Polynesian Cultural Center Welcomes Queen of Tonga with Special Cultural Ceremony
Laie, HI – March 28, 2014 – The Polynesian Cultural Center today welcomed Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauu Tukuaho of Tonga to Oahu with a special cultural ceremony and tour that thrilled PCC’s student-employees and workers from Tonga.
Her Majesty’s visit to the PCC is her first as Queen since her husband His Majesty King Ahoeitu Unuakiotonga Tukuaho Tupou VI ascended to the throne in 2012. It was arranged at the request of The Queen Salote College alumnae, Tonga’s only all-girls school.
“It’s an honor to welcome Her Majesty Nanasipauu Tukuaho to the PCC and show her how we are sharing the culture of Tonga and Polynesia with visitors from around the world,” said Alfred Grace, PCC President and CEO. “We take great pride in the authenticity of our cultural presentation and sharing an experience that is highly regarded by the leaders and dignitaries of the Polynesian nations we represent.”
Her Majesty Queen Tukuaho enjoyed the diversity of cultural traditions showcased at the PCC, as she was welcomed with a special oli (chant) and hula kahiko (ancient style of hula) from PCC’s Hawaii Village cultural ambassadors.
Fijian warriors then escorted Her Majesty Queen Tukuaho via canoe to the Tonga Village for a special cultural presentation from each of the six Pacific island cultures celebrated at PCC – Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Her Majesty Queen Tukuaho will continue her Oahu visit, taking part in alumnae events for The Queen Salote College and meeting with the Tongan community living in the islands.
About the Polynesian Cultural Center
Located on Oahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the only cultural tourist attraction of its kind in the world and a favorite of all visitors to Hawaii. An engaging, interactive celebration showcasing the people, culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia, the PCC has entertained more than 37 million visitors from around the world in its first 50 years (1963-2013). A non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue goes to daily operations and to support the education of its student-employees from neighboring Brigham Young University-Hawaii.