How does one experience the unique and varied cultures of six different Polynesian islands in merely a day? Well… the Polynesian Cultural Center in the town of Laie, Oahu makes it easy. I was able to spend a glorious afternoon visiting replicas of villages from Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Hawaii, plus the exhibit of Rapanui (Easter Island). To me this was a cultural Disneyland. I can’t really think of something I enjoy more than pouring over a map and exploring new cultures. We were able to watch shows and demonstrations in each village, take a canoe ride through the massive lagoon, watch a canoe pageant, eat at a fantastic buffet, and watch the amazing finale show called “Ha – Breath of Life.” All of the performers are actually from the islands they represent and are passionate about sharing their culture with visitors. It was educational and highly entertaining, which is probably why it ranks as Hawaii’s #1 paid attraction.

Rapanui (Easter Island)