The Polynesian Cultural Center, home to Hawaii’s largest Polynesian luau show, is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the rich culture and traditions of the islands all set within the natural beauty of Oahu’s North Shore. Here, you can immerse yourself in the music, dance, and customs of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand with a variety of interactive exhibits, live performances, and hands-on activities that provide a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Your Guide to Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
No visit to Oahu is complete without going to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and this award-winning attraction has won accolades from many top travel magazines and local businesses, so whether you are looking for a family-friendly Oahu activity, or a rich island cultural adventure, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a unique and enriching experience that you will not want to miss.
Ticket & Package Options
Choose from a variety of Polynesian Cultural Center ticket and package options that will suit almost any schedule and budget. Whether you are looking for a full day experience, or just want to see the best luau show on Oahu, there is something for everyone!
- Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Ticket - Full Day Admission, Dinner & Show: This full day package includes admission to all six of the island villages, the best buffet dinner on Oahu, and tickets to the Ha: Breath of Life luau show. You can even add transportation so you won’t have to worry about driving!
- Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Tickets - Create Your Own Package & Experience: With four different options to choose from, you can easily customize your visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Choose from general admission to the six island village attractions, tickets to the evening show, enjoy general admission and see the luau show at night, or have a great night in Hawaii with a dinner buffet and luau show.
- Oahu Island Sightseeing Tour & Polynesian Cultural Center Admission Tickets: See some of the most popular and scenic Oahu sites and attractions with a comprehensive sightseeing tour before your afternoon and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This full day tour combines two of Hawaii’s best activities in one amazing experience!
What to Eat at the Polynesian Cultural Center
There are a number of different dining options available at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and no matter which package you choose, you will find something delicious to enjoy during your visit.
- Gateway Dinner Buffet: Featuring one of Hawaii’s largest all-you-can-eat buffets with a wide selection of food from across Polynesia, Pan-Pacific island favorites, and homestyle American dishes, this delicious dinner buffet offers an incredible dining experience unmatched in Hawaii. Choose from a number of different options like a fully-stocked salad bar, top sirloin roast, fresh sashimi and poke, and so much more. There is even a keiki buffet for the kids with macaroni cheese, chicken tenders, and other yummy items.
- Hukilau Marketplace: You won’t have to look far for something to eat at the Hukilau Marketplace located at the Polynesian Cultural Center. With a variety of food trucks and kiosks, and a sit-down restaurant, whether you are looking for lunch, dinner, or dessert, you will find it here. Some food options include made-to-order soft serve ice cream, gourmet hotdogs and fries, Hawaii’s best Mexican food, and authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
- Island Snack Shops: For guests with General Admission, there are three different snack shops available for a quick bite. Fale Popo in Samoa, Tonga Snacks, and Kiwi Grill in Aotearoa (New Zealand). While not open for dinner, they are a great place to grab a lunch or a snack between 1:00PM and 5:00PM while exploring the Polynesian Cultural Center.
What to Do at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Guests who book any package with General Admission will be able to visit the six interactive island villages and the many other activity options that are available. Take a look, and start planning your day of fun at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- Samoa: The most popular village at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and you will learn about Samoan culture in a presentation that showcases their famous sense of humor. Watch as the presenters show you how to husk and open a coconut with just a stick and a rock, learn how to start a fire with two sticks, watch a thrilling fire knife dance, and see a villager climb to the top of a towering coconut tree.
- Tahiti: You will not want to miss watching a recreation of a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony during your visit to the Tahitian village. While you are there, also have a taste of handmade coconut bread with a recipe that you can take home, learn about Tahitian drumming and dancing, and even go fishing with bamboo fishing poles.
- Fiji: Once you arrive in the Fijian village, watch fascinating tattoo demonstrations, tour a traditional Fijian temple, learn how to play a the bamboo derua, and feel the power of the Fijian warriors as they give you a warm and powerful welcome while the women dance and perform. While you are there, also look for the chieftain’s home for a unique look into Fijian culture.
- Aotearoa (New Zealand): As soon as you receive a formal welcome to the village, your Maori experience will begin! Listen to the songs and feel the energy of the ancient Haka, a traditional Maori war dance, challenge yourself with games of skill, observe skilled artisans as they craft weapons, try your hand at spinning poi balls, and also learn about Ta Moko, a form of facial tattooing reserved only for the brave.
- Hawaii: With a warm aloha, you will be welcomed into the Hawaiian village where you can immerse yourself in the island’s culture and history. The talented and knowledgeable villagers will present traditional hula and song performances, and you can join hula lessons to bring a dance back with you after your visit. Try traditional Hawaiian games or observe interactive demonstrations that showcase lauhala weaving and poi making as you explore the area.
- Tonga: As you approach the village of Tonga, you will quickly see why this area is a real crowd-pleaser with the sounds of thunderous applause and laughter ringing in the air. Learn how to dance in your seat, or maybe you will be a lucky audience member who is asked to join the performers on stage. For those seeking adventure, try your hand at paddling a traditional outrigger canoe, participate in the Tongan shuffleboard game, or test your accuracy by throwing spears!
Local Expert Tips for the Polynesian Cultural Center
- Download the official Polynesian Cultural Center app before your visit from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching “Polynesian Cultural Center”. Enter your confirmation number (not the voucher number!) and your last name in the “My Tickets” section, and you will have a handy QR code for you to use at the center. The maps and schedule are also very handy to have during your visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
- If you have booked a package with Full Day admission, you will want to get there before the gates open at 12:30PM so that you can fully experience all that the center has to offer. Keep in mind that even if you do arrive before 12:30PM, you still may not be able to experience all of the activities, but you can definitely try!
