polynesian 'ohana

Yesterday morning we met cousin Ron and cousin Vetti, who helped us find our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Once there, cousin Vetti helped us to find cousin Benjamin, who guided us through the Center. Here in Hawaii, everyone is your cousin. Right, cuz? The spirit is so joyful and easy to become comfortable with everyone you meet.


The Center is run by Brigham Young University - hundreds of students facilitate it daily - all to teach of the surrounding polynesian cultural islands: Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga, Tahiti, and Hawaii.

Shortly after our arrival we were greeted by a polynesian canoe parade of the various nations. The music, dance, and glorious costumes were unbelievable to see and witness.

Touring through the villages was an adventure we will not soon forget. In New Zealand, Chato, Aly and Brandan were able to get ink tattoos...

...and learned the ropes of spinning.

The art of stick tossing was musical entertainment that Aly had a hard time learning.

Brandan has found a new love here in Hawaii. He has began to collect necklaces - and maybe this does not highlight them very well, but he has three that he has got his hands on so far.This was our infamous weaver.

He has a very unique talent for many things, of which weaving is only one.

The kids really did love their new attire. I think it was the way it was presented to them both - they wore them for most of the afternoon into the evening.

In Samoa, Chato learned how to start a fire.

Later, we came across our weaver again. When he pulled Brandan up on stage, Brandan eagerly hopped up. Our weaver, Teo-Tafiti, had just finished demonstrating how to crack a coconut and shared his coconut juice with Brandan.

Later that evening, we hit a gorgeous luau...

Aly and Cousin Benny posing...

It was a beautiful evening.