Polynesian Cultural Center Review: Is a Visit Worth the Price?
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The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) welcomes around 700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most visited sites in the state of Hawaii. So what is the Polynesian Cultural Center all about, is it worth visiting, and what can you expect during your time there?
Polynesian Cultural Center Review: The PCC is full of cultural activities, immersive demonstrations, and countless learning opportunities. Your time there is what you make of it: meander through or do it all! With so many options it can feel overwhelming, a bit like an amusement park, and it’s 70 minutes from most resort areas so a visit will take up at least one day of your vacation.
Read on as we give all the details you need on spending a day(s) at the Polynesian Cultural Center, our thoughts from numerous visits, and end with a breakdown of the ticket packages (they get confusing).
Book your tickets for the Polynesian Cultural Center here and save 10-15%. We break down the Ali’i Luau vs Gateway Buffet in this article.
Looking for something different? Try these cultural activities:
The 8 Best Pearl Harbor Tours: from budget to luxury, we have you covered
Hawaiian Waikiki Catamaran Sail: Better Than a Luau
The 4 Best Oahu Luaus: our honest review
Polynesian Cultural Center History
The Polynesian Cultural Center opened in 1963, a vision that had been in the making since the early 1920s. It was founded by missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church, from here referred to as LDS) to preserve the history and cultures of the Polynesian islands and their people. True to their vision, the islands represented at the PCC were built with materials from their respective islands keeping with the traditions therein.
Today the PCC welcomes visitors from around the world and has become a well-known piece of Oahu’s identity. It is a non-profit organization that employs students (who make up about 70% of the staff) of the neighboring Brigham Young University.
Regardless of your beliefs, the PCC is open to anyone and everyone looking to explore these cultures and enjoy the entertainment offered. Most of the staff and performers come from the Polynesian islands and are excited to share about their homes with you.
With all this in mind, a Polynesian Cultural Center review isn’t complete without mentioning that it does feel touristy and a bit like a theme park. This is to be expected since it was designed as an immersive educational experience for visitors, and it manages to be theme parkesque without being tacky.
Plan the rest of your Oahu vacation with these resources:
– Our Oahu Travel Guide gets you familiar with the island and all it has to offer
– Be sure you travel during the best time to visit Oahu
– Find a great place to stay on Oahu based on the type of vacation you want
– Decide whether a rental car is worth it for your trip.
Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth Going to?
In short, yes, the Polynesian Cultural Center is worth going to, but let’s dive into some caveats.
- The biggest consideration is that it’s comparable to a theme park. A lot is going on, so if overstimulation is a concern, you’ll want to consider this. Or, opt for doing the Islands-only package and spreading it out over a few days. Our kids are usually done mid-luau if we get there around the opening.
- It is a bit out of the way. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a 70-minute drive from Waikiki. You may not want to drive 2+ hours or take a bus to spend an additional 9-12 hours to visit the PCC.
If these things are manageable for you, then visit the Polynesian Cultural Center! There’s a lot to keep you and your family busy no matter which package you choose, and the immersive cultural experience is just plain fun!
Oahu ocean activities for the rest of your trip:
10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All
5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu
The Best Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tours from Waikiki
Save 10-15% by booking your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets here!
Book early! Tickets sell out a month out during the summer and a week or more in advance during the rest of the year.
How Long Do You Spend at the Polynesian Cultural Center?
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open from 12:30 pm-9:30 pm and you can easily spend the full 9 hours there. Any ticket you purchase to the PCC gives you multiple days of re-entry.
You can spread your time across three days and just go for a few hours at a time, or do a full 9-hour day and still not experience everything the PCC offers.
It’s really up to you depending on what you’re looking to get out of your visit and if you have young children, how long they last.
Polynesian Cultural Center Review: My Experience
I spent a full day at the Polynesian Cultural Center with their Super Ambassador package. This is their most inclusive package that gives you a private tour guide. We break down each package option at the end of this article.
