The Polynesian Cultural Center is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our friends from the Cook Islands again this summer from June 18 – July 19, 2018.

“We were greatly honored last summer to host cultural representatives from the Cook Islands,” stated P. Alfred Grace, President of the Polynesian Cultural Center. “We couldn’t be more pleased that their government has approved a return visit. Their rich culture, music and dance are sure to both enhance our guests’ experience and inspire our staff”.

The Cook Islands sit in-between Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti

A delegation of 20 will arrive by mid June. Performances will begin June 18th and continue for 5 weeks.

Our guests will enjoy the dance and music of the Cook Islands including drums of various sizes such as the pa’u (double bass drum) and the Ka’ara, (slit drum.)

The dance most familiar to guests, though similar to Tahiti, is actually based on a side-to-side movement of the hips rather than a circular movement.

The men move by tapping their feet which are apart, makes their knees bounce in an exuberant style of dance

During their visit, the Cook Island representatives will showcase their history, dress and music throughout the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Delsa Moe, Vice-President of Cultural Presentations at the Polynesian Cultural Center expressed the enthusiasm we all feel. “We’re just excited to have our cousins return. We had such a wonderful experience last year.” We invite you to come feel the excitement.

Come join us for this special event!

CLICK HERE to view our 2017 blog detailing last year’s visit.

Nina S Jones

Nina Jones, a mainland gal from way back, is now a transplanted Islander. With her husband of 41 years, she volunteers at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Her hobbies include swimming, traveling, studying and writing about what she is learning from the various Polynesian cultures. Her blogs focus on their history, beliefs, practices and – as an added bonus – delicious food! To her, Polynesia is not just a place to visit, it is a way to live and she is very honored to be able to be a part of their amazing world.