For years I skipped the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) thinking it was just an expensive tourist trap but I've changed my mind. Yes, it's a tourist trap and yes, it can be expensive, but it's very well done, entertaining, educational and a great place for a family outing.
There is so much to do I'm not going to try to fit it all in one post. So here is the beginning of a short series of posts on the PCC.
Every day at 2:30 all eyes turn to the lagoon for the Canoe Pageant. It's a parade on the water featuring dancers from the various cultures represented at the PCC. The parade is fast-paced enough for little explorers but slow enough for adults to soak up and enjoy. There's great music and it's a fun change of pace partway through the afternoon.
A lot of the seats for the parade are in the sun, but if you stake out a spot early you can get one in the shade. Before the parade starts a canoe will come by with ice cream for sale. If you're wanting to have dessert while you're there this is a great time to enjoy it. You can also send part of your group off to get shave ice for everyone and enjoy that while you wait.
The canoe pageant happens in two locations simultaneously, the lagoon in front of Tahiti and the lagoon in front of Samoa, with half the boats starting at one end of the lagoons and half of them starting at the other. We've watched it in both locations and on the Samoa side it seemed the boats spent a little more time in front of you, but we enjoyed both spots.
Do it yourself on Oahu
Location: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, Hawaii 96762
Hours: Closed Sundays. Open Mon - Sat beginning at 11:45am. Island tours and village presentations begin at 12:05pm. Island villages close at 5pm except for Tonga and Samoa which close at 5:30pm. Box office closes at 8pm.
Cost: • There are numerous packages available so rather than list them all I'm going to give you a couple links to use. Click here for kama'aina ticket prices. Click here for tourist/visitor ticket prices. • They offer a 20% discount for kama'aina. I believe you need to call ahead to reserve tickets to receive this price. • The PCC also offers an annual pass that pays for itself in a few visits. Even better, this pass goes on sale from time to time so be on the lookout for that promotion.
Parking: $8 per vehicle. Free if you have an annual pass.
Facilities: Restrooms throughout the center. