore a certain cookie available at our local Sam’s Store which is next to the famous Hukilau Cafe.  Here, and only here, they are referred to as Pake (pa-kay) Cake.  Anywhere else, they are called Chinese Tea Cookies. ...

PCC News and Updates 12-14

by | Dec 10, 2014 | News at the Center

Our New Hukilau Marketplace undergoes soft opening Part of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s new Hukilau Marketplace underwent a “soft opening” on December 10, 2014. More specifically: Goo’s Plantation Store, “which is a throw-back to Goo’s Old Plantation Store, that...

Favorites in Tahiti

by | Dec 10, 2014 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tahiti

Surprise!  Our Tahitian Village guests love eating free samples  Heitiare Pane’e, our PCC Tahitian Village “chiefess” or manager, reports that sampling faraoa opa’a or traditional Tahitian coconut bread is one of the favorite guest activities in the village. “We...

Tahiti E! Ia Orana!

by | Dec 3, 2014 | Cultures of Polynesia

By Polynesian Cultural Blogger Bobby Akoi, Jr.  Have you ever been to a Polynesian show and watched as the female dancers moved their hips in circles at a crazy fast speed? Do you want to know how they do it?  It’s actually very simple, but it takes a lot of...