This was a 12-hour day starting with pickup in Waikiki at 10:20 am and return to Waikiki at around 10:30 pm.
We are affiliate partners with the Polynesian Cultural Center and were provided with the Super Ambassador ticket for this visit at no cost. This does not affect our Polynesian Cultural Center review as we value transparency and your trust over any commission or affiliate partnership. Feel free to check out our affiliate policy for more info!
No Polynesian Cultural Center review is complete without proof that we attended and a video to help you see what to expect. We show a lot of the Polynesian Cultural Center in the video below, plus other Hawaii luaus.
Pickup in Waikiki
Letting the Polynesian Cultural Center handle your transportation for the day if you’re not staying on the North Shore is an add-on and entirely worth it in our opinion. The drive to the PCC from Waikiki is just over an hour with the majority of guests arriving and leaving at the same time, so taking advantage of their bus service means less traffic and the ability to relax on the way back to your hotel after a long day.
They do offer a return service around 6:30 pm just after the Luau and another bus at 9:30 pm after the HA: Breath of Life show, so if your group doesn’t make it past 6:30 pm, you’re not left stranded!
Our bus driver let us know there was usually a PCC employee on board to entertain us for the ride, but shorthanded, he would be putting on the hats of both driver and entertainer. He did not disappoint! He offered a great local perspective, shared history, island fun facts, and got us all laughing the whole way there.
Want to stay on the North Shore?
The Best North Shore Oahu Hotels and Vacation Rentals
21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore
A Local Resident’s 10 Free Things To Do on North Shore Oahu
Check-in & Ticketing
Our bus pulled in close to noon. Within the marketplace just outside the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center dancers performed to welcome us and entertain those who were ready with tickets in hand.
Anyone who already had a QR code got to skip the ticketing line and head straight into the PCC. The rest of us got to wait in line. Terrible? No. Fun? Also no. I had a reservation number, which put me into the prepaid line that somehow moved slower than the ticket purchase line.
Upon entering the gates and getting my ticket scanned, I was introduced to my tour guide for the next 4 hours. She was from New Zealand and was the 4th generation in her family to work for the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Touring the Villages (12:30 pm-4:30 pm)
Upon entering, the first cultural demonstrations were coconut husking and coconut tree climbing! This was an exciting way to start the day!
Next was a boat ride through their lagoon that gives you a sneak peek at each of the six island villages before experiencing them on foot. The villages include Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand (Aotearoa), and Hawai’i. I’ll leave the magic for you to experience on your visit but each shares a few features:
- An entertaining and sometimes interactive presentation that gives you an idea of cultural dances and practices. Super Ambassadors get reserved seating in the front rows at each of these.
- An activity or two led by people native to the specific island. For the island of Hawai’i, one activity was a quick hula lesson, and for New Zealand, one option was learning a coordination and teamwork game shown in their presentation.
- Full-size builds of houses, canoes, and other important structures true to their original forms. These feel like little museums that give you a glimpse into a day in the life of each island’s ancestors.
Having a guide take me through each island made this part of the day feel so organized in what may have otherwise been overwhelming or chaotic. There’s a lot to see and I definitely would have missed a substantial amount of presentations, activities, and tastings. Our timing was perfect island-to-island, so I got to see each presentation, participate in several activities, taste poi and coconut bread, and I had time for a canoe paddle!
We were on the go and I was eager to see and experience everything, so my guide set the pace accordingly. Of course, your day will look different if your group is larger, you take more breaks, or spend extra time in an area that piques your interest. If you select a package with a guide, they’ll tailor their pace to meet the group while ensuring you see as much as possible.
More cultural experiences on Oahu:
Hawaiian Waikiki Catamaran Sail: Better Than a Luau
The 4 Best Oahu Luaus: our honest review (the Ali’i Luau makes this list!)
