POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER Laie, Hawaii
The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a Polynesian-themed theme park or living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the PCC occupies 42 acres (17 ha) by nearby Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Within eight simulated tropical villages, performers demonstrate various arts and crafts from throughout Polynesia. Seventy percent of the center's approximately 1,300 employees are students at BYU-Hawaii. Although it is largely a commercial venture, PCC profits fund various scholarship programs at BYU–Hawaii.
MLD transformed an unattractive IMAX facility and theater into a whole new attraction experience. For the exterior, we replaced the out-of-place angular facility theater shell with the look, feel, sounds and sensibilities of an ancient volcano with rock work, waterfalls, faux painting, breathing steam vents and lush Showscape (landscape); An entry lava tube was also created (more rock work with flame effect lighting and deep rumbling sounds that leads guests into to the interior volcanic chamber (theater). For the interior, we removed all the IMAX AV equipment and replaced it with a state-of-the-art high definition, digital 4K projection system, a new sound system and a new 40' X 74' projection screen and a full-length motorized screen curtain for added drama and magic; we introduced a whole new show lighting package, including black light; we conceptualized and produced an original movie about Hawaii…no urban shots and no roads, just natural settings as the original Hawaiians may have experienced…that includes an original, emotional score and a soulful story; and, finally, we incorporated a number of in-theater special effects seating to accent the movie experience and provide additional fun and excitement. Running time for the movie is 14 minutes. Finally, we added a stage area in the front of the theater, in what previously was the IMAX screen pit, so the Polynesian Cultural Center can get multi-use out of the facility.
Another large project was a 37,000 square feet building renovation that turned an outdated and aging meal center into an iconic Hawaiian dining experience. MLD's task, as a part of the overall renovation effort, was to give Gateway "wow." The concept was to remake the space into a grand Hawaiian hall. For the exterior, we designed and produced new native entry canopies and doors; developed a new color scheme with dimensional Hawaiian symbols and graphics; and we created a new exterior lighting and landscape aesthetic for the building. For the interior, we added large, stately Koa wood (GFRP) columns and flame effect sconces sculpted as giant clam shells; created a woven, thatch-looking ceiling; created and produced a 10'-20' high, 500' long mural encircling the entire space that depicts a Hawaiian King welcoming his royal Polynesian brothers and sisters and other travelers and personalities from Hawaii's history, to join in feast and fellowship; and we also added a new robust sound system and all interior lighting.
Work on the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie included the master planning, designing and overseeing the expansion of a new Polynesian Marketplace complete with five new buildings, pedestrian plaza’s, food stands, and carts and kiosks. Adjacent to PCC’s outdoor auditorium, the Market Place was crucial in engaging guests to shop and dine before and after the evening show.
