Page 54 of Cocky Cruiser

I nodded absentmindedly, still forlorn about everything ending. “Sounds like a plan.”

We had to go through customs before we were able to leave the port. Cohen arranged for an Uber and reserved a rental car en route so we could get the vehicle quickly once we arrived.

After Cohen loaded all of our luggage, we got in the car. He turned to me with a smile. “Ready?”

I nodded. “Ready.”

The drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center took us down a beachside highway. As we drove, I gazed out at the beautiful ocean and smiled. Even though I was down about the circumstances of the trip, I wasn’t going to let myself succumb to negativity. I was in paradise, and I needed to act like it.

When we arrived at the cultural center, I’d pulled myself out of my depressive funk. I vowed to have the best day and ignore the slow breaking of my heart.

Even though we didn’t have transportation provided by the cruise line like the other excursions, we did have a guide to greet us and accompany us for the day.

The Polynesian Cultural Center was unlike anywhere I’d ever been before. The extensive site was basically an outdoor living museum filled with Polynesian history.

Right at the entrance was a market with various food and souvenir stands along with information booths and even a couple of restaurants.

The center was on forty-two acres of land and divided into six simulated villages representing each of the Pacific Islands: Samoa, Hawaii, Tonga, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Fiji.

“The PCC was constructed as a nonprofit center in 1962 as a way to provide employment and scholarships for students at BYU Hawaii and to preserve the cultures of Polynesia,” our guide explained as he led us into the first area. “Seventy percent of the PCC's employees are students at BYU Hawaii. Since it opened, the PCC has provided financial assistance to more than twelve-thousand BYU Hawaii students.”

“Wow, that’s amazing,” I replied in awe. “What a great cause.”

Each of the simulated villages had their own traditional activities, performances, and exhibits. There was so much to do and see; there was no way we would be able to participate in everything.

Luckily, we had enough time to participate in one activity, as well as watch one performance from each culture. To start, we took a guided canoe ride that weaved through the different villages and gave us a brief overview of each culture.

After the canoe tour, Cohen and I chose to do palm leaf weaving in Hawaii, hula dancing in Tahiti, ukulele lessons in Samoa, spear throwing in Tonga, poi ball twirling in Aotearoa, and coconut oil making in Fiji.

I couldn’t believe how fast the time flew. The day was full of smiles and laughs, and before I knew it, the sun was setting. My chest tightened as I thought about our last day together coming to an end.

Don’t think about it, Adele. You had the time of your life, and Cohen doesn’t owe you anything. You had an amazing fling and now it’s come to an end.

Tell that to my stupid heart.

I pushed my thoughts aside as our guide led us to the outdoor pavilion where the luaus were held. “There was a time in ancient Hawaiian history when men and women weren’t allowed to eat together. They were separated at mealtime and even ate different foods. In fact, many of the people were forbidden to have certain delicacies that we enjoy today,” he explained. “In 1819, that all changed. King Kamehameha II put an end to those practices and had a feast for everyone to enjoy the Pacific’s greatest flavors. Men, women, children, and royalty all dined and celebrated as one, and that was how the luau was born.”

“I had no idea. I’ve learned so much today,” I commented with a smile. “All the culture is wonderful and inspiring.”

The food was served buffet style, and the aromas wafting around were heavenly. The dishes we had to choose from ranged from kalua pork and island chicken with huli huli sauce to pineapple bars and coconut bread.

As we ate, various performers from the different villages danced traditional island dances. The atmosphere was so welcoming and homey, and I felt like we were a part of a huge family.

The food tasted better than the smells. I think I moaned with every bite and stuffed myself until I was on the brink of throwing up. “I’m so full, but I don’t want to stop eating.”

Cohen chuckled. “Easy, guppie. You don’t want to make yourself sick.”

At the end of the luau, our guide escorted us to a huge outdoor theater. “To end the night, you will view our renowned Ha: Breath of Life show. It is a Pacific isle saga of birth and death, love and family, tragedy and triumph featuring over one hundred Polynesian natives, special effects, animation, and surround sound in our twenty-eight hundred seat theater.”

“Wow,” Cohen commented, looking around the vast space. “Sounds awesome.”

I smiled at our guide as he gestured to two seats in the middle of the theater. “Thank you. We are looking forward to it.”

“This is right up your alley.” I nudged Cohen as we sat down, teasing him a bit.

“I do love a good performance, and it’s even better when it has history or culture.”

“It sounds like you hit the jackpot tonight,” I teased.

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