Explore the 42-Acres of Polynesian Cultural Center From Anywhere in the World Through Google Maps
Google Maps Street View of PCC Available Just in Time for Making Summer Travel Plans
Laie, HI – July 3, 2012 – 360-degree, street-level imagery of Polynesian Cultural Center’s (PCC) 42 acres is now available through the Street View feature of Google Maps. Anyone with internet access can preview Hawaii’s top paid visitor attraction from anywhere in the world.
Previously, Google’s Street View imagery was gathered only by cars driving through public roads. But there are many places around the world where cars can’t navigate – including the PCC and its island villages and exhibits. Technology met ancient Polynesian culture when Google mounted Street View cameras on a three-wheel pedicab and rode through the 42-acres of PCC, capturing panoramic images of the beautifully landscaped island villages of Fiji, Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. The images not only provide breathtaking views, but also allow visitors to better plan their visit to the center.
To check out PCC’s Google Street View, visit bit.ly/KG501y, and drag the orange pegman icon onto the PCC.
“Whether you’re learning how to dance the hula or scaling coconut trees, there is so much to experience here at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Google Maps’ Street View allows guests to chart their course through Polynesia before they ever step foot on the grounds, taking a lot of the guess work out of their visit.” said Raymond Magalei, PCC’s director of marketing. “It’s been a privilege to work with a company as innovative as Google and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship.”
The PCC offers a full day’s worth of activities starting at noon with daytime activities through which guests can experience true Polynesia as they are immersed in six diverse cultures. The recently introduced “Go Native!” activities let guests go hands on with Polynesian games and daily living activities, including canoe paddling, spear throwing, coconut tree climbing, cooking and more.
The Alii Luau, named Hawaii’s most authentic luau, transports guests to old Hawaii and features an Alii (royal) Court and imu (underground oven) ceremony, along with modern and ancient hula and music. For those looking for a more contemporay dining experience, the new Gateway boasts a 24,400-square-foot grand dining hall with seating for more than 1,000, and offers two bountiful, buffet spreads. The Island Buffet buffet features authentic dishes from throughout the Pacific along with a variety of kamaaina (local) favorites. Those upgrading to the Prime Rib Buffet buffet will have all the options in the Island Buffet plus additional dishes, including crab legs and prime rib.
The day concludes at the critically acclaimed evening show, Ha: Breath of Life. Showcasing more than 100 performers. Ha, takes the audience on a thrilling ride through the sights and sounds of Polynesia.
PCC is open Monday through Saturday. Villages are open from noon to 6 p.m. with dinner options beginning at 5 p.m., the Ha: Breath of Life evening show starts at 7:30 p.m. All times are Hawaii Standard Time (HST).
For more information or to make reservations, visit Polynesia.com, or call the PCC ticket office at (800) 1-844-572-2347 . On Oahu, call 293-3333. For a limited time, visitors who book their reservations 10 days out or more in advance will receive a 10 percent discount off their experience. The “10 Outside 10” special applies to all of PCC’s rich cultural offerings, from day to night.
Street View is a feature available in Google Maps, Google Earth and Google Maps for mobile that allows users to explore the world at street level—virtually. To learn more about Google Maps Street View visit maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/
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.