Amy Hanaialii
By Staff Reports
(Laie)- Amy Hanaialii, Hawaii’s top-selling female vocalist, kicks off this year’s Christmas in Polynesia with a dinner concert on December 7 at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Gateway special events venue. Christmas in Polynesia, PCC’s annual holiday festival, runs from December 7-22 and is highlighted by a 25-minute festive canoe ride featuring elaborate lighting displays, decorations and musical performances.
“We may never get snow in Laie, but Christmas in Polynesia takes the concept of a sleigh ride and evolves it into an experience as unique as Hawaii,” said Raymond Magalei, PCC’s director of marketing. Everything from a storyline based on a local take on a classic holiday tale, The Littlest Star, to the decorations, celebrates the holiday spirit and the spirit of our islands. “We’re very excited to get the festivities started with five-time GRAMMY® award winner, Amy Hanaialii. Her enchanting voice and engrossing melodies are sure to provide an uplifting experience for everyone in attendance.”
Christmas in Polynesia Credit images to "Polynesian Cultural Center"
Christmas in Polynesia canoes whisk guests away to a Pacific winter wonderland accentuated by actors, animals and props on a journey through PCC’s tranquil freshwater lagoon past carolers, festival lighting displays and more. The festival extends beyond the traditional canoe experience with holiday fare, arts and crafts; live entertainment, choirs and bands; and keiki holiday train rides.
In the spirit of holiday giving, PCC has partnered with the Hawaii Food Bank, by offering $2 discount on Christmas in Polynesia tickets to anyone who brings in a canned food donation. Two kamaaina specials are also being offered throughout December, including:
– 50 percent discount on the Kamaaina Annual Pass
(Adult retail price of $54.95, now $27.47; keiki retail price of $29.95, now $14.97)
– $25 Holiday Special, which includes the Island Feast buffet at PCC’s Gateway restaurant and seating at the critically acclaimed evening show Ha: Breath of Life
“Christmas in Polynesia is sure to get even the biggest Grinch into the holiday spirit,” said William Mahoni, creative director of Christmas in Polynesia. “The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones and we are thrilled to be able to offer an experience that helps bring families and friends closer together during this special time of the year.”
Christmas in Polynesia canoe rides are available from 6:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Dec. 7-15, and nightly, Monday-Saturday, Dec. 17-22.
Christmas in Polynesia tickets are $10 per adult and $8 per keiki. Kamaaina Annual Pass holders enjoy one free ride per night. Riders receive a coupon for $2 off by bringing in a canned good donation for the Hawaii Food Bank. Tickets are available at the PCC ticket office or by phone at (800) 367-7060. On Oahu call 293-3333.
Tickets to the December 7 dinner concert featuring reknowned artist Amy Hanaialii and local favorites Hiikua are $25, which includes the Island Feast buffet at the Gateway restaurant. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. followed by the concert from 8 – 10 p.m. Tickets for the concert-only are available for $15 and $10 for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders. For more information or to purchase tickets call the PCC ticket office at (808) 293-3333 or visit PCCKamaaina.com.
