Tonga Time

by | Dec 14, 2015 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

Tonga, like it’s cousins across the Pacific, has it’s own approach to time. Today may mean tomorrow. Half an hour may be more like two hours or in some cases two days or even a week. If you are a foreigner this may take a bit of adjusting to, but remember you...

Tongan Feast For Christmas

by | Nov 24, 2015 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

Tongan feasting: A serious custom [Author’s note: I have attended Polynesian feasts where they cooked 200 pigs, and fed thousands of people . . . but the first time I sat down at a Tongan kaipola feast, I was truly impressed.]   An expression of love and...
Watermelon ‘Otai Recipe

Watermelon ‘Otai Recipe

by | Jun 29, 2015 | Eat Polynesia!, Tonga

‘Otai (pronounced OH – tie) is a refreshing summer drink that doubles as the perfect end to a summer barbecue or any summer gathering. It has its roots in Polynesia where Tongans, Samoans, Hawaiians and Fijians, to name a few, would enjoy this yummy...
A Noble Heritage: Tonga

A Noble Heritage: Tonga

by | Nov 19, 2014 | Cultures of Polynesia, Tonga

Mālō e Lelei, the Tongans say in greeting, as we focus on their village and activities in our November 2014 e-newsletter. Tongan culture is still very much alive, not only here at the Polynesian Cultural Center, but back home in the South Pacific and among our people...