May is the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

It is an annual event that celebrates the histories of Americans of Asian continent and Pacific Islands. This event was originally started by a Capitol Hill staffer. It was introduced as a resolution to the Congress in 1977, and became a law in 1992.

Did you know, May is chosen as the AAPI month, because it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843? And, on May 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad that was built with significant contributions from Chinese workers was completed?

To learn more on AAPI month visit The Asian Pacific Heritage Month here to see scheduled online events including works of Lao and Hmong American authors, Ukulele performance, and more.

To celebrate the AAPI month, here are two shows, performed and produced by the Polynesian Cultural Center’ of Hawaii. Both are about 2 hours long each, and include singing and dancing by Polynesian performers. The first is from one of the regular evening performances; the second is that performed by the former performers ('60s through '80s). Look for a lot of Hula dances, chants, and even comical fire dances. There is even one of the most authentic Maori Haka.