Hawaii Visitor News

Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii, located in Laie, Oahu about an hour’s drive from Waikiki, showcases 7 native Polynesian villages that give visitors the rare opportunity to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Together with the Center’s authentic luau and the world’s largest night show, the Polynesian Cultural Center has become the most popular paid visitor attraction in the Hawaiian islands.

Hawaiian leis are known the world over as the symbol of aloha. The custom of Hawaiians wearing flower garlands was first recorded by a member of Captain Cook’s crew in 1779. Today, wearing Hawaii flower leis is more prevalent than ever, among both locals and visitors.

An Ancient Polynesian Custom
The lei custom was initially introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers who migrated to, and settled in the islands. Leis were worn by these original Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others. The original Hawaiians excelled in the creation of permanent leis constructed of feathers, ivory, beads, and even teeth. Often, these leis were an emblem of the ali’i, or ruling class.