I'm really not a PCC fanatic, I promise. In fact, the first time I attended the PCC I came away frustrated because the luau wasn't that great (although we did have a pig coming out of the ground ceremony) and there was so much to see and do and no written guide to make sure that you saw the highlights (they now provide you with a list of showtimes in the various villages, but during our first visit years ago there was no guide and we kept catching the end of each village show--very frustrating).

But, I do think that the PCC provides a unique resource for demonstrating polynesian history and culture. There is no other facility anywhere that I know of where historic villages, buildings, agriculture, etc. from mulitiple polynesian cultures are recreated. Yes, it is a recreation. In that sense I can see where someone would say that it is "hollywood." But, so far, even after asking for specifics, I haven't seen any descriptions of any specific structures, activities, dances, etc. that aren't "authentic" or at least an attempt to recreate something authentic (other than criticisms that dancers are too modestly dressed--not sure how authentic coconut bras are). As I said before, when I attend similar presentations around Hawaii, they often seem to copy much of what I see at the PCC.

Instead of specific descriptions of alleged lack of authenticity, what I seem to read from some is a problem with some kind of affiliation with the Mormon Church. All I can say is wow, I thought we were well beyond this sort of issue in the good old USA. The other criticism is the use of students from the adjacent college. From talking to a few of the student performers over the years, I have been told that most of the student performers are from the islands somewhere. I do recall a boat "pusher" once who said he was from the big island of Arizona--got a good laugh. With the exception of a few haoles, the performers sure appear polynesian. I'm not sure I understand the objection to using polynesian students who are working their way through school.

Oh well, it is true that the PCC is heavily marketed. No doubt about that. But, no amount of marketing would make the PCC the #1 tourist attraction in Hawaii for many years if it wasn't "good" enough to keep the tourists coming.