Polynesian Cultural Center's iconic floating canoe show gets updated
With floating canoes, Polynesian dancers in elaborate attire and uplifting music, the "Huki" canoe show at the Polynesian Cultural Center has returned to the stage after a four-year hiatus. Huki, a Hawaiian word meaning “to pull,” introduces guests to the rich history and folklore of Polynesia, enhancing the experience for all visitors, said P. Alfred Grace, president and CEO of the PCC.
"We are thrilled to bring back our beloved canoe celebration show at the PCC, and for those who have seen the show before, this version is entirely new," said Eric Workman, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “However, what remains unchanged is our focus on educating and showcasing the vibrant cultures of Polynesia and its six island nations: Hawai‘i, Aotearoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa,” he added.
Reviving tradition through canoe show
From the legendary story of Maui pulling up the islands to the cherished history of Hukilau in Lāʻie, the PCC website describes "Huki's" powerful theme as running throughout the show, where fishing nets brought the community together. "Huki" beautifully illustrates that the ocean, rather than dividing people, unites them as one ʻohana or family, sharing the spirit of aloha, the website says.
What makes "Huki" unique is its presentation, according to the website. “Live musicians set the enchanting tone as native performers tell our epic tale, all while floating upon the serene waters of the lagoon on large, double-hulled canoes. It is a visual and auditory feast that you will not want to miss,” the website adds.
Performer’s reflection on reviving Huki
Malcolm Timoteo, a host and PCC alumnus from Nevada, said "Huki" serves as an introduction for guests at the PCC. “In summary, it is about the villages and sharing the cultures and beliefs that each village holds with the people,” he added.
Timoteo also emphasized the importance of the numerous trials and errors during rehearsals and the collaboration with cultural specialists. “There was great camaraderie between the canoe pushers, the emcees and the dancers. We grew close because we were all going through the same experience of getting up at 8 o’clock to practice,” he said.
"Huki" provided an opportunity for performers to increase their working hours during summer, according to Lorna Tuita, a freshman majoring in business management from Tonga. “I am a night show performer, and I was tasked with dancing for Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. Other dancers performed for Hawai‘i, Aotearoa, and Tahiti,” she added.
Tuita expressed the challenges she faced during rehearsals and performances on the canoe. “Performing on a moving canoe was already difficult, and we also had to contend with the intense heat of the sun," she said. However, she said all the hard work paid off with the launch of "Huki." “It was worth every drop of sweat, and all the hard work that the performers and managers put in,” she said.
Maania Spooner, a junior majoring in finance and political science from New Zealand, described her unique audition process. “Leaders from the theatre department wanted tour guides as hosts for the show. I auditioned and was fortunate to be selected,” she added.
The challenge of hosting, Spooner said, lies in keeping the audience engaged throughout the show. “Repeating the same lines can become monotonous. The challenge is to keep every line interesting while staying true to the script,” she added.
Aljassier Zaballa, a canoe pusher and freshman majoring in accounting from the Philippines, said daily rehearsals helped him visualize what the show would look like when it was time to perform. “Practicing for a month made me feel comfortable and well prepared,” he added.
Zaballa added one of the most challenging aspects of practice was timing. “Controlling the canoe was not too difficult because we practiced every day. I really enjoyed being part of it,” he said.