Hawaii Trip (Day Two) Polynesian Cultural Center
We are ready for the Polynesian Cultural Center Ali’i Luau celebration. I haven’t been to a traditional luau, we’ve witnessed one, at Canoe’s, from the lanai of our hotel on the Waikiki strip. Walking into the Hale Aloha center, there is the expected photo shoot, which, of course, can be purchased after the show. Alas you can’t escape marketing ploys in paradise apparently. We found our seats and had interesting table mates retelling their adventures while on vacation here. A band played traditional Hawaiian music, soon the MC started introductions of the entertainment staff. Looking around the Hale Aloha center at the large number of people, I wondered how we would all be served in a timely fashion.
As the ceremonies began at the Polynesian cultural center,service staff quietly signaled tables to move toward the buffet.Walking to the service area, I was surprised to find no lines and a wonderful selection of foods; which were constantly being refreshed.The choices were traditional Hawaiian foods, which for most people would be a fine selection. As a health and fitness person, my choices tend to be healthier, yet, I wanted to try foods that were more customary and tried a bit of everything.
Regarding the poi, I only took a dab as I was duly warned it was an acquired taste.
I was surprised that I liked the poi as many turned their noses up at the bland taste. The purple sweet potato looked to be a taro type; rather stiff when cooked, explaining why it is pounded into a paste. The rolls had to be from the taro as they also were purple and rather stiff. Of course the fruit and green salads were a favorite. The pork was very tender and flavorful; fatty sections were not trimmed which was something I certainly wasn’t used to.
The show was beautifully done, the Keiki (children) were adorable and performed their roles well. Most of the dancers were very striking in their style and grace; their costumes beautifully colored and detailed. Upon completion of the meal, we were to attend the newest theatrical performance: Ha: Breath of Life. This was timed so that everyone had a few moments to wander around the gift shops and historical displays. Kap, from the Samoan show, was sitting up on a wall playing music and displaying his artwork; talking with guests as they strolled by.
Our seats were seated front row just off-center, which was a pleasant surprise. As the lights dimmed, the excitement rose with each beat of the drum; war cries shot across the room, then it fell silent as the show began.
We were watching Ha, Breath of Life, a show with over a hundred dancers. The story of a boy, Mana, born to parents that washed ashore after escaping their distant island volcanic eruption. Mana becomes a brave warrior who has to prove his worth to win the heart of a fair maiden named Lana. It is a beautiful story with a wide variety of dances, fire dancers, and fire shows. The performance was absolutely wonderful, I would certainly recommend it to anyone interested. We were amazed at how much heat is thrown off the torches during the fire show, these fire artisans must be exhausted and overheated from all the activity. Of course being in the front row allowed a view that many would not see, I now have the answer to what is worn under the lava lava.
I’m glad we decided to take the trip across the island to the Polynesian Cultural Center as we learned a lot of history that we otherwise wouldn’t have known.
