We visit Hawaii often and try to visit as many places as we can especially where the locals go. However this last visit friends suggested we visit the Polynesian Cultural Center which we are so happy we did!
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on Oahu Island, in the south shore area at Hukilau Marketplace. Entertaining guests from around the world with music, crafts, great shopping, and good food. Open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with free admission and parking, the Hukilau Marketplace encompasses 119,000 square feet of the PCC’s 42-acre campus and features more than 40 retail, dining and activity providers.
There are 4 packages available from $69.95 for a self guided village tour to $242.95 for a guided tour which includes a Luau buffet and a “Breath of Life” evening show.
The village shows last about 20-30 minutes each, starting on the hour and half hour. We were only able to visit 3 of the villages, Samoa, Tonga and Hawaii, due to the time restrictions on our part. The shows were very good (I particularly enjoyed Samoa…Kap was very entertaining and funny).
A suggestion from us, arriving early and spend the entire day there. There is so much to see and taste so being rushed will defeat the purpose of enjoying the surroundings and the shows.
Here is a breakdown of the shows we were able to see –
Samoa
We now understand why this is the most popular cultural presentation. We laughed so hard from Kap’s jokes and strong wit. We learned how to crack open a coconut along with the various uses of it. We watched the young men climb 40-foot coconut trees in their bare feet and seen what happens when they combine fire and sharp weapons.
Tongo
The Tongan presentation gets the crowd involved by selecting about 3 persons from the audience to participate in the show by becoming mighty drummers. We also learned drum beats and foot-stomping island music.
Hawaii
Our last show was to experience the Hawaiian culture through the sights, sound, smell and touch. We enjoyed the talented young performers as they shared the beauty of the island through dance and song.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located at 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy Laie, Hawaii 96762 and should you need to contact them via phone for more information, dial 1-800-367-7060.
Let me know if you visited this wonderful place as well and what did you like the most.
Until next time….xoxo