The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living history museum dedicated to honoring the rich cultures of Polynesia’s many island communities. Here you’ll be able to explore a series of carefully recreated villages designed to correspond to the history of six prominent Polynesian cultures; in each one of these six village you’ll witness a “cultural presentation” during which you can observe a variety of traditional dances, sample different cuisines, and learn all about the history of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. The Polynesian Cultural Center also has a multitude of restaurants, shops, and performances for visitors to choose from.
History and Background Information
The first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to Oahu around the year 1850; within two decades they had purchased a 6,000-acre parcel of land encompassing the small town of Laie. For the next half-century they would attempt to establish a successful sugarcane plantation here. By 1920 an LDS temple had been constructed here; the next several decades would see the LDS mission grow significantly in size, scope, and ambition, culminating in the establishment of the Church College of Hawaii in 1955 (which would become Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 1974).
One of their more recent projects, the Polynesian Cultural Center opened in 1963. It has been expanded, renovated, and reimagined multiple times over the ensuing 60 years. Year in and year out it remains one of Oahu’s most beloved attractions, renowned for its dinner shows, evening performances, cultural presentations, and more. It can be visited as part of several different guided tours as well.
What’s Here
There are many different things to see, do, and experience while visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. The attraction is divided up into six distinct “villages,” each one corresponding to a major culture of the islands of Polynesia. The Islands of Hawaii exhibit shows you how to play ancient games, provides you traditional dance lessons, and lets you sample poi. The Islands of Aotearoa village highlights the Maori people of New Zealand, as their war dance, food-preservation methods, and artisanal weapons take center stage. The Islands of Fiji cultural presentation teaches you to make coconut oil and enables you to view an impressive six-story temple firsthand.
The Islands of Samoa cultural presentation is one of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s most popular experiences; during it you can learn how to crack open a coconut, start a fire, and cook bananas. The Islands of Tahiti village routinely performs a traditional wedding ceremony; you can also practice the art of pole-fishing here from a small replica pier. Last but far from least, the Islands of Tonga is well-known for its enchanting Queens Summer House, a beautiful structure adorned with elaborate handcrafted details.
Another favorite activity at the Polynesian Cultural Center is Huki: A Canoe Celebration. This remarkable production takes place every day at 2:30 pm on the Polynesian Cultural Center’s lagoon, a fabulous setting that makes for one of Hawaii’s most distinctive performance venues. Huki features a host of native performers sharing insights into their history and culture through song and dance. Backed by local live musicians, these talented storytellers conduct their unforgettable performances from double-hulled canoes in the middle of the lagoon. Huki: A Canoe Celebration is currently closed until Summer 2024, but when staged it’s an especially popular attraction here.
The Polynesian Cultural Center has a variety of dining options. Popular picks for lunch or a quick snack are Fale Popo in the Samoa Village, Tonga Snacks in the Tonga Village, and Kiwi Grill in Aotearoa Village. Hukilau Marketplace houses over a dozen spots where you can grab everything from hot dogs to fish and chips to Mexican food to Korean BBQ and more. You’ll find crepes, ice cream, poi, sushi, and shave ice here, too. Nearby Pounders Restaurant is a favorite as well.
For those visitors looking to take home a small piece of Polynesia in the form of a memorable souvenir, there are numerous shopping experiences available at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The signature shopping complex here is Hukilau Marketplace, where you’ll find art galleries, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, home-décor shops, and more. The Ulu Store sells fine arts and ceramics, while The Mission Home is the place to go for ukeleles, quilts, and linens. There are also a number of Polynesian Cultural Center souvenir kiosks located throughout the park.
Tips for Visiting
*Fans of American football will not want to miss one of the attraction’s most unexpected features, which is that it’s the site of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. This exhibit, located near the Hukilau Marketplace, pays tribute to the 60-some athletes of Polynesian ancestry who have played in the National Football League.
*The Polynesian Cultural Center has its own app that you can download free straight to your smartphone. The Polynesian Cultural Center app can be a useful resource throughout your visit, as it contains an attraction map, daily schedule of events and presentations, and more.
*As the entirety of the Polynesian Cultural Center covers some 42 acres, it’s highly recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes when visiting. For those guests in need of assistance, strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available for rent at the attraction’s Customer Service (located near the main entrance).
*If you don’t want to haul around the souvenirs you’ve purchased, or you’re simply tired of carrying that extra bag, be advised that the Polynesian Cultural Center has a number of self-service storage lockers available for use. Depending on your needs, they come in three sizes, and may be rented by the hour or for the entire day. Each one of these lockers comes with a built-in power outlet where you can give that phone a quick charge. You’ll find these lockers by the entrance to the attraction’s Pacific Theater.