![]() ![]() ![]() "The Polynesian Cultural Center encompasses a wholesome, family-centered environment … appropriate for family members of any age," Grace said in an interview with the Deseret News. The center's focus on families has been a factor in its success, Grace said. He met his wife at BYU-Hawaii and they raised their family in Laie. Alfred Grace, the first BYU-Hawaii graduate to serve as president and CEO of the PCC, is a native of New Zealand. The PCC averages about 1 million visitors each year, according to its website. Over the years, the PCC, with its activities, friendly staff and entertaining atmosphere, has received several accolades and grown to become one of Hawaii's top paid attractions. Around 700 of the 1,100 employees are students at BYU-Hawaii, according to information from the PCC. The PCC features authentic villages or exhibits from Samoa, Aotearoa (from New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaii, Marquesas, Tahiti, Tonga and Rapa Nui. First, keep the culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia second, contribute to the education of students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii by providing employment opportunities and third, "demonstrate and radiate a spirit of love and service which will contribute to the betterment, uplifting and blessing of all who visit," according to the center's mission statement. The PCC, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1963 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a three-fold mission. It is such a joy to share our culture and see the difference it can make in somebody's life. "There is a special spirit about this place. This place tells it all and I love it," said Mele Suiava Latu, a tour guide in the Tongan village, one of eight Polynesian cultures represented at the PCC. "Family matters, and family is everything. Honoring your heritage, serving others and loving family are also themes conveyed in the PCC's signature show, "Ha: Breath of Life." Whether visitors are playing Aotearoa stick games, learning to cook in the Samoan "tunoa" (kitchen) or watching Tongan men beat their "nafa" (skin drums), it's a family affair. ![]() Tonga's thoughtfulness illustrates the warm family feeling that permeates the paths of the 42-acre Polynesian Cultural Center, consistently one of Hawaii's top attractions. "When you are here, you're family," Tonga said repeatedly. As guests savor the food, Sia Tonga, the host for that evening's luau, introduces a parade of colorful costumes and lively dancing, including a 10-year-old boy who knows how to handle a fireknife.īut what visitors seemed to appreciate the most is how Tonga acknowledged the name and hometown of each person with a birthday, each military veteran, and each couple celebrating an anniversary, all from an audience of several hundred people. There's a buffet of traditional Hawaiian food, including kalua pork, papaya, pineapple chunks, purple taro rolls and poi, along with the choice of guava cake, bread pudding or other desserts. LAIE, Hawaii - The luau hosted by the Polynesian Cultural Center is hard to beat.Įach guest is greeted with a fresh flower lei, then led to a table in a covered, outdoor venue surrounded by lush tropical gardens and waterfalls. ![]()
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