Island activities:
Five times each afternoon - at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 - the Fijians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:
Learn the significance of the lali or log drum, how important the coconut is in cooking, and other aspects of Polynesian island life. Review the wide array of historical weapons and implements involved in waging war upon neighboring islands and villages; that the cowry shells on the ridge mark a house as belonging to a chief, and that only the chief could enter that house through his door. Everyone will also enjoy making Fijian music with derua, a bamboo percussion instrument; or try a game of cibi (pronounced "thim-bee").
The "village" houses:
Fijians greet visitors to their village near the lali - a large log drum or gong that is played with heavy mallets or even a small tree branch. But the most dominant feature of the village is the bure kalou, which literally means "spirit house" or temple. With its high-reaching roof, the bure kalou is truly a landmark and one of the most unique structures at the Polynesian Cultural Center. In ancient times the traditional priest would go into such a temple to commune with the gods (sorry, visitors are not allowed to climb up to the bure kalou).
The ridge of the vale levu is marked with cowry shells to signify it as the chief's house, and visitors must never use his door to enter. The vale ni bose or meeting house is an important center of activities and meetings. The na bure, or simply the "house," is a family dwelling, typical of what is still used in some parts of Fiji today; the vale ni qase is where grandparents and grandchildren stay during the day; and the vale ni kuro or kitchen area includes coconut and food preparation demonstrations.
The Polynesian Cultural Center gives a delightful introduction to the culture
