You are here: Viator Home > North America > USA > Hawaii > Oahu Tours >

Cultural & Theme Tours

>

Cultural Tours

> Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Absolutely loved it based on 16 reviews

Duration: Flexible

Location: Oahu, Hawaii

Product code: 3487TICKET

  • Print
  • Bookmark & share
From USD $57.99 View price guide

Book your tickets to one of Oahu's top attractions, the Polynesian Cultural Center. The center's seven island villages give you the rare chance to participate in the daily adventures of Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures.

Add Hawaii's most authentic luau and the world's largest Polynesian show and you'll see why every trip to Hawaii should include a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center!

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 traditional customs, and you can either watch the demonstrations or jump in and participate!

Take a canoe ride on the lagoon and enjoy an IMAX film. Kids will love getting temporary tattoos, spear throwing, ukulele lessons and fishing.

No evening at the center would be complete without experiencing "Horizons", the largest Polynesian song and dance review in the world! Over 100 performers dressed in authentic attire share their traditions and culture, just as their ancestors once did. You will also witness the exciting fire walkers and fire-knife dancers.

Choose from the following options:

  • Admission Package: All activities, no meal
  • Luau Package: All activities, floral lei greeting and Ali'i Luau buffet and show
  • Ambassador Package: All activities, buffet dinner, premium seating at "Horizons" Show, pineapple delight dessert, souvenir video and program
  • Ambassador/Luau Package: All activities, luau dinner, premium seating at "Horizons" show, pineapple delight dessert, souvenir video and program
  • Super Ambassador Package: All activities, private dining, premium seating at "Horizons" show, pineapple delight dessert, souvenir video and program

Highlights
  • Admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center
  • Visit seven villages showcasing Polynesian culture
  • Canoe ride, tattoos, spear throwing, ukulele lessons and fishing
  • Options to upgrade to include Horizons Polynesian show, dinner and extras
  • Option to include transport from Waikiki
Schedule Details
Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Departs:

Daily, except Sunday

Unavailable Dates:

  • Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2008 / November 26, 2009)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
Departure Point:

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located at 55 - 370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie

Departure Time:

Open 12:00noon to 9:00pm. If option with transport has been selected, hotel pick up will be between 10:00am - 10:30am.

Hotel Pickup:

Transportation is available from designated Waikiki hotels if option selected. Please enter the name and address of your hotel at time of booking.

Itinerary:

Attractions at The Polynesian Cultural Center include:

Hawaii Village:
Five times each afternoon the Hawaiians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture. Learn not only some basic hula, but also learn of the deeper commitment hula students make to their art, the intricacies of the motions, and the heritage of the hula implements and instruments. Gain insights into the ancient kapu or taboo system that meant men and women ate in separate houses. Learn how taro is harvested, cooked, and turned into the staple food, poi. Of course, you are also welcome to sample some. Observe how women craft leaves and flowers into beautiful Hawaiian lei and other useful items; and then try your hand at ulu maika - Hawaiian bowling, or konane - Hawaiian checkers.

Samoa Village:
Six times each afternoon the Samoans present one of the Center's most popular cultural demonstrations. Learn how to make fire by literally rubbing two sticks together, how to easily crack open a coconut, the difference between coconut juice and "milk," and how the men do all the major cooking. The young men will also show their strength and agility by climbing 40-foot coconut trees. The demonstrations take place on the malae or grassy area surrounded by outstanding examples of Samoan fale (houses), which are among the most unique in all of tropical Polynesia.

Aotearoa (New Zealand Village:
Five times each afternoon the Maori put on a demonstration that explains the symbolic significance of their beautiful meeting house, unique carvings, facial tattoos, the ancient origins and meanings of sticking out their tongues and twirling poi balls, and other aspects of one of Polynesia's most unusual group of people. You won't want to miss the stirring haka dance; kids will enjoy learning to play tititorea, a Maori stick game designed to develop hand-eye coordination, and kids of all ages seem to enjoy the ta moko area where they can get a temporary tattoo.

Fiji Village:
Five times each afternoon the Fijians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture. Learn the significance of the lali or log drum, how important the coconut is in cooking, and other aspects of Polynesian island life. Review the wide array of historical weapons and implements involved in waging war upon neighboring islands and villages; that the cowry shells on the ridge mark a house as belonging to a chief, and that only the chief could enter that house through his door. Everyone will also enjoy making Fijian music with derua, a bamboo percussion instrument; or try a game of cibi (pronounced "thim-bee").

