Polynesian Cultural Center

Did you see "The Blind Side"? "Who is that big black guy in your family photo?"

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center on our last day on Oahu. There was so much to see and do there, it was a shame we didn't have more time to spend. The PCC was so much bigger than I had imagined. The center celebrates the customs of six island cultures: Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and Aotearoa (aka New Zealand). I may have forgotten one.

There was a parade of nations, of sorts, where dancers from each of the island nations rode out on canoes to entertain. I think this one was Hawaii.

After the canoe parade, we went to the various villages to try spear throwing, and fire making, Oh yeah, and we had to get tattooed. That was MJ's favorite, I think. Dad really enjoyed the village of Aotearoa--reconnecting with the culture of his missionary days. We went to a Luau, and watched them pull the roasted pig out the ground. The pork was good, but the poi was pretty tasteless. They say it's an acquired taste.

The show after dinner was really spectacular. Even Little Mr. T clapped his hands and danced along. If this movie of the firedancers works, I will feel very proud.

Kona Temple

Did you see the article about the Kona Temple in the April Ensign? It was exciting for us to find that article, because we got to go there in person last month. At first we had hoped to go the temple in Laie. But it was closed for renovations. I think it is one of the oldest temples outside of Utah.

But then we discovered there is a small temple on the big island, where we spent most of our time. On Sunday when we flew into the Kona airport on the big island of Hawaii, we had barely enough time to get our rental cars and rush to attend Sacrament Meeting with the Kona Second Ward. The schedule was so tight, we felt it was a tender mercy that we arrived just as the opening hymn began. After an uplifting block of meetings, we got information about the temple schedule. But then we drove away from their church building without knowing exactly where the temple was. As it turned out, the temple is right behind the church, and we never realized it when we were there on Sunday.

We were glad to be able to come back later and do some sessions.

MJ enjoyed taking a lot of photos here.