Polynesian Cultural Center
Covering 42 acres on O’ahu’s scenic north shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience seven Pacific Island nations in one place on a single day. Though undeniably kitsch in places, the center has been immensely popular since the 1970s and welcomes around one million guests annually.
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lā’ie • 293 3333 reservation system • www.polynesia.com • 12:30–9pm Mon–Sat; Cultural Villages close at 6:30pm • General adm: adult $49.95, child $39.95; show package (includes dinner): adult $69.95, child $54.95. Dining & transportation packages also available
1. Tongan Village
The only remaining kingdom in the Pacific, Tonga has been ruled by the Tupou family since 950. The center’s Tongan Village features drumming, tapa cloth making, and a nose flute demonstration. And you can throw a spear on the village green!
2. Tahitian Village
A French territory since 1842, Tahiti is known for, among other things, its incredibly fast, hip shaking dance, the tamure. You can learn the dance at the village, but if your hips aren’t up to it, you can opt for the coconut bread-making instead.
3. Marquesan Exhibit
Made famous by artist Paul Gauguin, who spent his last years in the Marquesas, the culture of these islands is represented at the center through weaving and carving, tattoos, and Marquesan songs and dance.
4. Hawaiian Village
There is nothing more representative of Hawaiian culture than hula. And this is the place to try the dance for yourself and learn about the symbolism of the moves. You can also play Hawaiian versions of checkers and bowling at the village.
5. Fijian Village
Fiji represents a cross cultural mix of Polynesia and Melanesia. The center’s Fijian Village features a tribal meeting house and an outrigger canoe, while the House of the Gods is the landmark for the whole center.
6. Maori Village
Wall carvings conveying ancient stories about these great navigators are on display here, and you can also learn about the fierce looking Maori facial tattoos and see the famous haka war dance.
7. Samoan Village
Robert Louis Stevenson, known in Samoa as Tusitala (story-teller), loved the people so much that he settled on Western Samoa to live out his days. You can find out how to climb coconut trees and open their husks at the Samoan village.
8. Rainbows of Paradise
Each day at 2:30pm, the quiet lagoons come alive. Dozens of Polynesians in traditional costume present an interpretation of 5,000 years of Pacific Island cultural lore in a rousing pageant.
9. IMAX Theater
The theater shows one film daily. Titles include Coral Reef Adventure, which highlights the importance of the ocean to the locals, and Polynesian Odyssey, which tells the story of the ancient Polynesians.
10. Hā: Breath of Life and the Ali’i Lū’au
The former is an exuberant Polynesian song and dance revue, featuring more than 100 performers; the latter a feast of traditional foods and contemporary entertainment.
The Mormon Connection
This center was established in 1963 by the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – there is a relatively high Mormon demographic in Hawai’i. The center’s mission is twofold: to help preserve the cultural heritage of Polynesia and to provide jobs and scholarships for students at Brigham Young University. The school’s Hawai’i campus is located next door.
Tip: It’s recommended that visitors arrive before 1:30pm for an optimum experience of the entire center.