Tahiti Village:
Three times each afternoon the Tahitians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture. Learn both the women's and men's movements in their exciting dances, or just try to stop your toes from tapping to the beat of the wooden to'ere drums. Learn why the Tahitians make both fragrant flower and beautiful shell lei, sample Tahitian coconut bread, tour the garden, even let your kids try some fishing, and more.

Tonga Village:
Five times each afternoon the Tongans present their very popular Tongan ta nafa or drumming presentation that actually starts by learning the simple yet graceful motions of a mauluulu sitting dance. For example, you'll learn the difference between clapping with a pasi or a fu sound. You can also try your hand at Tongan lafo, a type of shuffleboard game, or even your accuracy with tolo spear throwing.

Marquesas Village:
Five times each afternoon the Marquesan's present fascinating insights into their ancient culture. The Marquesas will enchant you with their ancient style of dancing: You can definitely see the sounds and motions of nature in their choreography, and you won't want to miss the pig hunt dance. Temporary tattoos are one of the most popular things to acquire there; and along with demonstrations of weaving and other crafts, the Marquesan's also share samples of breadfruit in season. Discover what it tastes like.

Horizons: Where the sea meets the sky:
From day one 40 years ago when the Polynesian Cultural Center opened, the evening show has been and remains the crowning moment of the PCC experience. A cast of over 100 young Polynesians will enchant you with their enthusiasm, grace, endurance and beauty. Horizons is a 90-minute, world-famous, award-winning show that you must not miss, and having seen it, will never forget.

Rainbows of Paradise:
Rainbows of Paradise is performed daily from 2:30-3:00pm in two locations: the lagoon between the Islands of Samoa and the Hawaii Mission Settlement; and on the wide section of lagoon between the Islands of Fiji, Tahiti and Hawaii. (Because the two showings occur simultaneously, the order of appearance may be different than described). Rainbows starts with a young Polynesian woman in an outrigger canoe throwing flowers into the lagoon, a tradition reminiscent of days gone by when great steamships transported visitors to these magical islands. It was said in those days that each blossom became a memory of visits to Hawaii; and if the blossoms returned to shore, then so would the visitors.

pricing information
Polynesian Cultural Center
  • Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
  • Infants aged 2 years and under are free of charge.
  • Child prices are applicable for children aged 3-11 years.
  • Prices are per person.
  • Currency is set to USD. Change currency
  • Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
  • Learn more about our low-price guarantee.
Additional Information
Inclusions:
    • Admission Package:
      All activities, no meal
    • Luau Package:
      All activities, Fresh Flower Lei Greeting and Ali'i Luau Show/Buffet
    • Ambassador Package:
      All activities, Buffet Dinner, Premium seating at "Horizons" Show, Pineapple Delight Dessert, Souvenir Video and Program
    • Ambassador/Luau Package:
      All activities, Luau Dinner, Premium seating at "Horizons" Show, Pineapple Delight Dessert, Souvenir Video and Program
    • Super Ambassador Package:
      All activities, Private Dining, Premium seating at "Horizons" Show, Pineapple Delight Dessert, Souvenir Video and Program
Exclusions:
  • Transport to/from Polynesian Cultural Center if option not selected
Additional Info:

    • This activity must be booked at least 5 days in advance of your travel date
    • Confirmation for this activity will be received at time of booking

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Was this information helpful?

We want to know what you think

Is there additional information we could provide to help you decide if this tour or activity is right for you?

Share your feedback » feed back

Note: Do not use this link for customer support. Instead you must click the 'Customer Care' link at the very top of this page.

Book before you go!

Trust the worldwide leader

  • Save money & time
  • Avoid disappointments!
  • Flexible cancel policy - no fee for changes
  • Customer care available 24/7

Since 1999, over 3 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!

book in 3 easy steps
  1. calendar
    Can I change my dates?


    What's this?

  2. (Age 12+) (Age 3-11) (Age 0-2)

  3. What's this?

Reviews from other travelers
Absolutely loved it

Except for the fact that there was no time to purchase snacks, we loved every minute of it. Read more ›

Jorge V, Australia, June 2008
Absolutely loved it

This was a great day. This is a very popular activity. The drive is a bit long from Waikiki but at least ...  Read more ›

Elias E, Australia, August 2008
Photos from other travelers
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu Hawaii

Photo by: Jeff L, Australia

Doing what: Polynesian Cultural Center

find things to do
Select date calendar
my shopping cart

There are 0 items in my shopping cart

my wishlist

There are 0 items in my wishlist

 

Never any spam! Viator won't share your email.

choose currency