I was recently invited to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) in Laie on Oahu’s north shore, for a press tour, for the chance to experience all that this landmark has to offer. Over the extensive two-day tour I came away with a lot of new things to share, as well as a sense of how best to experience this attraction for future visitors. This is part one of a two-part series about this iconic Hawaiian featured attraction.
Being a resident here on Oahu for 20 years, I've been to the PCC park several times. But I’ve never experienced it quite like this. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit Disney World before the doors open? That is exactly what this was like. There were no big crowds, no ambient noise; just a peaceful setting for the great day ahead that was scheduled exclusively for us.
While I don’t have enough space to write about everything we did, these are some of the highlights I think you’ll like:
The first ting I learned through my visit about the PCC was how important it is to experience each of the islands’ cultures through the activities they offer. It provides a much more intimate setting then just going to the shows, with rich culture built into every activity. You can connect on a personal level with the folks at each of the villages too, ask questions, and feel involved. You can spend as much or as little time as you’d like, making it a leisurely self-guided tour. It's one thing to see the shows they offer, but it’s a totally different adventure when you participate in the craft making, hands-on-experiences, and personal exchange of knowledge and interest with the native islanders. You receive a much deeper connection with the various cultures by participating in all the activities within each of the Villages.
For example, in the Hawaii pavilion, I spent some time learning how to make and string a tropical flower lei. While this simple exercise may not seem like much, it's actually both relaxing and fun. I learned that there isn’t merely one way to make a lei. It's really an expression of how you feel towards someone you love, and the gift of a lei is really about the person you're making it for. There's no particular method to making it a certain way, you just go with the flow and with your feelings. You think about the person you care about as you make the lei. I found myself really getting into it, blocking out the whole world and all its troubles and just focusing on stringing the flowers. This method I found extremely relaxing and therapeutic.
Another thing we did in the Hawaiian Village was learn the traditional hula. Yes, I have to admit, I've never tried hula before because I've been so embarrassed to do it! But because we had a private setting, I let loose and gave it a try. And wouldn’t you know, I learned so much from this little lesson that I actually got pretty good at the moves. I learned how to say I love you with my hands and learned that hula is all about the hips!
Next we checked out one of the new attractions at the park, outrigger canoe paddling. We traversed the parks’ winding river while paddling with the help of our guide. He pointed out important landmarks of each of the villages that we passed by during our cruise, including a Kapakahi (twisted) palm tree used in the Elvis movie "Paradise Hawaiian Style".
We also experienced fire making with our bare hands at the Tongan Village (which I didn't have much luck at) and Samoan cooking and tree climbing before the day was done. It is for this reason I highly recommend you take part in the activities at the Polynesian Cultural Center, because they really made more of an impact on me than I had anticipated. I came away with a better sense of how important these Polynesian cultures are to the shaping of the Hawaiian Islands’ rich history. I highly encourage you to take advantage of cultural activities in each of theVillages, as I had an incredible experience and an amazingly fun and unique day.
If you would like more info on the PPC, just give us a call and reach out to one of our travel agents. You can order tickets and packages to the PCC here Also, check out these great posts .
Big Changes in store for PCC
Taste of Samoa in Hawaii
From Hula to Laulau; Sights and sounds of Hawaii
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 21st, 2012
You may be surprised to know, that as luxurious and costly as a cruise to Hawaii may sound, it’s actually quite affordable. In reality, most times it’s even more affordable than flying! And the best part about taking a cruise to Hawaii is that you visit at least five different destinations, without the hassle of airports, luggage lines, or tiring travel experiences. Cruises are a great way to experience the breadth of Hawaii, and they offer massive amounts of onboard activities, entertainment, restaurant options, daytime and nighttime events, and more.
Hawaii-aloha.com is the official site for cruises to Hawaii from the mainland. We offer a wide variety of cruise packages and options, and it’s always at the lowest price available. For example, you can sail from Honolulu to five different Ports of Call within Hawaii for eleven nights for as low at $105 a night! And that includes your stateroom, food, and onboard activities. That price is hard to beat for a hotel in Hawaii, let alone with everything included!
