Discover Why Polynesian Cultural Center is Oahu's Top Attraction

Hawaii is an eclectic mix of cultures, combining traditions and ways of life from throughout Polynesia.  At the Polynesian Cultural Center you can explore eight island villages and exhibits representing the Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, Marquesas, Rapa Nui, Tonga and Tahiti.  Collectively, they create the way of life and unique experience that is Hawaii. 

During my visit, I opted for the package that included an ambassador, the Ali’I Luau and HA Show.  The personal touch of a visit to Polynesian Cultural Center Hawaii is enhanced when you opt for the Ambassador led tour.  With this ticket type, you’re given a friendly, knowledgeable guide who leads your small group from village to village.  If you have the time and money, this is the way to go!  Not only do you get access to more firsthand knowledge, but you also get more one on one time at each village.  Still, it can be difficult to visit all of the cultural center’s villages in one day so be sure to plan ahead and have an agenda before you enter the park.  This way you can make the most of your day at one of Oahu’s finest attractions.

Rainbow Canoe Pageant

Immersive, engaging and educationally entertaining, a day at the Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center is an excellent introduction to the history and traditions of Hawaii.  To fully explore all the attraction has to offer I recommend spending a full day at the park.  Give yourself enough time to visit the different sections of the park, each of which is dedicated to a different Polynesian Island.  Learn firsthand from the native people of each island with interactive demonstrations.  At the Tahitian village I shook my hips as I learned native dances and tried my hand a spear throwing.  Over at the Samoan village learned the skill of fire making and how to crack a coconut using a small pebble, while at the Islands of Aotearoa I got a Maori tattoo (don’t worry they wash off!) and tried the art of twirling poi balls.  Of course, at the Hawaiian village I brushed up on my hula skills and find out why the hula plays an important part in Hawaiian heritage.  These are just a few of the things to do at Polynesian Cultural Center.  As you can see, whether it be through costume, food, music, or ritual, each aspect of Polynesian culture is presented. 

One of the highlights of a visit is the Rainbows of Paradise canoe pageant.  Held around noon each day, the pageant showcases the songs and dances of each island culture on boats that float through the Center’s winding lagoon.  Be sure to head to the lagoon a bit before the show starts so you can get a prime viewing spot of the Polynesian spectacular. 

My ambassador and I

At the end of an activity filled day, I headed to the Ali’I Luau.  Luaus are of course a staple of Hawaii attractions, but I must say this luau was well done with the food being some of the best I’ve had at Hawaiian luaus.  Plus, the entertainment showcased not only the history of luaus and importance of the royal ceremony but added some adorable kids who are already pros at the art of dance and showmanship.  A short break before HA! started allowed me to shop at the open market.  Art work, coconut candles, handmade jewelry and many other Hawaiian handicrafts are available for purchase.  Gather up some souvenirs as soon enough HA: Breath of Life begins.  Ignited by fire, song and dance, this symbolic story is a tale of birth, death, love and family.  Be prepared for not only an emotional, Broadway style saga but a stunning show unlike any other you’ll see on the islands.

I was very pleased with my package purchase as the day of discovering Polynesian culture was only aided by my ambassador, the entertaining and delicious Ali’I Luau and simply stunning HA night show.  Make a day of it and explore all this enthralling Oahu attraction has to offer.  It’s worth every penny and I’ll certainly return to learn more about the Polynesian heritage of the islands.