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Polynesian Cultural Center

(Not Yet Rated)
Polynesian Cultural Center 0:0

Address

http://www.polynesia.com/
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie , HI 96762
808-293-3333

Hours

Mon-Sat 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Review

Historic Hawaiian civilization is strongly associated with the cultures of the South Pacific. Exploring these cultures can lead to a profoundly deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture both past and present. The Polynesian Cultural Center gives you a chance to do this while presenting it all in a highly entertaining format. Entertaining, Lavish, and Bigger-than-Life may begin to describe your visit to the Center. Mixed in with all the entertainment is a surprising amount of exposure to a vast array of Polynesian cultures. From the spacious parking lot you enter into the great vaulted entry. Studded about are exhibits representing some of the cultures that you’ll be exploring. If you don’t already have reservations, now is the time to decide on which ticket combination will fit your day. While much of the activities are covered by general admission you’ll want to decide if seeing a special performance or participating in a pig-roast luau is on your agenda. There are plenty of options and if you check the website ahead of time you’ll find special offers and discounts.

During your visit you’ll sample from the rich traditions of cultures originating in Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), the Marquesas, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and of course Hawaii. Enjoy authentic and intriguing performances including a Tahitian hula. Join in the interactive activities and shows in each of eight island villages and exhibits. See how to start a fire with sticks, rip open a coconut with your bare hands, make tapa cloth, or climb a towering palm tree with just your hands and feet. Tour the Iosepa, a great voyaging canoe and learn the secrets of ancient navigation techniques. Need more? Try taking a canoe trip, ride the free Tram, tour the town of Laie, scream at an erupting volcano, enjoy an explosive Imax film, see a dance presentation with over a 100 performers, or sample the mystery and romance of the Alii Luau. Need a little down time? Find a peaceful resting spot by the lagoon, listen to the timeless music of one of the waterfalls, or just soak in the sights and scents of the lush tropical gardens.

Nine parts entertainment and one part living museum, it’s hard to imagine that you could experience all that the Polynesian Cultural Center has to offer in just one day. But you can try; though repeat visitors often choose just one or two aspects to concentrate on each time they visit. Behind all the sights and sounds; the Center was created as an educational funding source to assist college students attending the adjacent Brigham Young University campus. Many if not most of the Polynesians in the performances are working college students.

Much of the Center’s experience is kid friendly with plenty of dash around opportunity, flash, and sound but some performances and activities are more adult oriented so choose wisely or suffer the consequences. An interesting preview to your visit could be watching the 1966 film Paradise, Hawaiian Style. The movie featured the Center’s dancers as well as a performer you may have heard of; Elvis Presley. For fast food aficionados; make sure you check out the local MacDonalds ala Polynesian style. Decorated with Hawaiian art, an inside waterfall, and exotic plants; you might be tempted to try the Spam and Eggs.

While not for everyone, you can’t visit the Polynesian Cultural Center without being more than a little impressed. Go for the entertainment; absorb some of the culture, and have a good time.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 5/8/2009

Directions

Windward Coast (Northeast Shore) of Oahu. Drive on Hwy 83 from either north or south. The Polynesian Cultural Center is on the mountain (west side) of the Highway at the south end of Laie. About an hour or less from Honolulu or just about anywhere on Oahu.

Map

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