Visitors from all over the island and the world have flocked to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) to see this year’s Haunted Lagoon.
The PCC is closing in on their fourth year of transforming the typically cheery PCC into a supernatural world of horror. Throughout the month of October, actors, a majority of which are volunteer students from BYU–Hawaii, are covered in masks and makeup to frighten even the most resilient attendees.
Visitors are led by canoe around the center, passing by each uniquely terrifying village, while being frightened by creatures from all around.
“I’ve participated in the Haunted Lagoon since their first year,” says Roger Brown, a senior business major from Oregon who works as a canoe pusher. “It’s sometimes hard to see where you’re going, but it is a lot of fun. Every year they get more effects and the decorations become more extravagant.”
This year the PCC started the experience while visitors are waiting to get into the center by having them go through a 3-D haunted house on their way in.
Upon entering, patrons have the option of going on the family-friendly ride or the adult ride, along with the option of purchasing a fast-pass, which will blast you through the crowds for less waiting time.
“I do the keiki rides, which are for the children,” says Matt Lotomau, a graphic design major from Australia who works as one of the ghouls at the entrance. “They don’t get scared as much, but the adult one is the whole shebang,”
The event will conclude on Halloween night, October 31. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.hauntedlagoon.com.