PCC named “Readers Pick” for “Best Tourist Activity for Residents.”
August 26th, 2010Here is a link to the article in this week’s Honolulu Weekly’s “Best of Honolulu” issue.
Haunted Lagoon 2010
August 24th, 2010
Click here to view Haunted Lagoon 2010 preview video.
“Ha-Breath of Life” 1st Anniversary
August 23rd, 2010Te Manahua Day Two
August 23rd, 2010Te Manahua Day One
August 23rd, 201011th Annual Te Manahua Maori Cultural Competition Concludes At The Polynesian Cultural Center
August 18th, 2010  |
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| Published by Ozgur Tore | |
 Harmonious melodies and soulful chants filled the air as competitors from across the globe performed in the 11th Annual Te Manahua Maori Cultural Competition held at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). This moving whakataetae (competition) included a Haka Hard and Poi E competition on Friday, which concluded with the Maori Performing Arts Competition today. Performers captivated the audience from start to finish with their powerful haka, mesmerizing poi and intricately detailed costumes. Dominating this year’s competition in both the Poi E and Haka Hard competition was Te Kura O Tongariro of New Zealand. Te Kohao Hawaiiki, the crowd-favorite from Laie, Hawaii took the overall title for the Maori Performing Arts Competition today. This year’s exciting competition also featured Nga Uri O Te Wai-O-Taiki of Glen Innes, Auckland, New Zealand, Te Hokioi of Laie, Hawaii, Ngati Ranana of London, England and the crowd-favorite, Te Kohao Hawaiiki of Laie, Hawaii. Poi E competitors were judged on their kakahu (attire), stage presence, execution, singing and harmony, as well as their understanding and portrayal of the lyrics they performed. Haka Hard competitors were judged on their kakahu, stage presence, emotion and mana evoked through their performance, and the preciseness and execution of their actions. Groups were evaluated in the non-aggregate categories of kahahu (attire), manukura wahine (female leaders) and manukura tane (male leaders). Each group was also judged in aggregate on whakaeke (entrance), moteatea (traditional chanting), waiata-a-ringa (action songs), waiata hou (original song compositions), poi (graceful dance implement with the twirling ball on end of string), haka (male posture dance) and their whakawatea (exit). “The mana could be felt from every competitor throughout the whakataetae,” said Seamus Fitzgerald, organizer of the event and manager of the Maori village at the PCC. “It’s truly amazing to have groups from all over the world gather at the PCC to showcase this amazing culture. In all of their performances, competitors exuded immense pride and represented the vibrant wairua (spirit) of the Maori culture, which is really what the PCC is all about, giving everyone a deeper understanding and appreciation of all of the cultures that make up Polynesia.” This event was sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the City and County of Honolulu. Listed below are the complete results from the 11th Annual Te Manahua Maori Cultural Competition. RESULTS Haka Hard Poi-E Maori Performing Arts Competition |
Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon Returns in October
July 27th, 2010Published on: July 21, 2010
The Haunted Lagoon canoe ride at the Polynesian Cultural Center in
Laie, Hawaii, will return in October. It will operate Mondays,
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 1 to 23, and Monday through
Saturday, Oct. 25 to 30. It will be closed on Halloween. The box
office will open from 4 to 8 p.m., with closing time subject to ticket
availability. Canoes run from 6:30 p.m. The haunted canoe ride
features a ghostly cast of over 100, including the otherworldly Laie
Lady. The center offers a child’s version of the ride for the entire
family and a spookier version for braver souls.
Booking tickets in advanced is strongly recommended as limited space
is available and seats often sell out. Tickets for Hawaii residents
are $19.50 per adult and $14.50 for children. Non-resident tickets are
$25 per adult and $19.50 for children. Kamaaina Annual Pass holders
may ride free on weekdays and for a discounted rate on Fridays and
Saturdays. Guests can also purchase tickets to a fast pass line for a
shorter wait. Kamaaina Gold Pass Members receive free admission and
fast pass line access. Those who bring in a Pepsi product on
Wednesdays receive $5 off admission, $3-off coupons are available at
participating 7-Eleven locations. For more information, call
800-367-7060 or visit www.HauntedLagoon.com.
Te Mahana Hiroa Tumu O Tahiti
July 12th, 2010Raymond Mariteragi from Te Mahana Hiroa Tumu O Tahiti joins Sunrise to talk about the upcoming Tahitian Dance contest for kids and adults.
Details about upcoming Tahitian Dance Competition at PCC
June Reviews of Ha Breath of Life Evening Show at PCC
July 7th, 2010It was wonderful – better than Broadway!!
The show was incredible! Told a wonderful story and done very well!
loved the “fire” parts of the show
This was a superior presentation
Very enjoyable; it appeared to be professionally run. The dancers were skilled, especially during the firestick sequence toward the end of the performance.
We saw ‘Horizons’ 5 year ago, and loved that show as well, but this one, because it had a story arc, was much more emotionally engaging. I actually found myself choked up a few times. It was EXCELLENT!! Best show yet.
It was very entertaining and educational at the same time. We enjoyed it very much!
It is an amazing show and it was beyond my expectations.
Exceeded the wonder and professionalism of even the best Broadway Show. The most remarkable entertainment experience of a lifetime! I strongly recommend it to all who appreciate hard work and dedication of the performers. A 1000 Star performance. Mahalo!!
Upcoming Tahitian Dance Competition: Te Mau Mahana Hiro’a o Tahiti
July 6th, 2010Competition will be held on Saturday morning, July 17th, inside the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Pacific Theater. Please call 808-293-3333 for tickets and more information. Don’t forget to ask about PCC’s Annual Pass.
