Home > Islands > Hawaii
Village
The
Hawaiian greeting word, aloha,
is known around the world and reflects the beauty not only of our
fabled islands
but also of the Hawaiian people. In the host islands of the Polynesian
Cultural Center, the spirit of aloha abounds: You will meet some of
the nicest young Hawaiians who are eager to share their stories and
heritage. While their kauhale or village represents a historic
lifestyle approximately 200 years old, and modern Hawaiians no longer
live in so-called grass huts or hale [pronounce both syllables:
"haw-lay"], Hawaiian culture has enjoyed a major resurgence
since the Polynesian Cultural Center started over 40 years ago. The
hula, arts and
other aspects
of Hawaiian culture you will learn at the Center is reflective of a
proud race of Polynesians who graciously share their aloha with you.
Island
activities:
Five times each afternoon — at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 — the
Hawaiians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:
Learn
not only some basic hula, but also learn of the deeper commitment
hula
students make to their art, the intracacies of the motions, and the
heritage of the hula implements and instruments. Gain insights into
the ancient kapu or taboo system that meant men and women
ate in seperate houses. Learn how taro is harvested, cooked, and turned
into the staple food, poi. Of course, you are also welcome
to sample some. Observe how women craft leaves and flowers into beautiful
Hawaiian
lei and other useful items; and then try your hand at ulu maika — Hawaiian
bowling, or konane — Hawaiian checkers.
The "village" houses:
As with all Polynesians, the Hale Ali'i or
chief's house dominated most Hawaiian villages by its size and height.
Nearby is the Hale Papa'a, where the chief
stored his valuable possessions.The Hale Pahu or "drum
house" was used to store the sacred hula dance implements. Women
demonstrate their handicraft skills in the Hale Ulana or "weaving
house." The Hale Mua is
the men's eating house (it was taboo for women and children to eat with
the men). The Hale Lawai'a or fisherman's house
is built closest to the water, as is the Hale Wa'a or
canoe house — which is also where the poi pounding and samples
are located. The Halau is used for educational purposes.
The Hale Noho is a family dwelling.
Learn
more about Hawaii:
With
over 6.5 million visitors a year — more than all the other
islands combined — Hawaii
is the best known and most often visited part of Polynesia; and the Polynesian
Cultural Center is the number-one paid attraction in Hawaii. Here's
more information on some of the things you'll experience visiting the
Center's Hawaiian village.
