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Polynesian Cultural Center
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Polynesian Cultural Center

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Polynesian Cultural Center
4.5
9,728 reviews
#2 of 4 Sights & Landmarks in Laie
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Luaus
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12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Monday
12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Tuesday
12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Thursday
12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Friday
12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Saturday
12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
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About
The Polynesian Cultural Center, voted the #1 attraction in Hawaiʻi by USA Today, is located along the famous North Shore of Oʻahu. Explore 42 acres of tropical splendor featuring 6 authentic villages representing the island cultures of Hawaiʻi, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. Mingle with Pacific Islanders as they share the majesty of their culture through music, dance and traditional hands-on activities. Our most popular dining option is the award-winning Aliʻi Lūʻau. This royal feast blends a delicious array of island themed dishes with the excitement of authentic Hawaiian entertainment. Finish your adventure though the power of “HĀ: Breath of Life,” an action-packed evening show. Ignited by fire, song and dance featuring over 100 Polynesian performers, this story of passion will make your day a truly unforgettable experience. The Polynesian Cultural Center: all of Polynesia in one exciting place.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
28 within 3 miles
Tita's Grill and Catering
808
317 ft$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Pounders Restaurant
520
387 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Polynesian • Hawaiian
The Elephant Shack
196
483 ft$ • Quick Bites • Fast Food • Asian
Ah You Hungry? Tita's Grill Food Truck
93
245 ft$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Barbecue
Guadalajara Grill Hawaii
40
0 ft$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Seven Brothers Burgers
688
0.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Sweet As
3
0 ftFast Food
The Bistro
15
0.2 miAmerican
McDonald's
35
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
BYU-Hawaii Seasider Snack Bar
1
0.4 mi$ • American • Asian • Deli
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Attractions
14 within 6 miles
Shaka Statue
4
0 ftMonuments & Statues
Hukilau Marketplace
121
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Laie Hawaii Temple
381
0.9 miReligious Sites
Laie Point State Wayside Park
337
0.8 miParks
Laie Beach Park
41
0.5 miBeaches
Kahuku Farms
423
Farms
La’ie Point State Wayside
1
0.7 miState Parks
Kokololio Beach Park
32
1 miBeaches
Hukilau Beach
50
1.2 miBeaches
Malaekahana State Recreation Area
46
1.3 miState Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,728 reviews
Excellent
6,051
Very good
2,053
Average
846
Poor
393
Terrible
385
Robert D
San Diego, United States21 contributions
Polynesian Culture Center: A Delightful Experience Except for the Air Conditioning-Free Bus Ride There
Jan 2023
The Polynesian Culture Center opened a year after my parents, in an uncharacteristic move, brought my brother and me to Hawaii as kids. I wanted to visit every time I have been in Honolulu, but it seemed to be a hassle, given it is on the other side of the island and we do not normally rent a car in Honolulu. We finally did the bus trip to the Center. It turned out to be a sort of scaled back Polynesian Epcot Center. Most of the employees are scholarship students from nearby Brigham Young University (Hawaii branch), and they are exceedingly enthusiastic and appreciative, since PCC is a nonprofit and money generated pays for student scholarships. Students also comprise most of the performers in the evening show. Their youthful enthusiasm made the show enjoyable. (I have a warm spot in my heart for amateur theater, especially when the technical aspects of the production are top notch, as they were here.) The only negative was the bus ride to and from the PCC. The hour and a half bus ride to the PCC had an air condition unit that literally rained on us; the somewhat faster bus on the way back (presumably because of less traffic) had a driver who did not turn the air conditioner on until right before we got to our destination. I recommend the PCC, assuming you can drive your own or a rental car or if you do not mind traveling in a bus that was more like a sauna in a time when Covid seems to be having a resurgence. I do not know what the driver of the evening bus had against air conditioning.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GuppyBerry
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
Great experience: have fun, learn, discover and be amazed!
Mar 2023 • Family
We got tickets for the Polynesian Cultural Center, with bus ride from Waikiki Ilikai hotel stop, with the buffet option, for two adults and two young kids (7 and 9). The bus was on time, staff organized they call your name all was smooth, the ride was about 1.5 hours with the driver commenting along the way, the road became scenic when reaching the north side of the island. We reached the center before noon, there are several food trucks offering a good selection, we had the Korean barbecue it was fine. In the Center you will discover 6 islands representing Polynesia, with each time some shows to watch (music, dances…), activities in which you participate (play Ann instrument, weave coconut leaves, taste food…), you can ride on a canoe, you will learn a lot about those islands. Then from 5PM you can go to the buffet, selection was good with salads, meats, fishes, shrimps, deserts, ice cream corner… And the finale is with the show from 7:30PM, it was amazing, with dancers representing the traditional costumes of Polynesia, dances, fire juggling… The bus brought us back to our hotel at maybe 10PM, we had an amazing day!
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eddie T
Calgary, Canada64 contributions
So much to see in so little time
Nov 2022
The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a unique way to really appreciate the Polynesian culture, including the indigenous traditions not only from Hawaii but from the rest of Polynesia as well (Tonga, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Easter Island, etc). The grounds are huge and very well maintained, and the personnel working there are friendly and accommodating. Activities on the grounds are plentiful and varied, i.e. there are dancing shows, movies, art displays, canoe rides, etc to be enjoyed at the premises.