And with improvements and renovations to many of the cruise ships, you can now travel in even greater luxury. Spas, pools, lounges, cocktail bars, private lanais, and comfortable suites aid in your relaxation as you cruise through Hawaii at a price you can afford. Hawaii Aloha Travel agents specialize in finding you the best deals and rates, but without compromising quality. Each of our experts is local to Hawaii, offering you an authentic service that is unparalleled. And they help you design the ideal cruise vacation package that is within your price range. We can add on as much amenities as you’d like, from fresh cut floral bouquets, to wine tasting, to on land activities, tours, and sightseeing.
So explore our cruise ship options and discover how affordable they really are. Hawaii Aloha Travel strives to provide our clients with the best rates, highest quality services, and most unforgettable experiences in Hawaii. And what better way to see the archipelago than to go by boat? You really cannot beat the nightly costs because once you’ve set foot on the cruise ship; many, if not all aspects of the trip are included in the initial cost. As such a reasonable way to travel, why wouldn’t you look into it? Get started with one of our agents standing by and you can begin planning your cruise to Hawaii today.
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 21st, 2012
For some of the best views of O‘ahu's southern shores, go to Kewalo Basin Park. I like to post up at the end of the jetty and pretend I'm sitting in the middle of the ocean. But it's usually pretty busy with surfers leaping into the water or fishermen reeling in a big one, so, of course, it's not nearly as isolated as the ocean we see beyond the horizon.
Diamond Head, also known as Leahi in Hawaiian, glistens in the distance.
Aside from that, the jetty is a place where you're guaranteed to get that money shot of Diamond Head. The one you've only seen in postcards and magazines; the shot that you've been anxious to capture ever since seeing it in all its glory. This is the place to be, especially during the golden hour at sunset.
The jetty is used as a launch pad for surfers and one of the best spots to see Diamond Head.
At about this time, it's also nice to watch the slew of boats and vessels returning from the sea. The five-acre park sits at the edge of the harbor channel; across the way, you'll see Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park.
Although near the ocean, I wouldn't recommend swimming here. There's no lifeguard on duty and no sand; large boulders form a slippery seawall, below which is reef. You're best bet for swimming and snorkeling would be next door at Ala Moana Beach Park. Many people take this walk on a daily basis. Starting at the jetty, the pathway leads parallel to the ocean and directly to the beach park. If you're really up for an adventure, you can make your way across the beach park to Magic Island and then circle back to Kewalos.
A family tries for the luckiest catch in the Kewalo area.
It's somewhat of an inside joke for surfers that the Kewalos surf spot is swimming with sharks. That's probably because the break sits next to a very wide and very deep channel. Since there's no way of really confirming that (sharks can be anywhere), your best bet is to wear your least flavorful beach attire.
KEWALO BASIN PARK / 1125 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814 (Map) / Amenities: picnic table, restrooms, showers / Activities: picnic, barbecue, surf / Free parking; near bus route
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 21st, 2012
Being surrounded by an ocean, it's no wonder sushi has become a huge part of Hawai‘i's cuisine. Fresh fish get filleted, or sashimied, into thin slivers and packed into a handheld chunk of rice wrapped in nori. But in Hawai‘i, the Japanese delight has become a hybrid of its own.
Unagi sushi, or sushi with fried eel, is popular in the islands.
Sushi with spam or Portuguese sausage or hot dog may not be the typical sushi classics, but they're a blend of Hawai‘i's favorite flavors. The most out-of-the-box ones I've seen included sushi made with corned beef and hash or bacon/lettuce/tomato (BLT). Sounds weird, but they're actually not a bad combo. Hawai‘i will eat these together even if they weren't in sushi form. There's no denying that a common dinner dish in some local households include rice with furikake, scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage and spam. Sushi is just a condensed version of all of that.
