Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Take a musical journey through Polynesia and explore the rich history of the cultures that make up the island region. Enjoy exciting live performances, participate in dance workshops, and learn about traditional and contemporary instruments.
Supported by the Arizona Aloha Festival, Aloha ‘Āina o Hawai‘i, and Nā Maoli O Nā Moku
Programming supported in part by the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Arizona Commission on the Arts
Start your weekend with Polynesian-inspired cuisine at our Polynesian Nights culinary event, Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in MIM’s Main Courtyard.
Saturday Sunday
Each day’s schedule is different—click to see exciting activities on Saturday and Sunday!
Craft: Porotiti 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. South El Río Make your own porotiti, a traditional Māori musical instrument that is spun to produce a humming sound.
Photo Booth 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. El Río Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Slack-Key Guitar Demonstration: Moon Kahele 9:30–10:00 a.m. Founders Room Enjoy a masterful demonstration of slack-key guitar by Hawaiian musician Moon Kahele.
Curator Talk: Roots and Routes of the Ocean 10:00–10:30 a.m. Event Room 2 Join curator Eddie Chia-Hao Hsu on a musical voyage across Polynesia. From ancestral flutes and drums to unique modern strings, discover how Polynesian musical instruments and traditions bridge past and present in a story of cultural connection.
Tahitian Drumming Performance: Alo ole Pasefika 10:30–11:00 a.m. Main Courtyard Enjoy an exciting performance of Tahitian drumming with local cultural organization Alo ole Pasefika.
Ukulele Workshop: George Kahumoku Jr. 11:00 a.m.–noon Founders Room Learn the basics and the history of the ukulele—or ‘ukulele, which in the Hawaiian language roughly means “jumping flea”—with Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr.
Hula Interactive Performance: Hālau Kūliaikapono 12:15–1:00 p.m. Main Courtyard Join Hālau Kūliaikapono for a presentation of traditional and modern hula, honoring Hawaii’s monarchy and the island of Oʻahu.
Tahitian Drumming Workshop: Alo ole Pasefika 1:00–1:30 p.m. Founders Room Catch the rhythm and learn the basics of Tahitian drumming with Alo ole Pasefika.
Slack-Key Guitar and Ukulele Performance: George Kahumoku Jr. 1:45–2:15 p.m. Main Courtyard Enjoy a masterful performance of Hawaiian music by George Kahumoku Jr. A master of modern Hawaiian jams and four-time Grammy winner, Kahumoku will demonstrate the iconic sounds of Hawaii on slack-key guitar and ukulele.
Lecture-Demonstration: Hawaiian Musical Instruments 2:15–3:00 p.m. Event Room 2 Join Hawaiian-culture experts Bruce Ka‘imiloa Chrisman and Kehau Chrisman for an engaging presentation on the unique construction and sounds of Hawaiian musical instruments.
‘Ori Tahiti Interactive Performance: Heimoana Dance School 3:15-4:00 p.m. Main Courtyard Watch and learn the basics of ‘ori tahiti with local cultural organization Heimoana Dance School.
Polynesian Music Performance: Tinifuloa Grey 10:30–11:00 a.m. Main Courtyard Enjoy traditional melodies, contemporary island favorites, and rich storytelling by renowned Polynesian vocalist and cultural educator Tinifuloa “Tini” Grey. Tini shares the cultural heart of Polynesia—where music carries history, memory, and connection.
Ukulele Workshop: ShakAZ Jamz 11:00 a.m.–noon Founders Room Learn the history of Hawaii’s iconic instrument and explore the fundamentals of the ukulele with local masters from ShakAZ Jamz.
Māori Poi Workshop: Nā Maoli O Nā Moku 1:00–1:30 p.m. Founders Room Learn the basics of Māori poi, a traditional performing art from Aotearoa, with local cultural organization Nā Maoli O Nā Moku.
Siva Samoa Interactive Performance: Tamāli’i Polynesian Entertainment 3:15-4:00 p.m. Main Courtyard Enjoy the spirit of Siva Samoa with local group Tamāli’i Polynesian Entertainment, whose performance reflects the vibrant, living culture of the Pacific island.
Lunch at Café Allegro Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Enjoy a menu of delicious global cuisine with fresh entrées, salads, soups, and grill items showcasing local produce and flavors from around the world.
Shop the Museum Store Shop a delightful selection of Polynesian music, books, gifts, and instruments, including ukuleles, during our Signature Event weekend.
Members save 10% on most items in the Museum Store and online. Every purchase benefits MIM and its programs.
Saturday, January 17, 20269:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 18, 20269:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
