the laws of the king of Hawai’i. The lifeblood of the community was the Hukilau, a form of net fishing invented by the ancient Hawaiians. This evolved into a festival, open to all who wished to participate.
In 1865, the LDS Church purchased the land, making it a “gathering place” for all the people of Polynesia. Soon other people of Polynesian cultures poured into the area, bringing their own unique island traditions. A church and relief society was created, where inhabitants grew food and made handicrafts.

In 1963 the LDS Church and University established the Polynesian Cultural Center to keep alive the rich history and traditions of the indigenous island cultures of Polynesia. The center also helped defray educational expenses and provide practical work experience for their students at the university next door. Today approximately 700 BYU-Hawaii students work at the PCC, all of them anxious to share their history with you.

Located a one-hour drive from Waikiki, the center offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the lifestyles, habitats, entertainment and hospitality of seven Polynesian villages—-all in one location. The purchase of tickets, food, shows and souvenirs helps fund the educational/work objectives.

I visited all seven villages and saw islanders re-enact wedding ceremonies, wield fire knives, conduct cooking demonstrations, carve tiki figures and even climb 40-foot coconut trees. Visitors are invited to participate with drum playing, dancing, chanting, canoe treks and creating fire by rubbing two sticks together. (It became painfully obvious to me that I would never make it as a cast member on Survivor.)

Special offerings include an IMAX theater, the world’s largest Polynesian night show and an authentic Hawaiian Luau, complete with Kalua Pig (cooked whole in an ‘imu’ underground oven), Mahi Mahi, Lomi Lomi