Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center is Oahu's top-rated cultural attraction, offering a rich and immersive experience into six Pacific island cultures. Set in Laie on the island's northeastern shore, the 42-acre park features traditional village replicas, hands-on activities, cultural shows, a canoe pageant, award-winning luau, and evening performance - making it a full-day adventure for families and culture lovers alike.
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
The Polynesian Cultural Center, located on Oahu's northeastern coast in Laie, is Oahu's number one paid visitor attraction. In a nutshell, it is a 42-acre (170,000 m²) open-air park, a living museum, which showcases six Polynesian island nations and cultures in traditional villages and exhibits. By walking through this park, you can learn about six Polynesian cultures in just one day, without having to fly across the Pacific.
The featured Polynesian islands include: Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Tahiti and Hawaii. There is also a special Rapa Nui (Easter Island) exhibit. Activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day. As you visit each village, you can take part in traditional arts and crafts, view dance performances, visit educational exhibits and displays, take a canoe ride through the park's lagoon, get a removable Polynesian tattoo, take a tour of the nearby Mormon temple in Laie, learn to dance the hula, and much more.
At 2:30 pm you can watch the Canoe Pageant, a dance performance that takes place daily in the Center's lagoon. Watch how island natives perform dances in traditional costumes on double-hulled canoes.
The Polynesian Cultural Center also has a 600-seat IMAX™ Theater, currently featuring the movie Hawaiian Journey, shown twice daily on a huge screen measuring 65 feet high (19.8 m) and 93 feet wide (28.4 m). The movie is an impressive, big-screen tribute to the splendors of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Center is also known for its award-winning Ali'i Luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast, which starts at 5 pm. Great entertainment and great food - two things that make this place the best luau on Oahu. This is your chance to try traditional Polynesian fare, including lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig (roasted in an underground oven), mahi mahi (island fish), haupia (coconut pudding) and poi, an island staple made from taro roots. If you have less adventurous taste buds, continental American foods are available as well. Besides the luau, visitors can also opt to dine in the Center's restaurant instead of participating in the luau.
The day is topped off with Ha: Breath of Life, a 90-minute award-winning night show, which takes place in the Center's 2,800-seat Pacific Theater. The Polynesian Cultural Center is the only place on the island that casts more than 100 performers nightly.
Key Features of Polynesian Cultural Center
- Living museum of Polynesian cultures: Explore six villages representing Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Tahiti.
- Hands-on cultural experiences: Participate in canoe rides, crafts, hula, coconut husking, tattooing, and more.
- Daily canoe pageant: Watch traditional Polynesian dances performed on water at 2:30 PM.
- Ali'i Luau experience: Enjoy Hawaiian cuisine and cultural performances during a traditional luau feast.
- Evening show – Ha: Breath of Life: Award-winning performance with 100+ cast members under the stars in a 2,800-seat theater.
- IMAX® theater: Watch Hawaiian Journey, a large-format tribute to the islands' beauty.
- Full-day attraction: Plan for 7–9 hours to fully explore the villages, luau, and show.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cultures are featured at the Polynesian Cultural Center?
The center showcases six Pacific cultures: Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and Aotearoa (New Zealand), plus an Easter Island exhibit.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Yes, it's strongly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for packages that include the luau and night show.
Is food included with admission?
Only if you choose a package that includes the Ali'i Luau or buffet dinner. General admission does not include meals.
How far is it from Waikiki?
The center is about 35 miles from Waikiki (1–1.5 hour drive). Transportation options include rental car, tour bus, or public bus (Route 55).