CULTURAL FESTIVALS HIGHLIGHT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER’S VILLAGES IN 2005
Exciting Competitions and Activities for the Whole Family Planned
La‘ie, HI – September 13, 2004 - The Polynesian Cultural Center is proud to announce its line up of cultural events for 2005. New this year are revised months to feature the Maori Whakatatetae Festival and the Moanikeala Hula Auana Dance Festival. With attendance for the annual festivals increasing each year, 2005 promises to be bigger than ever.
“We are excited to continue our cultural events for both the visitors and local residents to enjoy,” said Ellen Gay Dela Rosa, senior manager of special event and promotions at the PCC. “It is one more way to share the spirit of Polynesia in a fun, entertaining and educational approach.”
Events planned for 2005 include the following:
January 22
Moanikeala Hula Auana Dance Festival
Dancers young and old will share the spotlight and their talents in this annual exhibition paying tribute to one of Laie’s own kumu hula, the late Aunty Sally Wood Nalua‘i.
February 12 & 14
Valentine’s Dance & Dinner Special
La‘ie lights up with a romantic setting under the stars featuring North Shore dining at a great price.
May 7
Lei Day Competition
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i and the PCC welcomes lei makers from around the islands to show off their handiwork in a lei exhibit and competition that lets them focus on the day’s event – away from May 1.
May 12-14
The Samoa Festival
Learn about the culture of Samoa through demonstrations of art, song and dance, including the exciting High School and University Dance competition.
May 12-14
13th Annual World Fireknife Dance Competition
Dare yourself to sit in the front row and see the speed and skill of these true warriors as they defy danger while spinning fire-lit knives to vie for the title of world’s best. Part of the Samoa Festival, this annual competition is a must-see.
July 15-16
5th Annual Te Mahana Hiro‘a ‘O Tahiti
The drums and dances of the islands of Tahiti are featured in this exciting celebration. Keiki (children) from around the islands will compete in the dance and drumming competition that draws both locals and visitors alike.
August 5-6
6th Annual Whakataetae Maori Song & Dance Competition
With its new month to celebrate, the 4-year-old competition hopes to attract its largest crowd of competitors yet. Come find out why the Maori were some of the most feared warriors in the Pacific, while watching the beauty of their people as they perform songs and dances of their culture.
For more information on prices for each event, or to make reservations, please call 1-800-367-7060 or in Hawai‘i call 293-3333. The events schedule is subject to change without notice, so guests are encouraged to call to confirm availability.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization, the PCC has entertained more than 30 million visitors by preserving and portraying the spirit, culture and people of Polynesia to the rest of the world. More important is the mission of the PCC, which supports the educational mission of Brigham Young University-Hawai‘i and provides an extension of the classroom in a workplace setting. Since its establishment, the PCC has employed more than 12,000 BYU-Hawai‘i students. As a non-profit organization, 100 percent of the PCC’s revenue is used for daily operations and to support the students who earn their tuition, room and board, and books. The PCC also provides significant financial support to elementary and secondary schools and to college students attending institutions of their choice besides BYU-Hawai‘i.
