Skip to content »
Skip to second navigation »


Observe Spectacular Cultural Traditions at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu

Published by Jason Hussong, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

The Hawaiian Islands are home to many spectacular cultural experiences and attractions, many of which can be found on the island of Oahu—home to the capital city Honolulu. One of the best cultural experiences, which is also the top paid attraction in the state, is the Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center. Located in Laie on the north side of the Oahu just off the King Kamehameha Highway, the Polynesian Center opened in October of 1963 on 42 beautiful acres of land owned by nearby Brigham Young University. Today, most of the employees are enrolled students raising funds for University scholarships.

Since the doors opened more than 30 million people have visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, and that number is quickly growing each year. The Cultural Center is a living museum where all the Polynesian island groups are represented in recreated villages spread throughout the park. This makes a visit truly beneficial as it's possible to experience the unique aspects of each culture and ask questions without having to travel to each individual island.

Each of the cultures represented have unique performances that can be experienced first hand as volunteers are called from the audience. A special multicultural canoe show on the scenic lagoon of the Polynesian Cultural Center is an experience in itself, and different performances are given by the students while sailing through the various villages. With Hawaii's strong missionary history, you can also enjoy special exhibits detailing the influence of the religious groups who travelled here looking to convert the islanders. For a more hands on experience, there is even an opportunity to take hula lessons!

A feast for your all your senses, the colourful and delicious Polynesian Cultural Center luau (or royal feast) held in the evenings is a must. The buffet-style feast includes a variety of traditional Polynesian dishes including imu (a traditional pig dish that is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven) prepared before guest's eyes. Following the Polynesian Cultural Center luau, you can enjoy an extravagant live show in the park's amphitheatre, showcasing all of the main Polynesian cultures in a beautiful song and dance spectacle, with various types of captivating hula and fire dancing.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a true Hawaiian experience, and one that's not to be missed on any trip to Oahu. The cultural education gained here is unparalleled, and with so much to see and experience here, it's a good thing they offer return visits on the same ticket.

Photos

Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Polynesian Cultural Center

There's never a bad time of year to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, but the best time is in May when the annual World Fire Knife Dance Competition is held Wednesday through Friday (at various times). Dancers come in from many of the different Polynesian islands to display their skills with blazing machetes while performing a variety of stunts. There are several other festivals that celebrate individual island traditions, as well as mainland holidays such as Christmas and Halloween; so plan ahead to make the most of your visit.

Odds n' Ends

Most of the attractions at the Polynesian Cultural Center are unshielded from the sun, so make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, and a hat is a good idea. Remember that the style here is casual.

In order to secure a good seat for the dinner show, it's important to get in line early for the Polynesian Cultural Center luau.

More Experiences Nearby

Hike the Stairway to Heaven on the Haiku Stairs Trail in Oahu
Gripping the wooden railing as you lift your foot onto the first step of the steep Haiku Stairs hiking trail, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, means you have just completed step number one of the 3,921 steps to the summit. The Haiku Stairs hiking trail, also known as Stairway to Heaven, began as a wooden ladder spiked into the cliff of the south side of the Haiku Valley, and was initially used to run antenna cables to the top to set up a communication link for the Naval Radio Station during the war. As you climb the steep steps, ...18 miles away.

Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!

Book now
Polynesian Cultural Center Tickets
The seven villages showcase the indigenous Polynesian cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, the Marquesas, Fiji, New Zealand, Tonga and Tahiti. Real Polynesians share knowledge of their ...
Starting from $43.99 per person.

Video

Video Wall

You are now being transfered to our Video Wall

Books and DVDs

Handbook of Polynesian Mythology
Fodor's Oahu, 2nd Edition: with Honolulu, Waikiki, and the North Shore
Oahu Trails: Walks, Strolls And Treks on the Capital Isle

Elsewhere on the Web

Ploynesian Cultural Center - Polynesia.com

Language Guides

French , Hindi , Indonesian , Italian , Japanese , Lao , Malay , Mandarin , Portugese , Russian , Spanish , Thai , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in United States. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

Discussion

Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.

People with experience


Recent Tweets

Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "polynesian cultural center":