POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER WELCOMES TWO NEW CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS TO CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2007
La'ie, HI: Visitors have two more reasons to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center next year for the debut of the Polynesian Arts Festival in July and the Tonga Festival in November. The events calendar for 2007 has more opportunities than ever to indulge, experience and learn about the Polynesian culture and spirit.
"We always look for different avenues and opportunities to explore and share the many different faces of Polynesia," said Alfred Grace, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the PCC. "With even more for visitors and kama'aina to enjoy, we are proud to continually offer a diverse range of events to those who wish to participate and showcase their culture."
Events planned for 2007 include the following:
- January 19-20: E Luana Kakou Hawaiian Concert
Local entertainers tell a story with traditional Hawaiian music as well as the more familiar contemporary sounds as they kick off the Hawaiian cultural celebrations.
- Moanike'ala Hula 'Auana Dance Festival
This annual ho'ike, or dance exhibition, welcomes all dancers young and old to showcase their skills and pay tribute to La'ie's own late Aunty Sally Wood Nalua'i, the PCC's very first kumu hula.
- May 17-19: 15th Annual World Fireknife Dance Competition
The most popular cultural celebration promises to be faster and hotter than ever in its milestone year. The competing warriors show off their speed and skill as they spin fiery knives to prove that they are the world's best. Tickets sell out every year, so book them early or miss the show!
- May 19: The Samoa Festival
Hawai'i high school groups take center stage as they compete in art, song and dance demonstrations celebrating the Samoan culture.
- July 2-31: Polynesian Arts Festival: During this new month-long festival, some of the finest island artisans in the world will be showcasing their works at the PCC in July. If you're looking for beautiful and authentic crafts, clothing and decor, don't miss this chance to own a piece of Polynesia.
- July 6-7: 7th Annual Te Mahana Hiro'a 'O Tahiti
The sound of the tamure drums draw you in and the mesmerizing dances of Tahiti keep you on your toes at this festival. Children, or tamari'i, around the island compete in the art of dancing and drumming during this crowd-pleasing celebration.
- September 21-22: Tonga Festival
Join us for the inaugural Tonga Festival at the PCC and enjoy the harmonious singing of the performers and the infectious energy of traditional Tongan dances.
- October 11-13: 8th Annual Whakataetae Maori Song & Dance Festival
The Maori people are proud warriors of the Pacific and the beauty and ferocity of their culture are showcased as they perform traditional songs and dance
For more information on prices for each event, or to make reservations, please call (800) 367-7060 or in Hawai'i call 293-3333 or visit www.Polynesia.com. 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 PCC has entertained more than 33 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 15,000 young people from more than 70 different countries while they have attended Brigham Young University-Hawaii. As a non-profit organization, all funds generated by the PCC are used for its daily operations and to support its cultural and educational missions.
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