Cook Islands Exhibition in Hawaii Part 2

By
Piltz Napa
Photography By
CINAT

They're fantastic, and if you're in Hawaii or coming during this period, you've got to see them in person.

This report is an update of the 2nd & 3rd week of exhibition by the CINAT group the BTIB and TOURISM display at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Hawaii.

The demonstration continued as per our schedule with additional activities of the group travelling to Waikiki for a roadshow.

  1. Weaving demonstration of Rito products and the weaving of rito handicrafts including a participation by visitors to weaving free “tapeka aroa” or friendship bracelets.  Interaction with visitors were necessary to have a full understanding of the demonstration.
  2. Medicine making demonstration, shows the Noni and other plants used in curing ailments.
  3. Tuki tuki teni teni , a fun activity to involve children and participants to introduce Cook Islands dancing and chanting.
  4. Drumming demonstration to teach drumming and playing the symphony of drums
  5. Migration story.
  6. Information booth – tourism / trade information.
  7. Our main showcase is 3 times a day 1pm, 3pm and 4pm.  A 20 min cultural presentation.

Roadshows:

Oahu has close to 1 million residents and just over 7 million visitors per year.

The Roadshow was another way for the Cook Islands to continue the promotion for not only visitors but also for locals to be aware of the group exhibition at the PCC.

EATS da the Streets in Kakaako.

A Night Market event that had over 5000 people attending. This was held in Honolulu City on Friday 28th July. The team had to quickly pack from the daily demonstrations at 5pm and travelled to Honolulu.  Although the traffic rush hour made our excursion a challenge we arrived just after 630pm ready for our show at 645pm.

Our show was hugely received by those at the market, brochures were handed out and many asked about the PCC exhibition.  The group felt the road show was worth the effort and were prepared to take on other shows.

 

Other scheduled shows are as follows: 

Friday 4th August, -          Kahala Shopping Mall.

Thursday 10th August -    Pacific Theatre – Community Show with the DPM Heather.

Friday 11th August -         Kahuku Red Raiders Football Game.

Sat 12th August -              Beachwalk Waikiki Beach

Thursday 17th August -    Hukilau Market

Friday 18th August -         Ala Moana Shopping Centre

Sat 19th August -              TBC

Mr William Mahoni, PCC liaison officer for the Cook Islands Group had advised that the choice for the team to travel on the road show was completely up to the team to accept.  The  PCC wanted to continue the momentum created by the publicity to  market and promote our cultural presence at the PCC as much as possible.  The CINAT group under their contracts were not expected to work additional shows, but they agreed that they should support this initiative since it would benefit the Cook Islands also with marketing and tourism promotions.

Furthermore, the PCC has been very supportive of the CINAT group by providing the whole team with daily meal allowance at the Island Buffet at 6pm every night.

Summary of Events:

Overall, the village for the second and third week continue to have large attendance by the PCC visitors. Over 1200 to 2000 visitors per day.  The Cook Islands village is gaining popularity with the tour companies / transport buses which tell their customers – a must to visit the Cook Islands village.

The display booth is well presented in the village. The brochures had run out and the new material from tourism Los Angeles had just arrived.  We hope these will last till the end of the exhibition.

The activities continue to be very popular as visitors interact with our group presenters.

The more popular activity are the drumming and dancing lessons.  The Medicine making and weaving are always busy but takes more time to demonstrate.

The Weaving area is supported by Tarani Crafts. Tarani has a variety of handicrafts that are displayed at this demonstration area.

The Medicine Making is by Noni Cook Island and Te Tika products. Both these products are displayed and promoted as part of the demonstration.

Finally, my report concludes with the confirmation for a massive concert show for Thursday night 10th August, 2017.  At the Pacific Theatre. The Polynesian Cultural Centre main show theatre which accommodates over 3000 seats.

This will be a free show to give back to the people and community of Laie.  By saying Meitaki…Mahalo for having the Cook Islands in your PCC.

The Show will include our very own fashion show by TAV.  Ellena Pitman Tavioni  who has travelled from the Cook Islands for this special event.

Very BIG announcement! On Thursday, August 10th, the Cook Islands showcase will be having a special performance FREE to the public! The performance will begin at 9:30pm at the Pacific Theater following the night show. You do not want to miss out on this performance! Invite your family and friends because the Cook Islands know how to put on a good show!