Talofa...and welcome to the Polynesian Cultural Center's islands of Samoa. "Sacred center" is one definition of the name of these lush, tropical, high-rise islands which are located almost 2,500 miles to the southwest of Hawaii, approximately in the middle of the Polynesian Triangle. Samoa is also sometimes called the "heart of Polynesia." By the way, the appropriate response to talofa, which is an expression of affection similar to the Hawaiian word aloha, is talofa lava.
Most Samoans are friendly and outgoing. In fact, the famed 19th century author Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived his final years and is buried there, called them "the happy people." Samoa today is very much a part of the modern world, but the people also hold firmly to fa'a Samoa - their Samoan language, dress, food and customs - which they gladly share at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We guarantee you'll be delighted to meet the Samoans.
Island activities:
Six times each afternoon - at 12:35, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 - the Samoans present one of the Center's most popular cultural demonstrations:
Learn how to make fire by literally rubbing two sticks together, how to easily crack open a coconut, the difference between coconut juice and "milk," and how the men do all the major cooking. The young men will also show their strength and agility by climbing 40-foot coconut trees.
The "village" houses:The demonstrations take place on the malae or grassy area surrounded by outstanding examples of Samoan fale (houses), which are among the most unique in all of tropical Polynesia:The large high-roofed Maota Tofa, with its distinctive carved beams and coconut-sennit lashings, is where the high chief and his family live. Other families live in the more appropriately sized Fale Nofo, with its nearby Tunoa or kitchen. The round Fale Tali Malo or Fale Fono on the other side of the malae doubles as the village "guest house" or "chief's meeting house." |
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The Polynesian Cultural Center's Fale Popo - the Coconut Gift Shop and snack stand - is also located in the Islands of Samoa.
The Polynesian Cultural Center shares an introduction to an ancient and fascinating people. Learn more about the geography, history, and culture of Samoa by following the links above.