9 Ways to Have an Authentic Hawaiian Experience
Ali’i Luau (5:00 pm-6:30 pm)
The Ali’i Luau is a beautiful and very mellow dinner show that kicks off with pulling the pig out of the imu (in-ground oven). If you’re excited to see a luau on your vacation, it won’t disappoint!
It’s worth mentioning that in my opinion, the luau pales in comparison to the HA: Breath of Life show. There is no fire dancing or big theatrics during this part of your day, so if that’s what you’re looking forward to, HA has you covered and you can opt for the Gateway Buffet instead. The food at the luau buffet is also wonderful and accommodates a ton of dietary restrictions, but you have even more options and different types of cuisines to choose from at the Gateway Buffet.
Save 10-15% by booking your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets here!
Book early! Tickets sell out a month out during the summer and a week or more in advance during the rest of the year.
HA: Breath of Life Show (7:30 pm)
I’ll start by saying that no phone use, photos, or videos are permitted during the show. All the magic is saved for your own two eyes, but you are welcomed to the stage at the end to meet and take pictures with the cast.
Without spoiling the storyline or the thrill, I’ll say the luau is a show, HA is a production. The cast is primarily made up of students at Brigham Young University who came from various Polynesian islands, so for some reason I didn’t expect the show to be performed at such a professional level.
They’re certainly not just students, they’re professional performers and the show was executed to perfection. Think Cirque du Soleil without the acrobats: immersive, theatrical, and breathtaking. No really, I found myself holding my breath watching the fire dancers – the level of talent and precision was unreal.
Related reads:
The 8 Best Pearl Harbor Tours: from budget to luxury, we have you covered
Where to Stay in Waikiki: The 12 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore
6 Tips for Visiting The Polynesian Cultural Center
1. Get your tickets ahead of time and skip the line
As I mentioned earlier, waiting in the ticketing line is not a thrilling experience, but it can be a long one. Getting your tickets the day of can also be risky because the luau and show regularly sell out. You may end up with a reservation number, which is just a nice way to say “You’re confirmed and paid! But you still have to go to the ticketing counter.”
So skip the hassle and make sure that you book ahead and directly through the Polynesian Cultural Center (links in this article are direct booking links!). Once you get an email with a QR code, you’re home free. No lines, no waiting, just go straight to the entrance and enjoy!
2. Bring snacks!
Particularly if you’re leaving from Waikiki and you’re doing the full 12-hour day, have some snacks on hand. There’s a marketplace just before the entrance to the PCC where you can grab lunch and there are food kiosks within the PCC, but it never hurts to have your own.
For readers with dietary restrictions: the kiosks throughout the PCC did not have vegetarian-friendly food options during my visit. There are plenty of snacks and smoothies available, but if you’re looking for a meal you’ll want to grab that in the marketplace before starting your day.
Once you’ve scanned your ticket and are in the PCC for the day, you’ll have to leave and re-enter to access this marketplace area, which is totally fine for self-guided days, but gets trickier if you’re with a guide. If you opt for the Islands + HA package, this is where you’ll probably have dinner before the evening show, so re-entry is no big deal but it is worth pointing out.
3. They offer a trolley, know what to expect
Throughout the day, a 35-minute trolley ride is offered, which is a particularly enticing way to kill time between the luau and the evening show. You’ll likely receive a card telling you what it’s all about shortly after you enter the PCC. If you’re like me, you’ll thank them, put the card in your bag thinking you’ll look at it later (which you won’t), and hop on the trolley a few hours later. If you’re smart, you’ll read the card (or this Polynesian Cultural Center review) and decide if it’s right for you.
The trolley ride consists of LDS missionaries telling you about their church, driving through the Brigham Young University campus, giving you 15 minutes to explore the visitor’s center and grounds of their temple, and then bringing you right back to the PCC. It’s a wonderful little ride if you’re interested, but it was quite underwhelming because I didn’t read the card… I would have preferred the 20-minute film, but I made the choice solely because it left me with less downtime between the luau and the show.
