Learn Polynesian games
Star-BulletinChildren can get a better sense of how keiki of ancient Hawaii and Polynesia played through a new program at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
All seven of the center's island-themed villages are presenting children's activities related to their culture. In addition, children will be taught traditional dances at six of the villages.
The kids' activities are available 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Some of the activities follow:
I Cibi (pronounced "ee thee bee"): A mixture of marbles and shuffleboard. The object is to knock pods out of a circle. Fiji
Derua: Learn to play bamboo drums.
Titiorea: Two players toss a pair of sticks back and forth at the same time. This sharpens reflexes and improves hand/eye coordination. New Zealand
Poi ball: Swing these dance implements in rhythm.
Ta Moko: Get a face tattoo similar to those of Maori warriors. In early times, tattoos identified a person's status.
Konane: A version of checkers played with black and white stones. Hawaii
Ulu maika: A version of bowling played by rolling stone disks between two stakes.
'O'oihe: Spear throwing helped young men prepare for war in ancient Hawaii.
Weaving: Learn to weave a Marquesan-style headband. Marquesas
Tattoo: Get a unique design used to signify rank.
Fiti: Two players try to take their opponent's sticks one by one without moving the others. Samoa
Lafo: This game is like shuffleboard played with shells.
Pere fa'anu'u: This is Tahiti's version of checkers. Tahiti
Taora pupu: Toss shells into coconut shells.
Hiko: Juggle candlenut balls to a musical beat. Tonga
Drums: Jam with Tonga's master drummers.
Headband: Weave a Tongan-style headband from coconut fronds.
Kamaaina admission to the park is $13 for adults and $7 for children. Admission and Horizons evening show is $15.95 adults and $10.95 for children. Other packages are available, which feature IMAX theater, dinner and more. For more information, call 293-3333.
