HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) invites visitors to rediscover island life as it relaunches its acclaimed show, HUKI: A Canoe Celebration, beginning Friday, August 9.
The performance is set to start at 12:40 p.m. daily in the freshwater lagoon before the Islands of Polynesia, is included with the purchase of general admission.
President and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center, P. Alfred Grace, expressed enthusiasm about the show’s return.
“We are excited to bring back our beloved canoe celebration show at the PCC,” Grace said. “Our team has been working hard to relaunch HUKI, which introduces our guests to the unique history and folklore of Polynesia and ensures an elevated experience for all of our guests.”
The lagoon event features a range of canoes with top performers from across the Pacific, offering a family-friendly experience filled with original music and choreographed performances by PCC’s musicians and cultural specialists.
HUKI highlights Polynesian unity through the vast Pacific Ocean with authentic drumming, chants, traditional island folk songs, and costumes.
The term “huki,” meaning “to pull” in Hawaiian, reflects the show’s depiction of pulling a giant net to gather fish.
The canoe performance was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a four-year hiatus, the show aims to continue educating audiences about the vibrant cultures of Polynesia, representing the six island nations of Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa.