Now that was a trip!

One of the highly rated TripAdvisor attractions that was repeatedly recommended by local friends and acquaintances this week was the Polynesian Culture Center which proved to be an all day affair. It included cultures experiences from all over the North and South Pacific Islands. Just an introduction to more places to explore in the future! Let’s see who remembers these 80s Culture Club classics. . .

Karma Chameleon: It was amazing to see how even though they have some unique characteristics, there are so many similarities across these island groups and with other cultures around the world. Especially when it comes to the music and dance - reminded me of so many of the international convention performances from Africa and Asia. Don’t know if I can make those grass skirts move like these girls did though.

I’ll Tumble 4 Ya: I really enjoyed the Samoa cooking demonstration and the Taro snack we tasted when it was completed. Learned that the men take the lead in cooking and highly respect the women (particularly mothers) in their culture. And the stunts performed during the dances were impressive.

Fortunately, Stacy and I didn’t tumble into the water during our little canoe ride!

Do You Really Want to Hurt Me: We got to the Tonga exhibit as the next performance had already begun. Stacy was one of 3 men (albeit the most reluctant one) to be selected to participate in the show. Ask me later to see the video of his Island antics!

Who let the dogs out?????

Time Won’t Give Me Time: At the end of a day, we enjoyed a luau which is a a traditional Hawaiian feast and celebration. The delicious buffet dinner rivaled any meal we had the entire trip. And once again, we both tried something new: Poke Bowl for me and Pink Cotton Candy Ice Cream for Stacy (well - at least the flavor was new). Then for the grand finale of our evening and our trip, we enjoyed the storytelling, music, and dancing. They didn’t allow any photos or videos but the highly anticipated fire knife dance was worth it (something else I will not be trying at home). But we will check out the Sharing Aloha documentary about one of the luau performers.