4. The PCC is dry, so you won’t be having a Mai Tai with your dinner
The Polynesian Cultural Center is operated by the LDS church, whose members abstain from alcohol, so no alcohol is served or permitted on the premises. You will get a beautiful and delicious virgin Pina Colada at the luau and plenty of other non-alcoholic options are available.
5. Children under 4 are welcome, completely free
Except for food kiosks and Gateway Buffet dining, they’re not going to cost you a penny. However this does mean no seats are reserved for them, so they’ll have to sit in your lap for the show.
More great resources for families:
23 Best Things to Do on Oahu With Kids
Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids: The 7 Best Family Hotels
Oahu vs Maui for Kids: Pick the Perfect Getaway
6. Is the package with a private guide worth it?
This is entirely subjective and depends on your group. I break down each package option in detail below, but from my experience having a private guide on my solo visit was worth it. The kids have never lasted past the luau, so if I had them with me the answer would be no.
To help you decide, I’ve detailed who a guide would be great for and who may want to skip it.
A private guide is worth it if:
- Your group wants to see as much as possible, and everyone will make it through the evening show.
- You’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group.
- You want a more personalized experience and inside perspective. (I got to ask my guide all about her upbringing in New Zealand and got so much more insight into that island’s culture.)
- It’s in your budget. Luaus by themselves are already expensive, so if ticket cost isn’t a huge concern and learning about different cultures is your jam, having a private guide adds a ton of value.
A private guide is not worth it if:
- You have small children (or any group members) who won’t make it through the evening show. You’re committing to a full day and paying a premium, so you don’t want to miss the big finale.
- You want to be able to meander, backtrack, split up the group, or leave at any time.
- It’s a stretch for your budget. Don’t break the bank for a guide, you still get access to the PCC and tons of activities for multiple days even with the cheapest ticket option.
Save 10-15% by booking your Polynesian Cultural Center tickets here!
Book early! Tickets sell out a month out during the summer and a week or more in advance during the rest of the year.
Polynesian Cultural Center Ticket Options
The Polynesian Cultural Center currently offers 5 ticket packages to fit a range of tastes and budgets. Every single package gives you access to the Islands of Polynesia. Each package from there gets you shows and additional perks like premium seating or guides.
Visual learners, check out the table below to compare package options:
Check out our in-depth comparison of the Ali’i Luau vs the Gateway Buffet.
Islands of Polynesia (cheapest) ($)
This is the base-level ticket and gives you access to the whole Polynesian Cultural Center’s Islands of Polynesia presentations, activities, and displays plus 3 day re-entry.
Type: Self-guided
Inclusions: Canoe ride around the lagoon to get a glimpse of each of the islands, Trolley ride to the LDS Temple, canoe paddle, the Island Journey Theater, and 3 day re-entry.
Exclusions: Meals and shows. Food is available for purchase in the marketplace just outside of the PCC as well as at kiosks within the grounds. This ticket does not include access to the Luau or HA: Breath of Life show.
Great option for: Shorter visits with young children, and anyone who wants a taste of the PCC without the commitment of staying for the shows. There are tons of presentations (basically mini-shows specific to that island’s culture), activities, tastings, and culturally significant structures to interact with and keep the whole family busy!
Islands of Polynesia + HA: Breath of Life ($$)
Type: Self-guided
Inclusions: Islands of Polynesia plus the 7:30pm HA: Breath of Life show
Exclusions: Dinner and Ali’i Luau. No meals are provided for this ticket
Great option for: Flexibility! You could come to the PCC just for the evening show one day and come back on any of your re-entry days to explore the islands.
Gateway Buffet Package ($$)
This ticket is where it’s at. If you’re not dying to see the luau, opt for variety on the dinner front and let HA stand alone! Not jonesin’ for Hawaiian cuisine, no problem. Picky eaters, no problem. The Gateway Buffet has options from all across the Polynesian islands, so variety is the name of the game. Plus you’ll get some time to kick back and chat with your group.
