Polynesian Cultural Center

The girls using the Poi balls. The Poi ball game came from Aotearoa-New Zeland and taught ancient Maori people 2 things: first, it improved coordination, timing, and skills necessary for handling weapons. Second, when used in dance it told stories & legends of the past.

Ancient Hawaiian games. Pala'ie (loop & ball game).
She got it!
Spinning tops made with koa seeds.

Ulu Maika (Hawaiian bowling). Forgot to take photo of the end of the lane, but there are 2 short polls that you have to get the round wood piece between.

Konana (Hawaiian checkers)

A group of Japanese tourists were getting a hula lesson & Sienna just jumped right in.

Also from Aotearoa-New Zeland we played tititorea (Maori stick game).

Things we learned at the Polynesian Cultural Center:

If you lived in ancient Hawaii, you wouldn't wear any clothes at all until you were eight years old. Keiki (children) were given clothing when they were expected to help out and be accountable for their actions.

In Samoa, young men are in charge of the food - including the "shopping" (climbing 50-foot trees for coconuts), the cooking, and the "milking" (grating coconut meat to get the milk).

Tahiti has 7 languages! French, Tahitian, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Rurutu, Tubuai, & Mangareva on the islands.

In ancient Fiji, all boys would have their heads shaved when they were five years old - and they'd keep their heads bald until they turned 18! Growing their hari again was a symbol of manhood.

Tonga is located right on the International Date Line, so it's the first nation to bring in the New Year for the world.

The kids had a great time here with MeMa & PaPa, who I now noticed aren't in any pictures.