Highlights
Overview
Oahu
9 - 12 hour(s) incl. transportation
Available Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Pick-up available
Accessible
What to expect
• Self-guided experience through 6 Island Villages
• Hands-on activities; games of skill, canoe paddling, fire starting, cooking, and much more
• Canoe tour across the magnificent lagoon
• Tram Tour of Laie
• Gateway dinner buffet feast with live music
• General-level Silver seating at "Ha: Breath of Life" show
Click [View details] for the full menu.
Overview
Schedule
Pick-up & Check-in at Polynesian Cultural Center
Check-in at Polynesian Cultural Center
Watch an unforgettable show at Hawaii's only water performance venue, where double-hulled canoes glide gracefully on the water and a talented group of island dancers, and singers perform. Don't miss out! Arrive early for the best seats. Gates open at 12:15 pm, and the show starts at 12:40 pm.
Say "Talofa!" and watch as young men climb a 40-ft tall coconut tree in their bare feet, and then learn how to open the coconut by using just a small rock. Watch fire knife dancers, and see how to make fire the Samoan way without any matches. This popular presentation is a highlight of any visit!
You will be greeted with "Kia ora!" before learning about and watching the Haka, a Maori war dance. Try twirling long poi balls and explore a carved Maori war canoe before watching artisans carve deadly looking weapons by hand. There are even warrior demonstrations to see how they train for battle.
With an enthusiastic "Bula vinaka!" enter the village where you will learn how coconut oil is made, watch as Fijian warriors welcome you with a traditional dance, see a replica of a six story temple, and even get a Fijian warrior tattoo. This thrilling presentation is one that should not be missed.
"Aloha," is the iconic greeting of Hawaii, and here you will learn how to dance hula, and watch a performance of this beautiful and iconic storytelling dance. See how poi is made by pounding boiled taro before having a taste, and then try your hand at ancient Hawaiian games, and arts and crafts.
You will hear "Ia Orana!" as you head into the Tahitian village where you can taste handmade coconut bread and try fishing in a lagoon with bamboo poles. Watch and learn how to dance the iconic "ori Tahiti," and even throw a spear at a coconut. Don't miss the Tahitian Wedding while you are there!
Call out "Malo e lelei!" and visit a village filled with hospitality and laughter. Paddle in a Tongan canoe, and compete in a spear throwing contest or try a Tongan shuffleboard game. Explore a summer palace before learning Nafa-drumming. With audience participation, there is fun for everyone.
This one-way canoe ride has two departure points in the north and sound end of the center. Your guide will share fascinating stories and history of Polynesia, and between 5:00PM and 5:30PM, the canoe ride is round-trip from the southern departure point. A great option for the end of the day.
This delicious dinner buffet is available from 4:30PM to 7:00PM, and with over 30 different dishes featuring cuisine from across the Pacific and beyond, it has the largest variety of food of any buffet in Hawaii. Try various Polynesian and Pan-Pacific cuisine, as well as tasty treats for kids.
Take a tram tour of the Laie area surrounding the center, and see the community that created the Polynesian Cultural Center. Make your way past Brigham Young University, the town of Laie, and the Laie Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, all located next to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
After dinner, enjoy some free time before the HA: Breath of Life luau show begins. Do some last-minute shopping at Hukilau Marketplace, and enjoy the many stores located right outside the gates of the center and includes a variety of stores and stands featuring local crafts, souvenirs, and food.
Sit back and watch this evening show featuring over 100 performers from all across Polynesia with incredible special effects and video projections The show tells the story of Mana, a young Polynesian boy, and his growth into a man over the years as he visits the different island of Polynesia.
Check-out & Drop-off
Location
Pick-up/Check-in Time & Location
Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location
Important activity information
Important activity information
Restrictions
- This activity is wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: All facilities at the Polynesian Cultural Center are accessible by wheelchair with the exception of the canoe rides.
- Wheelchair Accessible Transportation: A transfer vehicle equipped with a lift is available with at least three to four days advanced notice. Please indicate during booking to secure arrangements.
Wheelchairs must be no larger than 48" x 28.5" and must not exceed a total combined weight of 600 lbs. Guests with 3-wheeled scooters must occupy a bus seat, and their scooters will be placed in the bus storage area. - Guests wishing to rent a wheelchair or scooter must go to www,hawaiiscooters.com, call (808) 397-8768, or email hawaiiscooters@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to your activity date to book and reserve a wheelchair or scooter.
- Alcohol and drug use are not permitted at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and guests will be immediately asked to leave should they be found with these substances.
Additional notes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- You will share the transportation with other customers.
- Drinks and meals are available for purchase
- Complimentary parking available.