- The Polynesian Cultural Center spans across 42 acres, and there is quite a bit of walking involved to see all of the different villages and activities. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and put on lots of sunscreen for your visit.
- For guests booking the Full Day admission, have a hearty breakfast before your arrival since the doors will be opening at 12:30PM, and dinner will begin at 4:30PM. If you do get hungry during your visit, not to worry since there are ample snack shops and food trucks available.
- It is important to note that alcoholic beverages are not served at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and are not allowed to be brought into the center as well. Many delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages are available for you to enjoy during your visit.
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before any island presentation to secure the best seating options.
About the Polynesian Cultural Center
Back in October 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center was established with the aim of creating employment opportunities for students at Brigham Young University (BYU), Hawaii. Today, the center occupies 42 acres of land on Oahu’s northeastern town of Laie, and has become an integral part of the local community. The center offers scholarships to BYU students hailing from Hawaii and many countries across the globe as it presents a diverse range of Polynesian cultures in an entertaining and interactive way, enabling students to showcase their distinct customs and heritage, while also preserving them.
Polynesian Cultural Center Hours of Operation
- Gates open at 12:30PM
- Islands of Polynesia (Island Villages) Presentations & Activities: 12:30PM - 5:30PM
- Canoe Tours: 12:30PM - 6:00PM
- Laie and Mormon Temple Visitors Center Tour: 3:00PM - 6:40PM
- Hawaiian Journey Movie Experience: Every 30 minutes from 1:00PM to 6:30PM
- Gateway Buffet: 4:30PM - 7:00PM
- ”Ha: Breath of Life” Luau Evening Show: Seating begins at 7:00PM, and the show is from 7:30PM to 8:45PM
- Hukilau Marketplace: 11:00AM - 8:30PM
The Polynesian Cultural Center is closed on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
How to Get to the Polynesian Cultural Center
It is recommended that guests staying in the Waikiki area book their tickets with the roundtrip transportation service.
From Waikiki and the Honolulu area, it is approximately a one hour to a one and a half hour drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Guests booking just the dinner and/or the show should allow for ample time since there is often heavy traffic between 3:00PM and 6:00PM on weekdays.
Guests staying in the Ko Olina resort area should allow a minimum of one and a half hours of drive time for the approximate 50 mile drive.
Sample Schedule for a Full Day at the Polynesian Cultural Center
12:00PM: Arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and enjoy a tasty fruity soft serve from Sweet As. Head over to the Ukulele Experience to learn about the history of this island instrument and how they are meticulously crafted. You can also try some of the ukuleles that are available, and even purchase one to bring home.
12:30PM: Doors open, and if you added your tickets to the Polynesian Cultural Center app, you can head right in. Make your way to the village of Tonga with a stop at the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) exhibit and the Hawaiian Mission Settlement to see an open-sided Polynesian-style schoolhouse and a rock-walled missionary home.
1:00PM: Watch the 20-minute Tongan presentation with music, dance, and more. Afterwards, explore the village of Tonga, and then make your way over to Tahiti.
2:00PM: Arrive by 1:45PM, and have a seat to watch a 20-minute Tahitian drumming and dancing presentation. Once it is done, try some coconut bread and traditional Tahitian fishing.
3:00PM: At 2:45PM, you will want to find a seat on one of the benches or mats outside, and watch as a recreation of an authentic royal Tahitian wedding.
3:30PM: Walk through the Carver’s Workshop and see Iosepa, a 60-foot handmade double hulled sailing canoe.
4:00PM: Have a seat by 3:45PM at the village of Hawaii, and watch a 20-minute Hawaiian presentation showcasing ancient and modern hula and music. Afterwards, try some ancient Hawaiian games, and even have some poi!
4:30PM: The popular Samoan showcase is a show-stopper, and a must see for any visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
5:00PM: Sit back and enjoy Hawaiian Journey, a 12-minute immersive cinematic experience that is projected onto one of the largest screens in Hawaii, and see the majesty and wonder of the Hawaiian islands.
5:30PM: Take a round-trip canoe ride from the south canoe landing area and see unique views of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
6:00PM: It is time for dinner at the Gateway Buffet. Choose from the island’s biggest buffet selection, and enjoy freshly made cuisine until 7:00PM.
7:30PM: Be sure to arrive by 7:15PM, and it will be curtains up for the “Ha: Breath of Life” luau evening show.
9:00PM: Your day at the Polynesian Cultural Center comes to a close, and you will definitely want to come again to visit the island villages once more!
Polynesian Cultural Center Wheelchair Accessibility Information
- All areas at the Polynesian Cultural Center are both wheelchair and scooter accessible with the exception of the canoe rides.
- Guests wanting to do the canoe ride will need to be able to stand and go into the canoe without assistance, and non-motorized wheelchairs can be folded and brought on board.
- Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented, and should only be used for guests that are able to walk short distances since the equipment will need to be returned prior to attending the evening show.
- Guests utilizing wheelchairs or scooters should get to each village presentation at least 15 minutes prior to the start time to ensure adequate time for seating. Some village presentation areas will require your mobility device to go over some grass or gravel.
- Solo travelers are welcome to ask for assistance at anytime, but wheelchair pushing services will not be provided.
- In the event that you are seated in an area that is not comfortable for you, please do not hesitate to bring up your concerns with staff members.
