Polynesian Cultural Center

Most people go to Hawaii for fun, not education, but one of the most fun places on Oahu also happens to be educational. When you've had your fill of sand and salt water, check out the Polynesian Cultural Center for a change of pace. It's on the northeast coast, about an hour's drive from Honolulu along the spectacular coastal highway. From the minute you enter the beautifully landscaped garden-like grounds, you feel like all of Polynesia is spread before you. There are seven distinct areas representing the different islands - Tonga, Tahiti, Marquesas, Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Samoa. The "islands" feature the houses, crafts, activities, music and games of each area.

It can be a bit overwhelming, so don't forget to pick up a map at the entrance. They're available in English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, so you won't get lost no matter where you're from. You might want to get the lay of the land (or water) by taking the canoe ride on the waterway that snakes its way through the entire park.

  • Polynesian Cultural Center

    Polynesian Cultural Center

  • waterfall

    The landscaping is beautiful

  • canoe pageant in Hawaii

    Be sure not to miss the canoe pageant

  • Tongan house

    Tongan house

  • Tongan house interior

    Inside the Tongan house

  • Fiji house and crafts

    Display of Fiji craft items

  • palm frond weaving

    Here is a lady weaving palm fronds

  • tourists weaving palm fronds

    You can learn to weave palms too

  • hula lesson

    Learn the hula

  • drum lessons

    Play the drums

  • spear throwing

    Throw a spear

  • climbing a coconut palm tree

    Don't try this yourself!

  • opening a coconut

    Fresh coconut is delicious

  • boat ride

    The boat ride is relaxing - great photo opportunities

Official Website:   http://www.polynesia.com/


There's lots to see, so you'll want to plan your day so you don't miss the various performances -- especially the 2:30 p.m. "canoe pageant" that features costumed dancers performing on boats on the central waterway. There are also mini-concerts of traditional island instruments and demonstrations of traditional skills like climbing a palm tree or opening a coconut. But best of all are the activities you can participate in yourself, like learning to do the hula or weave palm fronds or play the drums or throw a spear. If you want a little cool rest in the heat of the day, you can let yourself be dazzled by the IMAX movie, "Coral Reef Adventure," included in the general admission price. The corals and fish are stunning, and it's a lot easier than learning to scuba dive!

For those who are interested in the educational aspect, many of the islands include high-quality authentic exhibits of arts and crafts, and re-creations of typical houses. One of the coolest things about the park is that the people working there come from the islands they represent. And in the evening, there is a luau and show featuring the tradition and culture of the various islands.

The main down side of the PCC is that it's kind of pricey. The regular admission price is around $50, and it rises substantially if you include the optional luau and Ha: Breath of Life show. I guess the consolation is that the PCC is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Polynesian students attending the neighboring campus of Brigham Young University.



Tips:
* The opening hours are not real long (around noon to 5:30 p.m.), so check online for the exact times and get there when it opens to get your money's worth. There are enough activities to keep you busy the whole time

* Check the ticket section of the PCC website for package deals.

* Be warned - the park is closed on Sunday.

* There are little shops with Polynesian-themed items scattered throughout the park, but the two biggest and nicest shopping areas - the Mahinalani Gift Shop and the Pacific Marketplace - are located near the entrance and are open later than the others.

* Don't miss the mock-Easter Islands giant heads. This is the place to take your tacky tourist photo.

* There are different packages depending on whether you want meals or a show. With some of the packages, you can return for free within three days.

 

Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center using Google Street View

Position your mouse over the image below and click on the circles to navigate around the park. See if you can find Samoa. Click on the upper right corner to view it in full-screen mode.

 

 

Getting there:

For directions to the Polynesian Cultural Center, click here. They also offer convenient bus service from Waikiki. This is by far the best option for visitors staying in Waikiki.

 


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