Many believe that the California Roll has fueled the creation of popular rolls that suit the Western palate. Meaning, the sushi will typically be found in North America and Europe and not in Japan. California Roll consists of avocado, imitation cab and cucumber. While the Hawaiian Roll is stuffed with shoyu tuna, fishcake, tamago (grilled egg) and shrimp powder. The Hawaiian Roll is next on my list of sushi to try.
You can get sushi in several different ways. The most common would be the to-go type places, like Sushi Man, Aloha Sushi or Ninja Sushi. This is where you order at the register and wait patiently for the cook in the back to whip it up. Such take-out orders are easy to pack and perfect for outdoor picnics. The second way you'll most likely eat sushi would be from izakayas (Japanese food taverns). These are the sit-down restaurants that serve a wide range of small plates. This is the best way try a little bit of everything. Lastly, if you go to places like Genki Sushi, then you'll choose your dish from a sushi train, or conveyor belt. Plates are usually color coded by prices, from which customers choose as they please.
At Genki, sushi dishes ride on a conveyor belt.
My favorite sushi, which I just found out is a Hawaiian specialty, would have to be the cone sushi. It's a simple combination of rice stuffed into a "cone" of fried tofu. The tofu wrapping is actually quite sweet and taste best when served cold. You'll find these in bento boxes or okazu-yas (Japanese deli).
And as the Japanese would say before each meal, "Itadakimasu!" Or "thank you for this food!"
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 20th, 2012
Kalapaki Beach on Kaua‘i will be closed indefinitely after a sewage spill on Wednesday. Health officials are awaiting test results of the water quality, but in the meantime, posted signs notifying the public.
Although Kalapaki's closed, there are many other Kaua‘i beaches to explore.
About 400,000 to 500,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into a storm drain that leads into Kalapaki Bay. Officials say it happened because of an electrical malfunction at a nearby sewage plant, but the test results should be in sometime this weekend, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Until health officials deem the waters safe, beach-goers can explore other beaches on the east side of Kaua‘i. For starters, there's Lydgate Beach Park. This is the place to go if you want to feed fish or snorkel because manmade ponds allow for perfect conditions on almost any day of the year. When you want to take a break from the ocean and sun, then picnic in the large grassy field adjacent to the beach. Kids love coming here for the huge playground and bike paths.
Kealia, about 10 miles south of Kalapaki, is a family-friendly beach that can be good for swimming on calmer days. It can be dangerous for swimming, however, when the surf's up. The beach is known for its sand bar, which constantly changes with the currents. If swimming's not an option, then you can always walk the half-mile long beach or hang out at the sheltered picnic areas.
Photo Credit: Jana Viles
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 19th, 2012
Sailing to Hawaii via luxurious cruise ship is a fabulous way to traverse the main islands of the archipelago. Over the years, cruise ships have developed their features and amenities tremendously, adding in surf pools, lawns, multiple lounges, nightclubs, premier entertainment, and more. The options for choosing a cruise line are sizeable however, making the decision more difficult. Many base their cruise choice on departure location, calls of port, and/or price, all key components when deciding on your vacation.
Hawaii Aloha Travel covers six cruise lines extensively, covering their amenities, state room options, departure dates and times, ports of call schedule, popular selling points and more. Hawaii Aloha’s website gives easy to read information on some of the leading cruise lines of 2012, including Carnival, Celebrity, and Pride of America. With new architecture and design, stateroom renovations, and more things to see and do on board, these cruise lines are top of their class.
Many cruise ships boast anywhere from 700 to over 1,000 on deck crewmembers to make your stay more enjoyable and comfortable. Each ship has a variety of staterooms to choose from, ranging from rooms with views, verandas, private decks, multiple sleeping areas, different bed sizes, square footage, and more. They also offer different types of amenities, such as fresh floral bouquets, flat screen televisions, DVD collections, nightly turndown service, laundry services, wet bars and more.
Of the six different lines we work directly with for Hawaiian Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line received the most popular award for 2012 for premium/contemporary cruise lines. Carnival offers two different ships sailing to Hawaii, the Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor. These two ships offers three different options for cruising to Hawaii from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. Ports of Call include Honolulu, Oahu, Hilo and Kona, Big Island, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Lahaina and Kahului, Maui, Ensenada, Mexico, and Vancouver, Canada. The newest amenities on these ships are dual level promenade decks, a steakhouse restaurant, WaterWorks zone, and increased “serenity” areas.
