The “Tongan Village” at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii has been re-modeled with a grand opening that took place recently.
Their Majesties, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u were the Guests of Honour at this prestigious occasion. This has been confirmed by the Palace Office.
Representing the Prime Minister and the Government of Tonga was the Minister for Tourism, Semisi Kioa Afu Sika.
The Polynesian Cultural Centre was established on 12 October, 1963, and has become one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Hawaii and America. The Centre features six Polynesian Villages including Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga where hourly performances and cultural learning experiences take place in each village. Tourists and visitors from all walks of life visit the Centre where the cultures of Polynesia are presented and demonstrated in one venue. This model has been considered a very effective way to safeguard and promote the Pacific’s rich cultural heritage and advocate peace building through inter-cultural expressions.
The Ministry of Tourism said it recognizes the important role that the Centre provides in safeguarding and promoting our Tongan culture and other cultures that will contribute significantly to Tourism development in the Pacific region.