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Explorer
Polynesia
— which means "many islands" — is a roughly triangular-shaped
geographic area covering approximately 16 million square miles of
the Pacific Ocean and encompassing thousands of islands. Over the past
several millennia the peoples of Polynesia sailed among and explored
all of them, and inhabited the best.
The
Polynesian Cultural Center has once again reunited the people of Polynesia
in a unique setting that provides school groups with the opportunity
to learn more about their languages, customs, lifestyles, arts and crafts,
architecture, food and dress of seven island nations: Samoa, Aotearoa
(Maori New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Tonga and, of course,
Hawaii. We also have a Rapa Nui (Easter Island) exhibit complete with
authentic hand-carved moai (stone statues), and an 1850's-era
Christian missionary complex.
These
tours, which are conducted in the morning hours to accommodate the students'
schedule, are only offered on certain dates and must be pre-booked.
For dates and pricing information,
or call 808-293-3068.
Standard
Tour
The
island people at the Polynesian Cultural Center strive to preserve their
culture in many ways. In this tour school children will see the traditional
lifestyles that some islanders in the South Pacific still live today,
whereas other PCC villages represent a historical way of life.
You
will be able to witness the islanders make fire, learn a few songs,
ride a canoe and appreciate traditional artwork. This introductory tour
gives a glimpse into Polynesian culture by conducting lessons in two
islands, taking a canoe ride and watching an IMAX™ film presentation.
In
addition to pre-visit classroom activities contained in the
teacher's kit, schools groups visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center
will also:
- Learn
the different physical attributes, colors, plants and other details
characteristic of the island villages.
- Compare
and contrast the different Polynesian groups.
- Observe
the physical attributes of each village.
- Ask
the island "teachers" questions about their experiences
"back home."
Polynesian
Explorer tours also include the option to eat lunch at the Cultural
Center, and still return to school in time for the last bell. Students
can either bring their own food, including coolers, or purchase food
at the Center or nearby.
Top
Focused
Tours
There
are two options under the PCC's Polynesian Explorer school field trip
program that focus on the more specific subjects: Tattooing in Polynesia
and Migrations in the Pacific:
Tattooing
in Polynesia
Students
investigating the ancient art of Polynesian tatau (Hawaiians
say kakau) or tattooing on this tour will:
- Learn
the origins of this widespread island art form, whose designs often
had special significance.
- Recognize,
compare and contrast the different styles of tattoos characteristic
of various island nations.
- Understand
what tools were used to create traditional tattoos.
- Ask
the villagers whether traditional tattooing is still popular in
the islands.
Migrations
in the Pacific
Students
exploring the various ways our Polynesian people traveled across thousands
of miles of blue-water ocean on double-hulled voyaging canoes will:
- Hear
stories of ancient navigators and their journeys.
- Develop
a better understanding how and why the Polynesians voyaged across
the Pacific waters.
- Learn
what types of equipment and other items the voyagers took on board.
- Recognize
some of the canoe styles and unique sailing techniques that various
islanders used.
