New Canoe Celebration Show Makes Splashy Debut at the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center debuted its newest water show, Huki, on August 18, which replaces the previous afternoon canoe pageant that had entertained residents and visitors for the past 16 years. With over 100 performers, Huki is an innovative lagoon experience featuring a diverse array of canoes and authentic drumming and chants, beloved island folk songs and traditional costumes ranging from historical to fantastical.
LAIE, Hawaii, Aug. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Polynesian Cultural Center is inviting guests to experience the allure and adventure of ocean life through its newest water show, Huki, which made its debut on August 18.
The canoe celebration, staged at the state's only water performance venue, explores Polynesian myths and customs, inspiring ancient history, and beloved island songs.
Huki replaces the previous afternoon canoe pageant, Rainbows of Paradise, that had entertained residents and visitors for the past 16 years.
"We are excited to share with our guests, a brand-new canoe celebration at the Polynesian Cultural Center," said Alfred Grace, CEO and president of the Polynesian Cultural Center. "Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure that Huki's story authentically captures the unique history and folklore of Polynesia and that our facilities are renovated and reinvigorated to ensure that the experience is elevated for all of our guests."
The innovative lagoon experience features a diverse array of canoes, including a long waka (Maori canoe) and outrigger canoes, complemented by special double-hulled vessels carrying drummers, dancers, singers and storytellers.
The family-friendly production showcases new composed music and performances choreographed by the Polynesian Cultural Center's musicians and cultural performance specialists, who also crafted the award-winning Ha: Breath of Life evening show.
Revamped seating and surround-sound systems encourage guests to join in, sing and dance to the performance.
Huki emphasizes the unity of Polynesia through the vast Pacific Ocean, which is depicted through the show's authentic drumming and chants, beloved island folk songs and traditional costumes ranging from historical to fantastical.
In Hawaiian, "huki" means "to pull." The new canoe celebration begins with the legend of Maui pulling up the islands of Polynesia from the ocean through portrayals of open-sea voyages, wayfinding and exploration.
Huki also shares the history of Laie's famous hukilau, a popular impromptu luau experience for visitors in the 1940s and 1950s. Travelers came to Laie, watched the netting of fish, then enjoyed a feast and music with community members on the beach. This renowned beachside experience contributed to the creation of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Huki runs daily at the Polynesian Cultural Center at 2:30 p.m. in its freshwater lagoon. The show is free to watch with the purchase of general admission.
For more information and to make reservations at the Polynesian Cultural Center, visit http://www.polynesia.com.
SOURCE Polynesian Cultural Center
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