The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), located on Oahu's north shore, is a must-see when visiting the island. It boasts 42-acres of tropical splendor and provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. The Center is broken up into seven different "islands," each representing a Polynesian culture. There's a canal that runs through the middle on which you can take a ride or watch the daily Canoe Pageant floating down the shallow, fish-filled water. There are shops, places to snack, and it boasts one of the best luaus on the island. For $90+ per child's ticket, we opted to eat at the more reasonably-priced buffet (which reminded me of the one we frequented with my grandparents back in the day. Located by the mall, it never was very good...).
We spent at least five hours wandering around, listening to the local music, people watching, and experiencing a small taste of another culture. Each "island" had a set of ink tattoos that you could get, and the kids loved having the black ink rolled onto different body parts. I asked one of the women if the movie Moana was a close representation to the Polynesian culture. It must have been a slightly stupid question as it took her a minute to respond. She said that the movie was a fairly good mixture of all the cultures, not one in particular. After receiving a small taste of the Pacific Islands, I would have to agree with her.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints founded the PCC in 1963 as a non-profit organization in partnership with BYU-Hawaii (located not far from the Center). A good 75% of the workers are Polynesian natives and students at BYU-Hawaii. They work 7-14 hours a week at the Center and is part of a scholarship they can receive while attending the university. I was impressed by that on several levels - it gives students a chance to earn money while attending a well-known university. It keeps them in touch with their heritage and allows them to share it with others. And it made the somewhat extravagant entrance fee more worthwhile.
Per recommendation by the guy at the ticket counter, we prioritized our time by visiting the Islands of Aotearoa (in New Zealand), the Islands of Samoa, the Islands of Tahiti, the Islands of Tonga, and Hawaii. We viewed part of the Canoe Pageant - Spencer was more interested in the fish than the people dancing on the canoes. Chadwick and I participated in an Tahitian wedding ceremony - the actors told the story of how the wedding works, then invited married couples in the audience to renew their vows. Sitting on a blanket on the grass, we repeated our vows while keeping an eye on Spencer who was flirting with a little girl nearby.
I like the ceremony and history of tradition found in each of these villages.
Morgan and Mallorie went fishing (Spencer emptied the diaper bag and proceeded to line up items on the sidewalk), we each got tattoos, we walked, viewed dances from Aotearoa which reminded me of the dance Maui did in the movie before opening the door to the underworld on top of the hill, drooled over the shaved ice people were eating, learned to keep a beat in Samoa with the large sticks they use in their music. We walked some more and learned that the people of Hawaii came up with the name ukulele because the fingers of the player resembled a flea jumping around - "uku lele." We ended the day at the buffet.
The grand finale of the evening was a show entitled "Ha: The Breath of Life Show." It started at 7:00 pm and lasted an hour and a half....Morgan was the only kiddo to make it through the show without falling asleep. (Side note: she was coming down with a cold that day and made it through the activities with the help of Children's Advil to keep the fever at bay) There was music, a story of two people falling in love, marrying, and having a child. It told of contention between villages, of love, of laughter, and life. The music was amazing and featured each of the Polynesian cultures throughout the night.
Friday we stuck around the beach house a bit more. Morgan was still fighting a fever and Mallorie was coming down with one. Games, pool time, and books occupied the day. Chadwick and I snuck out on a date for dinner and wound up at a little hole in the wall called Aloha Poke. There was a bench with a few stools and I get the impression most people take their food to go. The service was quite slow and the food was delightful! We walked to the beach and ate on a picnic table overlooking the bay in Makaha. It was a nice end to a busy, family filled week.
When in Hawaii, Chadwick must run. And run he did, a half marathon on the eastern side of the island north of Honolulu. In typical fashion, he woke early, drove for 2 hours, ran his race, and drove home. He placed well, though the humidity took its toll about half way through the race. Once back at the beach house, he showered and helped us finish packing. Spencer made sure he said goodbye to Tiki Man.
Our flight didn't leave until 10 pm, so we loaded up the car and toured the Honolulu Aquarium with David's family and my parents.
Dinner was at a nice restaurant downtown and then we split to catch our separate flights. The kids did really well on the way home - they basically slept the whole time. I couldn't get comfortable and watched movies for the 5 hour flight. I'm too old to be pulling all nighters! We had a layover of like 4 hours in Salt Lake City, where Spencer continued to sleep and I caught a 30 minute nap on the floor in terminal B. James picked us up from the airport, jet lagged and tan. Boise was cold but not unbearable; I vowed not to complain about the temperature for at least 24 hours as I was so tired of sweating! We all agreed it was nice to be back in our own beds again.
Mallorie still asks for the time in Hawaii, at least once a week if not more. The girls can't wait to head back. Spencer talked about his cousin Kade for several days after coming home and we all miss Grandma and Grandpa. We're hoping to gather again in 2019 in Albuquerque for Christmas.
I'm grateful for my family - for our quirks, our support, and love for one another. For the tolerance we learn while together and the laughter that was shared. Here's to a new tradition of regular reunions!
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