A highly recommended
stop on my trip to Oahu was a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The center
resembles a theme park, but instead of roller coaster rides we learn about
Polynesian culture and history.
Each section is dedicated to a certain island where visitors can read about each culture and obtain a better understanding of how those groups of people lived life in their respective islands. There are mock housing structures that resemble everything from town halls to single family homes.
Each section is dedicated to a certain island where visitors can read about each culture and obtain a better understanding of how those groups of people lived life in their respective islands. There are mock housing structures that resemble everything from town halls to single family homes.
Upon entering the center, Ben and I went to the canoes for
the canoe tour of the Polynesian islands. The guide briefly explains every
island that is represented at the center and throws around a few interesting
cultural facts. My absolute favorite part about this place is all the random food
lessons they provide. There are interactive exhibits around food for some of
the islands that explains and demonstrates how certain groups made their food.
We sampled poi in the Hawaii section of the center and learned how to make
coconut oil in the Fiji section! We also learned how to make fire with 2 sticks
and miserably failed doing so. Lastly, we got a small lesson in playing the
ukulele.
On a canoe tour inside the center
This guy taught us how to make coconut oil (and yes, from a raw coconut)
Miserably attempting to make fire with sticks
In order to really see everything the Polynesian Cultural
Center has to offer, plan to spend the entire day here. I promise that you will
be entertained here so much that you won’t want to leave until you see every
little thing!
Our attempt to play the ukulele!