The Polynesian Cultural Center tonight will introduce "Ha: Breath of Life," its first new theatrical show in more than a decade.

The popular La'ie tourist attraction is launching the $3 million production, which incorporates technology with Polynesian songs and dances, to boost its dwindling number of repeat visitors. It replaces "Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky," the center's longest-running night show, which debuted in 1995.

"This is the first time for us using animation and an overarching story, (where) each section uses song and dance to portray a part of this story," said Delsa Moe, director of cultural presentations. "Before they would portray something real loosely in one particular dance. But this way, the storyline is really important because it bridges each of the cultural dance sections to each other."

The interactive production will showcase a new $1 million sound system and a redesigned stage in the Pacific Theater that creates a 360-degree experience. To create the theatrical elements, cultural leaders from Hawai'i, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Fiji came together to flesh out ideas.

"It was a very different and difficult approach, but we had to put ourselves in the shoes of our audience," Moe said. "We want them to feel the show. We don't just want them to see it and be entertained."

The performance illustrates the different stages the lead character, Mana, goes through to become a man, and the significance of each culture, traditions and values in his life. A major objective of the production was to deliver a message of family, hope, pride and heritage with minimal narration, using animation to tell this Polynesian story.

"We're really excited to share 'Ha' with everyone, and to bring something new to Hawai'i's visitor industry," said Alfred Grace, the center's chief operating officer. "We've worked hard to create an experience like no other."

More than just a show, the intent of the production is to strongly convey the Polynesian value of love.

"There's so much hate and difficulties in the world," Moe said. "We know how to rally around each other to get through difficult moments and how to rise above the trials we have and help each other out to get through those tough times. We feel we have a gift to offer the world, and that is we know how to love each other."