With accolades, testimonies, and repeat customers as winning as these cruise lines, its no wonder why Hawaii Aloha chooses to do business with them. Our travel experts can develop your ideal vacation package for the Hawaiian Cruise you’ve always dreamed of embarking on. Don’t hesitate to fill out one of our travel forms and receive a quote within minutes. You will be on your way to Hawaii in no time, traveling by the only truly luxurious way; cruise ship.
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 19th, 2012
Intrigue your taste buds with some of Hawai‘i's most unique flavors this Saturday. The free culinary demonstration happens at Kahala Mall's Whole Foods and features local growers and chefs. The list of not-so-well-known edibles include ulu, mangosteen, lychee, tamarillo, durian, surinam, jackfruit and white spate.
(Top) Black surinam and ulu (bottom) will be among the line-up of rare fruit this weekend.
Ulu, more commonly known as breadfruit, was one of the few subsistence plants brought to the Hawaiian Islands. Polynesians used the trunk to make surfboards, drums, poi boards and canoe parts. Its young bud was used medicinally as a throat and mouth remedy, while the white sticky sap was often used to catch native birds for their colorful feathers. Today, the most common use of ulu would be to fill hungry bellies. My uncle used to bake us ulu pie, which has a similar consistency to pumpkin pie but not as sweet. Most people usually boil it like a potato, but while you're in Hawai‘i, you'll most likely find it incorporated into various restaurant dishes.
When you hear about the fruit called mangosteen, you might instantly think mango. But it's nothing like a mango nor does it taste like one. Mangosteen is a round, purple fruit about the size of a tennis ball that's native to Malaysia. While difficult to grow, Hawai‘i farmers have been trying their luck lately. I'm so glad they did! Mangosteen is delicious and has become one of those rare island fruits. It tastes sweet but has a subtle hint of sour and ranges in flavor from strawberry, peach to vanilla.
This is a jackfruit that's ready to eat. They're usually prepared in stews.
Are you convinced to check out this exotic fruit event yet? I really want to try a jackfruit if I make it over there. I've heard it tastes similar to bananas, with the same yellowish pulp consistency. Now, that's sure to confuse my taste buds!
ULTRA-EXOTIC FRUIT TASTING / Saturday, May 19, 2012 1-3pm / Kahala Mall 4211 Wai‘ale Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816 (Map) / Free parking; near bus route
Photo Credit: Ken Love
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 18th, 2012
A rare ocean creature has found a home at the Waikiki Aquarium, and it looks a lot like a swimming piece of candy. The peppermint angelfish (Centyropyge boylei) is the only one of its kind on display at a public aquarium. And unlike the seasonal peppermint candies we enjoy during the holidays, this peppermint can be appreciated anytime you visit O‘ahu.
The prized peppermint angelfish on public display.
Coming from Tahiti waters, the striped beauty is on permanent loan to the aquarium by the Smithsonian Institute. Bishop Museum researcher Dr. Richard Pyle collected the angelfish in 400 feet of water. I'm guessing it might have been difficult to catch, as it's only one and a half inches in length.
It will also be an opportunity for the staff to study the fish since the aquarium is primarily a research-based institution. The angelfish will join several other unique species in the aquarium's collection that are seen nowhere else in the world.
Some fish websites are calling this peppermint angelfish the apex of holy grail reef fish, a beautiful demigod and "one of those angels that you can easily remortgage your house for." Forums estimate the fish to be worth up to $12,000 in retail value. The Honolulu Magazine says collectors have offered prices as high as $30,000 for the exotic fish. At that value, it should almost be swimming around wearing a diamond ring!
