Polynesian Cultural Center Announces 2012 Calendar of Festivals and Special Events
Laie, Hawaii – Dec. 08, 2011 – Over its 49 years of operation, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has taken more than 36 million guests on a journey through the diverse cultures of Polynesia. To accentuate its daily offerings, PCC is holding a wide array of special events, cultural competitions and festivals, many of which allow guests to delve deeper into Polynesian traditions and share it with the rest of the world.
Events planned for 2012 include:
Jan. 21 22nd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival
This festival has evolved from its early roots as a keiki hula contest to a hoike, or festival, to celebrate hula and the Hawaiian Culture. The event showcases and preserves hula traditions and honors the legacy of Aunty Sally Wood Naluai, perpetuating her over 60 year passion for teaching hula as PCC’s first hula instructor or kumu hula.
May 9-12 20th Annual World Fireknife Championship
Part of PCC’s annual “We Are Samoa Festival,” the World Fireknife Championship celebrates two decades of competition. Dancers of all ages will tempt fate as they showcase their mastery of Samoan fireknives in a fiery battle of skill and bravery. Acrobatic moves and death-defying tricks combine with ancient Samoan culture to make this event an exhilarating must-see. Tickets sell out every year so early booking is highly recommended.
May 12 High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival
Held annually in conjunction with the World Fireknife Championship, Hawaii high school students demonstrate their own cultural knowledge of Samoan traditions with exhibitions in basket weaving, coconut husking and fire making, among other events.
July 6-7 12th Annual Te Mahana Hiroa Tumu O Tahiti
The largest Tahitian dance competition in Hawaii, this event will showcase the skill of dancers dedicated to preserving the art, culture and traditions of Tahiti. The spirited rhythm of the otea sounds and the fast-paced swishing of the hau skirt will captivate all in this upbeat competition of solo Tahitian dance. Attracting visitors and locals alike, this festival features tamarii (youth) and taurearea (adults), from all over Hawaii as they dance to the slow melodies and the rapid beats of Tahiti. Introduced last year, the new invitational division features some of the world’s best Tahitian dancers.
Aug. 3-4 12th Annual Te Manahua; Maori Song and Dance Festival
After last year’s hiatus, this enriching whakataetae (competition) returns, marked by harmonious melodies, soulful chants and moving dances. Guests feel the mana flow as performers captivate and command the audience’s attention with their powerful chants and traditional dances.
Oct. 1-31 Haunted Lagoon
The Haunted Lagoon has become Hawaii’s premier haunted attraction. Promising to be an unforgettable night of thrills and excitement, this spooky canoe ride twists through the PCC lagoon under dark bridges and past ominous shadows where terrifying creatures await. Participants never know what may reach out from the depths below. A kid’s version of the ride is also available making it an event that the whole family can enjoy.
Dec. Christmas in Polynesia
Next December, the PCC will deck not just the halls but its nearly entire 42-acre grounds and picturesque lagoon to present “Christmas in Polynesia,” a 25-minute canoe ride that winds through a live holiday production. Elaborate Christmas lights, decorations and musical performances — and even actors, animals and props — are sure to get even the biggest scrooge in the holiday spirit.
For more information on prices for each event, or to make reservations, visit Polynesia.com, or call the PCC ticket office at (800) 1-844-572-2347 . On Oahu, call 293-3333. The events schedule is subject to change without notice so guests are encouraged to call to confirm availability.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has entertained more than 36 million visitors, while preserving and portraying the culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia to the rest of the world. In addition, the PCC has provided financial assistance to nearly 17,000 young people from more than 70 different countries while they attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support education.