CHALLENGE
Hawaii is a major travel destination, attracting millions of visitors, but it’s not easy for tourists to explore and understand its wider history and culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center fulfils that role. As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Center wanted to transform the visitor experience and bring it into the 21st century. Working with Michael Lee Design and Technifex, Electrosonic was responsible for upgrading the original IMAX system into a digital 4D theater with multiple special effects creating a totally immersive experience.
Guests enter the Center through a replica volcano and follow a labyrinth of glowing lava tubes to the theater. The aim was to build an immersive experience to accompany ‘The Hawaii Experience’ on the screen. Moving seats, steam and blasts of air recreate a volcanic experience with an audio system designed and integrated to recreate the low rumbling sounds and hissing of an eruption.