- Download the Polynesian Cultural Center mobile app by going to the Apple App store or the Google Play store and searching for "Polynesian Cultural Center". This app will allow you to plan your day, see the map, and other convenient options.
- Wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and wagons are available for rent, and it is highly recommended that you reserve these items in advance at the time of booking. These items must be returned no later than 7:30PM and cannot be used during the evening show.
- Have a hearty breakfast prior to arriving at the Polynesian Cultural Center, or prior to your pick-up. Food trucks and stands are also available both inside and outside of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Required items to bring & attire
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirt / light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)
- You can book a maximum of 25.
Activity Provider Polynesian Cultural Center
Activity Provider
FAQ
**Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Village of Samoa
Visit the Samoan village for a light-hearted take on some of the island's interesting cultural aspects. Learn to start a fire with sticks, properly crack open a coconut and try your hand at weaving. Watch live demonstrations with barefoot tree climbing and sample some local food cooked on the spot.
Village of Aotearoa
Learn about the Maori of New Zealand and uncover the history of their complex tattooing—you can even get (a temporary) one yourself. Pick up some traditional games and practice your poi ball twirling skills for a fun way to experience the island's culture. Don't miss the exciting haka demonstration.
Village of Tonga
Practice your rhythm with Tongan drumming. This island's lively and energetic demonstrations are sure to keep your eyes wide open. Iafo and other fun local games are available to test your skills.
Village of Fiji
The Fijian village is a storehouse of artifacts; some fascinating—like religious implements and old photographs—and some terrifying—like war clubs and other military equipment. Don't miss the chance to pass through a Fijian temple.
Village of Tahiti
Tahiti is an island filled with music and dance. This village offers new perspectives on the rhythmic movements and colorful costumes that have made Tahiti a famous destination in the Pacific.
Village of Hawaii
Discover the intricate details of hula, and find a newfound appreciate for those who have devoted their lives to mastering it. You'll also find demonstrations and exhibits that explore food, lei making and other cultural elements that make Hawaii unique.
Specialty Shops
Throughout the center and the newly created Hukilau Marketplace, guests will find a wide variety of specialty shops offering products ranging from pineapple Dole Whip to hand-crafted ukuleles. Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone back home, these stores are worth checking out.
Canoe Pageant & Other Events
Beyond the island villages, daily canoe pageants down the canal show off each island's unique dances and costumes, group talks are held to share information about the Iosepa—a traditionally constructed sailing canoe—and food and craft demonstrations add an extra something special to the day.
• Kiwi Grill (Fresh Cooked off the Grill): Chicken Plates, Teri Burgers, Strawberry Guava Slush, Lava Flow Slush, Bottled Drinks, Energy Drinks
• Tonga Snack Shack: Shave Ice, Chicken Bowls, Musubi, Bottled Drinks, Energy Drinks, Chips
• South Canoe Landing: Hot Dog Stand & Shave Ice Cart
• Citrus Spot (located between Tahiti and Tonga): Calamansi mixed drinks
Payment / Cancellation Policy
- Credit card payment
-
- Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
- Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc.
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Every 12/25
Top-Rated Activities for Oahu
Editor's Picks for Oahu
- This activity is wheelchair accessible.
- Children of all ages can participate in this activity.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: All facilities at the Polynesian Cultural Center are accessible by wheelchair with the exception of the canoe rides.
- Wheelchair Accessible Transportation: A transfer vehicle equipped with a lift is available with at least three to four days advanced notice. Please indicate during booking to secure arrangements.
Wheelchairs must be no larger than 48" x 28.5" and must not exceed a total combined weight of 600 lbs. Guests with 3-wheeled scooters must occupy a bus seat, and their scooters will be placed in the bus storage area. - Guests wishing to rent a wheelchair or scooter must go to www,hawaiiscooters.com, call (808) 397-8768, or email hawaiiscooters@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to your activity date to book and reserve a wheelchair or scooter.
- Alcohol and drug use are not permitted at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and guests will be immediately asked to leave should they be found with these substances.
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirt / light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
- The menu is subject to change without notice.
- You will share the transportation with other customers.
- Drinks and meals are available for purchase
- Complimentary parking available.
- Download the Polynesian Cultural Center mobile app by going to the Apple App store or the Google Play store and searching for "Polynesian Cultural Center". This app will allow you to plan your day, see the map, and other convenient options.
- Wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and wagons are available for rent, and it is highly recommended that you reserve these items in advance at the time of booking. These items must be returned no later than 7:30PM and cannot be used during the evening show.
- Have a hearty breakfast prior to arriving at the Polynesian Cultural Center, or prior to your pick-up. Food trucks and stands are also available both inside and outside of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- You can book a maximum of 25.