Type: Self-guided
Inclusions: Islands of Polynesia, Gateway Buffet Dinner, and HA: Breath of Life show
Exclusions: Ali’i Luau
Great option for: Convenience! Foodies and anyone looking for an all-in-one package. You’ll get to taste a bunch of different cuisines at the buffet, and there’s no need to go off-site for dinner.
Ali’i Luau Package ($$$)
If you are living for the shows and want more from the Islands of Polynesia, this package is for you.
Type: Group-guided – you’ll get a tour guide with other visitors for the Islands so you get more out of every area.
Inclusions: Islands of Polynesia with a group guide, Ali’i Luau with lei greeting, and HA: Breath of Life show
Exclusions: Gateway Buffet
Great option for: Organization! Dinner’s taken care of and having a guide provides a method to the madness. You won’t have to be consistently referencing your pamphlet for the map only to realize later you never made it to the poi tasting (good thing you get re-entry).
Super Ambassador Luau Package ($$$$)
Level up the Ali’i Luau Package with a private tour guide and reserved seating everywhere. I’ll be honest, I felt like I was getting royal treatment with this package. Not to mention I got to see and try everything I wanted so efficiently.
If you want both shows but have any doubt that you/your kids will make it through the HA show, go for one of the other packages. Otherwise, the private guide and premium seating were stellar perks.
Don’t just take our word for it, a newsletter reader who also opted for the Super Ambassador Luau Package had this to say about it:
It was a great day and then the most amazing Lu’au! The music, storytelling and dancing were fabulous and the food was incredible- service was fantastic. We then proceeded to the outdoor theatre for the Ha – breath of life show.
Incredible! Our seats were really good and we could feel the heat from the torches during the show.
While the price tag for 4 tickets was pretty hefty, I have no regrets spending the money because it was the best lu’au experience I have ever had!
I highly recommend the entire package
Robert P.
Type: Private-guided – that’s right, you get a tour guide all to yourself, even if you’re going solo.
Inclusions: Islands of Polynesia with a private guide, Ali’i Luau, and HA: Breath of Life show
Exclusions: Gateway Buffet
Great option for: Personalization and maximization! This package feels made for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want to get the absolute most out of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Your guide will have a route mapped out to ensure you see everything, but you can derail based on your interests at any time and take your guide along with you!
Polynesian Cultural Center Review Final Thoughts:
Having been to the Polynesian Cultural Center several times with the kids, I didn’t realize how much we didn’t see in our previous visits. We always had a great time and left tired, but this visit gave me a much more comprehensive view of everything the PCC has to offer.
I also got to see how your experience of the Polynesian Cultural Center is completely what you make of it. You can grab a map, go at your own pace, see just what’s most intriguing to you, and then head out. You can go big and get a private guide, see it all, and come back for 3 days to soak up every little thing the PCC has to offer. And of course, there’s everything in between.
After reading this review, if you have any interest in visiting, do it! Pick whatever package fits your style, and it will be worth it. If it’s not screaming your name, skip it! You’ll have a fantastic vacation whether you make it to the PCC or not, but if you do add it to your Oahu itinerary, you’ll be better equipped to get everything you want from the experience.
Explore more of Oahu:
Ehukai Pillbox Hike: directions, parking, and all you need to know
How to Visit Pearl Harbor on Your Own (No Tour Needed!)
How to Get Around Oahu: Car, Bus, Bike, and More (a full guide)
The Rest of Your Trip Planned for You
Whether or not to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center is just one of countless decisions you’ll make in the planning process, so say goodbye to decision fatigue and let us make the process so much easier. Take advantage of fully planned out days with no backtracking or flip to our quick hits to find the best restaurants, activities, and more at a moment’s notice.
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