We booked a package that included dinner and access to the "Ha: Breath of Life" evening show. The dinner was very good and well organized, and the selection of dishes was very large. Thankfully it offered vegetarian options as well.

I enjoyed the evening show, the performers were very good and it included very impressive audiovisuals. Perhaps it is a bit long, it could be maybe shortened some 20 minutes though thankfully the show never feels particularly dull or boring, though it may feel a tad long.

The only complaint (for the lack of a better word) is that the grounds open only at 12:30 pm, which leaves only a few hours to visit all islands. Considering that dinner starts being served at 4:30 pm and attendance at that time is encouraged to avoid lineups, that leaves very limited time to visit all islands and truly absorb the culture. Even though the ticket is basically good for 3 days, in reality it is impractical to repeat visits all the way from Honolulu.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BridgetSmith4
Newport News, VA146 contributions
Awesome way to experience the Pacific Islands
Nov 2022
I love love love this! Kudos to the Polynesian community in Hawaii for creating a place for the rest of the world to come and learn about your heritage and backgrounds. This was my first time visiting Hawaii and I unfortunately didn't plan ahead what I was going to do each day I was there. I booked this tour while sitting in my hotel one night after googling things to do. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I booked this but I'm so happy I did. When I booked online I was a little skeptical about taking an all day tour but I learned really fast that this is not some place you just visit for 2 or 3 hours and then leave. There is so much to see in so little time. It's a lot of walking but there are plenty of places to sit. I saw people who were in a group with a guide. I'm happy I didn't use this option. I suggest everyone explore this at your own pace. If you're in a group, you may want to stay in one area longer when the rest of the tour group is ready to move on. I ended up revisiting some places because I wanted to see certain shows at certain times. The shows are great because the audience participates. There is plenty bathrooms, and places to get a bite to eat or something to drink. Just remember they are a little pricey. I booked their transportation option also. For me it was too far to rent a car and drive and possibly get lost, especially since it was dark on the way back to the hotel that night. The shuttle bus driver picked me up at the crack of dawn across the street from my hotel at one of the ABC stores. He drove around and picked up others also and he took us on a tour around the beautiful island for about 5 hours before arriving at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 5 hours seems like a long time but it flies by really fast. We arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center at 1230pm when they opened and I left at 6pm. I chose to take one of the early buses back to Waikiki instead of staying for the Luau and buffet dinner. I wish I had stayed for both but I was tired and traveling solo. If I ever book this again while in Hawaii, hopefully not solo, I'm going to stay later so I can experience them both. I highly recommend the Polynesian Cultural Center to anyone visiting Hawaii, especially if it's for the first time.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PTDurham
Durham, UK459 contributions
Fantastic day
Dec 2022 • Friends
Booked the Super Ambassador LuAu package with transport.
Drive in the bus was informative but non stop from getting on the bus to stepping off (which was a bit too much
Went into the centre and we had an hour to get some food before the main gate opened.
Once it opened we were introduced to our private guide Keala.
We were guided around the island villages by our guide who was a very nice Australian lady although lacking in knowledge about some areas. The villages were interesting and mixed with small activities which were good.
Later onto the Ali I Lu au buffet and show which was excellent, food was good and tables were guided to the food a few at a time. Afterward was the HA breath of life show as in all of the areas we had reserved seating.
This show was the highlight of the whole day absolutely brilliant (shame no filming or photos allowed).
Overall I would highly recommend this full day out and if possible go for the super ambassador ticket, although more expensive it will make your day so much easier.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Larry M
Vancouver, Canada345 contributions
Worth General Admission
Jan 2022
First, the overview. This theme park is a series of six “villages” representing Poly and Micronesian culture. There are ½ - ¾ hour “shows” at each village scheduled intermittently over the afternoon; in addition, there are three or four “activities” at each village where you participate informally in small groups playing games, learning crafts, etc. If you wanted to absolutely everything, you’d probably want to stay two days; most people won’t. That said, if doing the one-day thing, I’d recommend being there when the venue opens early in the afternoon – there’s enough to do. Your ticket is good for three days, but note that the venue is closed Wednesday and Sunday, so plan accordingly. If staying, the Marriott Courtyard is a good choice. The PCC website pushes a number of packages; based on Trip Advisor reports, we passed on the packages in favour of the cheaper general admission, and missing the luau (or buffet) and evening activity, but eating at Pounder’s restaurant (which, like the rest of Laie, is dry - be forewarned!).
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EJsMommy31
8 contributions
PERFECT 10!
Dec 2022
Visiting the PCC was definitely a highlight of our family trip. We opted for the top tier private tour luau package, and let me just say with a party of 11, it was worth EVERY penny! Our guide Noelle was such a delight and handled our large group perfectly. If it wasn't for her we wouldn't have been able to do SO MUCH in our day. We literally felt like royalty, she was just that good to us! Thanks to her we were able to do ukulele lessons, canoe ride, Tahitian dance lessons, spear throwing, Maori ball twirling, singing in the Fijian island and got our tattoos, enjoyed the Samoan & Tongan shows! It was a very informative place to visit to learn about the cultures of the South Pacific Islanders. We were not rushed and everything we did flowed perfectly, one thing after another, until we had to part with her to enjoy our Luau dinner, which was AMAZING with lovely entertainment! To top it off we saw Ha breath of life which was such a beautiful presentation of the lovely cultures of Polynesia! Preferred seating everywhere we went made sure to give us great views of all shows. I have seen others say you can/should ditch your guide however with a large group I highly recommend the tour guide. Every person in our group agree this was the best day of our family trip! It has been a bucket list item of mine to see a live Siva Afi (fire knife dance) and that was the grand finale of Ha, it moved me to tears and to see my children who are half Samoan get to learn about that side of their culture and the happiness in their face, and their pride was a once in a lifetime experience.
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carolynne A
Oakville, Canada125 contributions
A long but enjoyable day
Feb 2022
Overall we had a great time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We took a semi-private guided tour (which I recommend because the place is really big with lots to see) and our guide, like all of the guides, was a student at the BYU school next door. There's too much to see in one day, but with the guide, we were able to catch most of the better and more interesting shows/demonstrations. All of the people working in each nation are from that nation which I really liked and enjoyed.