RARE PEPPERMINT ANGELFISH / Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / Opens daily 9am-430pm (special hours for holidays) / www.waquarium.org
Photo Credit: Waikiki Aquarium
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 18th, 2012
If I had to choose between Shore Bird Waikiki's dinner or breakfast, then it would definitely be breakfast. My family and I celebrated there twice during the past year; our first time was for dinner in celebration of my sister's birthday and this past weekend, we went for an early Mother's Day breakfast buffet.
Breakfast for champs at the Shore Bird in Waikīkī.
The breakfast foods were much more flavorful and well worth the price, as compared to dinner. Customers cook their own dinner at the restaurant's community grill, so perhaps this could have been why our dinner dishes weren't as tasty. Not to mention, we left the Shore Bird and realized we were still kind of hungry; the portions could have been bigger.
The breakfast buffet, of course, allows customers to eat as much as they so desire. There's a nice selection that includes fruits, pastries, french toast, meats and fried rice. I made sure to try the fried rice, which wasn't like my mom's fried rice, but then again, not many are! Her's is by far the best. It would have been nice to have more fresh fruit options instead of canned ones. But overall, very good food for an affordable price of just $13.95. That's almost unheard of for a buffet of any sorts. I guess that's why they were voted "Best Value on the Beach!"
It's apparent that the Shore Bird makes a valiant effort in keeping their breakfast local. The french toast wasn't made with any 'ole bread but rather Hawaiian sweet bread, mmm. There were baked coconut breads and slices of fresh pineapple and papaya, as well as a local favorite of steamed mahimahi.
The view of Waikīkī couldn't be more postcard worthy!
My favorite part of the morning had to be the ocean view. Our tables were practically on the beach, where we could watch surfers play in the ocean waves with Diamond Head as their backdrop. Because we arrived for an early breakfast, the beach was practically empty, and therefore, nice and quiet while we enjoyed our food. We left at about 10 a.m. and couldn't help but be grateful that we did; the line had been out the door and almost to the hotel lobby. You can alway make reservations, however, to bypass the wait.
SHORE BIRD WAIKIKI / 2169 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / 808-922-2887 / www.shorebirdwaikiki.com / Validated parking; near bus route
Photo Credit (second): Lori-Ann Navares
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 17th, 2012
A rare plant has been making a stink at the Honolulu Botanical Garden, literally. The plant – also known as the "Corpse Flower" – lives up to its name because the more it starts to bloom, the stinkier it gets…as in, rotting flesh, dead horse stink. Last year, the plant was in bloom on the Big Island, but this is the first time for O‘ahu.
(Left) A pre-bloom amorphophallus titanium, or "Corpse Flower." (Right) Taken today as it starts to bloom. It should continue to fully mature into tomorrow (Thursday).
The stench won't stop hundreds of curious visitors from getting a whiff of what experts nicknamed "Big Stink," when it fully blooms tomorrow. That's because it only happens every three to five years, and although the botanical garden got the plant almost 10 years ago, this is the first time it'll bloom. It's also believed to be the only one on O‘ahu. Thousands showed up to see it each day when it was in bloom on the Big Island.
Our blogger Katherine Finch happened to be checking out the plant today. She said it smells like "rotten matter or meat with a sweetish overtone, like it really wants to be a flower." Way to find the good in this deadly-smelling plant, Katherine! I think I'll just take your word for it on this one.
The plant is an endangered species native to Sumatra, Indonesia and emits the horrific odor to attract the carrion beetles that pollinate the flower. If you're wondering why on Earth these beetles would enjoy such a stench; it's because they're the ones that hurry over to dead animals so that they can lay their eggs in the rotting flesh.
Katherine taking one for the team! She had the privilege of getting up close and personal with the putrid stench!
Officials say the plant is already starting to show its bright purple petals and excrete a pungent perfume. But once it finally is in bloom, it may only remain that way for a few days. Whatever you do, just don't forget to bring your nose plugs!
HONOLULU FOSTER BOTANICAL GARDEN / 50 N. Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96817 (Map) / Opens daily 9am-4pm, closed Christmas Day and New Years Day / 808-522-7066 / Free parking; near bus route
Photo Credit: City & County of Honolulu (first, left); Katherine Finch
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 16th, 2012
