Experience Polynesia
Sat. & Sun., January 17 & 18, 2026
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Schedule of Activities
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.
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 Dr. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Dr. Bruce Ka‘imiloa Chrisman and Kehau Chrisman for an engaging presentation on the unique construction and sounds of Hawaiian musical instruments.
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.
Weekend Extras
Available for Purchase
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.
Programming supported in part by
City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture
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