You have to add the Polynesian Cultural Center to your must do list in Hawaii. It is a place where you immerse yourself in the rich colors, customs and cultures of all the major Polynesian islands. I will have more thorough coverage later, but in the meantime, here is a photo of the Fiji Temple that was taken from the vantage point of a canoe ride through the center.
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I understand there are only 3 traditional temples like this, two in Fiji and one at the Polynesian Cultural Center, in Laie, Hawaii.
Chris - that's amazing! Thanks for adding that comment.
Our tour guide told us that there were only 3 ways to get inside one of these temples....you had to be a chief, a priest, or a human sacrifice. Yikes! :)
Awesome post, Sheila. The other interesting thing about this building is that the higher it is, the closer to God the people in Fiji believe they can become.
The center has several traditional buildings, many of which were actually built in their representative culture, brought to Hawai'i, and reassembled here. To maintain these extremely special buildings, the Polynesian Cultural Center needs to use more modern materials, but it is a small price to pay to protect and preserve these very special buildings.
Mahalo, Kealii for adding your insight! Everything we saw at the Polynesian Cultural Center was first class. It is clear that the Polynesian Cultural Center aims to be as authentic as possible in presenting the various cultures. Our time there was certainly one of the highlights from our trip. I intend to write a more thorough review in the coming days when I can give it the time and focus it deserves.