The Polynesian Cultural Center is managed by students at BYU. The function of the center is to preserve the history of seven different Polynesian cultures. I was impressed with the student staff on what a great job they did making sure their guests got the most out of this experience. The deal they are offered is most of their college education will be paid for in return for them learning and preserving their own Polynesian culture and participating in the activities of the center. Money earned from tourism goes directly to funding their education and preserving their cultural heritage. I think is it a wonderful combination of capitalism, anthropology, ethnology & means of funding the students & university. What a great idea.

I was impressed with the Chief of the Samoans. He is shown in the 2nd, 4th & 12th photo from left to right. He put on a show and demonstrated how they make fire, husk coconuts, and other things that are common place in the Samoan culture still today. He had a wonderful sense of humor that kept the crowd laughing as he presented his information. He spoke in English, Japanese & Korean and was able to communicate and interact with everyone in the audience.

The center has a large dinning hall with good food. At the end of the day they have a big production that involves 150 different dancers from all the seperate cultures represented. It takes place in a half moon stadium that is partially covered for the audience and partially open on the stage area. The viewers got a good demonstration of many different types of traditional dance & costumes. During the halftime break in the evening performance the staff brings out a treat. They offer sherbert ice cream with all kinds of fruit served in a carved out pinnapple bowl. It was delicious. ( Yes I broke my diet during my vacation )

Once again it was the Samoan Chief who captivated the audience during the 2nd half of the show. The Chief put on a dazzling show with burning torches blazing on both ends. He spun them around so fast it looked like flaming rings of fire. He really put on an excellent show. Unfortunately no flashes were allowed during the performance so it was impossible to get good photos due to the low light levels. I got some video tapes of the shows afterwords that was for sale.

This is a fun way to spend a day if your ever on Oahu.