The Ha Breath of Life show in the evening is particularly good. The dancers and the fire spinners were just amazing.

The luau with the dinner had a nice show, but the food was just okay. They did welcome us with a really delicious smoothie which made up for the fact that they don't serve alcohol.

Keep in mind, it's a full, long day experience. It doesn't open until 12 noon or so and we didn't leave until after the show around 9 PM. The ticket that they give you allows you to come back multiple days which you would need to do in order to see everything, although we just spent the one whole day and I felt satisfied with the experience.

Just wanted to mention as well that the whole place is owned or run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but there was no preaching or mention of that anywhere, other than all of the guides being students of the religious university next door. Not saying that's a bad thing, I'm just mentioning it in case that matters to someone.

Overall, I recommend the center and the show, but I would skip the dinner in the future.
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janet W
119 contributions
Fantastic
Feb 2023
This is not to be missed! We did the full works, including the buffet and the evening show, and it was worth every cent, especially as with the package you can come back three times. And you’ll need to return at least once to do it all.

Firstly, the evening show was fabulous. Truly spectacular. I loved every minute.

The buffet was excellent too, but please, please everyone, don’t heap up your plate with everything you see, and then leave half of it, like a lot of people did. Such a waste. It’s all delicious, but you can go back as many times as you like, no need to panic!

The desserts were wonderful too, and I recommend the chocolate soufflé. Lots of ice cream and fruit available too.

The daytime activities start at 12.30pm, and the last “mini shows” are at 5. These short hours might be to accommodate all the Polynesian students, attending the Bingham Young university in Hawai’i, who work at the centre. The profits from the centre pay their fees, so it’s all in a good cause.

Everyone at the centre is so welcoming and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble, and all pose happily for photos..

To see all the different shows takes some planning, but the one you must not miss is Samoa. Kap, who’s a talented artist, is a brilliant stand-up comic and had us in stitches. His two younger performers were excellent too, with real comic timing. And it’s all followed by a demonstration of how to climb a coconut tree in a few seconds, and then the breathtaking fire dancers. Wow, I mean, wow!! That said, we enjoyed all the shows and wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on any of them.

The shops there are fun too … there’s one full of homeware with really lovely things.

So, a full days entertainment (or two days), with loads of things for the kids too. A great family outing.

Note, however, that the river show, with performers on boats, was suspended during Covid and has yet to be revived. That was our only disappointment.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Travelling Soldier
Ludowici, GA67 contributions
Good Tour & Facility! Disappointing luau and evening show.
Nov 2022 • Family
The concept of the PCC is admirable in that it employs college students on the attached campus giving them an opportunity to obtain an education while working. Our tour guide, Line from Tonga, was great and made the experience of touring the center a great one. The part that takes this review down to 3 stars is the luau and the evening show. First of all, going into the luau entrance our 21 month old kid was told he could NOT have a lei, which surprised our tour guide as well, some he received one earlier when we checked in for our Super Ambassador Tour. (Note: when the luau ended there were many leis on the rack at the entrance that were personally thrown away due to the flowers withering since the center is not open on Wednesdays) The food for the luau was bland and the servers were stingy when passing out the pork and fish. Also, we were not informed that there was ice cream and children’s dishes available on the opposite side of the arena. The late show was simply a repeat/review of the things we learned throughout the afternoon and many folks were falling asleep until the last 15 minutes of a two hour presentation when the fire dance was performed. Disappointing trip to the other side of the island for the most part. NOTE: We attended the Luau at the Hale Koa two nights later & it was entertaining, educational, and fun for the entire family and the food was delicious for less than half the price!
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Polynesian Cultural Center (Laie) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center is open:
  • Mon - Tue 12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
  • Thu - Sat 12:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Polynesian Cultural Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 29 Polynesian Cultural Center tours on Tripadvisor