Celebrating “Fakapale” Style

Tongans, along with the rest of our Polynesians, love to dance. It is in their blood and sometimes in their wallets. Let me explain! I’ve learned in all my years working at the Polynesian Cultural Center that when you attend a Tongan celebration, festival, or party,...

The Awe of the Haka

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...

Hula Dance History in the Hawaiian Village

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...

Favorites in 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 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...