The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular attractions on the island and even in all of Hawaii, and with good reason.  With its modern high rises, rush hour traffic, and busy population the island of Oahu is a far cry from the Hawaii of old.  The Polynesian Cultural Center provides visitors with a glimpse into the customs, lifestyles, history, music, and dances of Polynesian culture.  The ticket prices aren’t cheap but you’ve come all this way to experience something different, right?  So we recommend to shell out the dough and spend a full day/evening at the center!

The center is a beautiful scenic drive from Waikiki and takes about an hour.  Opening at 12noon you can relax and enjoy the drive along the way.  Plan to be there late exploring the park during the day, having dinner in a luau buffet, the marketplace restaurant, (or even the McDonalds next door) before attending the culminating event – a spectacular hula/fire dance show, Ha: Breath of Life.  You can find luaus and hula shows offered at other venues on island but this is the most dynamic with 100 dancers, singers, musicians, jugglers, and fire dancers from all seven villages. The show is impressive, colorful, and full of stunts (fire, water, smoke, etc.)

The Polynesian Cultural Center is found in the small town of Laie on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and treats visitors to an inside look at the music, dances, lifestyles, and history of the many Polynesian cultures. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Many compare the Polynesian Cultural Center as the “Hawaiin Disneyland” and admittedly there are comparable elements. However, although the shows and villages are staged they offer endless hula/music shows, informational tours, and authentic games/activities that really convey the past these Polynesian cultures are based on. The kids in our group had a blast (even the 14yr olds that can be tough critics) and learned things they didn’t know even growing up here on Oahu.

Every day there is a common show for all the Polynesian villages that takes place in the center of the park’s river (which flows throughout the park), called the CANOE PAGENT, where the villagers perform their dances on large canoes. A very colorful and rhythmic show.  You can cruise the river in large canoes accompanied by authentic Polynesian music while listening to explanations about the various Polynesian villages, their way of life, their customs and their history. They also have a three-dimensional cinema  where IMAX films are screened.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is found in the small town of Laie on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and treats visitors to an inside look at the music, dances, lifestyles, and history of the many Polynesian cultures. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)

The park also features a three-dimensional cinema  where IMAX films are screened. Besides the culture rich activities they also have big marketplace where you can pick up some great souvenirs at comparable prices to the Waikiki wares. You can purchase entrance tickets of different types and at different prices.  A portion of profits from the center go to help provide financial support to the center’s student/performers who come from throughout Polynesia to attend college at the adjacent Brigham Young University.

The center is open every day from the early afternoon until the big evening show. We recommend you arrive at the opening in order to see as much as possible.  Phone: 808-293-3333
Website: www.polynesia.com.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is found in the small town of Laie on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and treats visitors to an inside look at the music, dances, lifestyles, and history of the many Polynesian cultures. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)

The Polynesian Cultural Center is found in the small town of Laie on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and treats visitors to an inside look at the music, dances, lifestyles, and history of the many Polynesian cultures. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Visitors enjoying a canoe ride at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Polynesian Cultural Center is found in the small town of Laie on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and treats visitors to an inside look at the music, dances, lifestyles, and history of the many Polynesian cultures. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)

Visitors enjoying a canoe ride at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Polynesian Cultural Center is found in the small town of Laie on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii and treats visitors to an inside look at the music, dances, lifestyles, and history of the many Polynesian cultures. (photo by Ronen Zilberman)