Photo courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center
By Miguel Gonzalez
Editor
(Laie)– The thrills and scares were aplenty at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon.
This year’s experience revolves around the story of the Laie Lady, once known as the beautiful Nalani, who fell into insanity following the tragic loss of her husband and son. During the experience, she is seen wandering the banks of the lagoon as her fragmented mind wrestles between dreams and nightmares as she battles with her troubled past.
The thirty-five minute journey is truly one of Honolulu’s premier destinations for Halloween fans looking to get a chilling and frightening experience. This year’s production is very elaborate with dozens of cast members participating with one common goal: scare the living daylights out of attendees.
The experience begins with a very intricate 3-D maze where adults and keiki jump with terror from three-dimensional technology. The journey continues on a canoe ride where fright fans are taken through the mind of the Laie Lady where they discover what it’s like to let their imagination run wild.
Photo courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center
Elaborate monsters and ghouls pop out of everywhere while fright fans navigate through the canoe ride. The costumes, lights and props are first-rate and all combine to give patrons an awesome experience under the pitch-dark night.
The cast was well trained and it is very clear that their ultimate goal is to electrify the crowds with thrills and chills. Notable among the many monsters and characters where the swamp creatures that towered over 6 feet and dominated the attention of fans because of their commanding and frightful presence. The swamp creatures are the stars of the nightmare of a young girl whose imagination brings the entire experience alive.
Haunted Lagoon is a thrill not to be missed by fans of the macabre and spooky.
MORE INFORMATION:
To experience this year’s Haunted Lagoon, voyagers are strongly advised to act quickly and book tickets in advance, as seats are limited and often sell out. General tickets are $19.50 per adult and $14.50 for children. Kama‘āina Annual Pass holders may ride free on weekdays and for a discounted rate on Saturdays. Guests can also purchase tickets to a Fast Pass line for a shorter wait. The PCC also offers milder “keiki canoes” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for family members of all ages. For more information, ticket availability or reservations, visit www.HauntedLagoon.com or call the PCC ticket office toll-free at (800) 367-7060. On O‘ahu, call (808) 293-3333.
Photo courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center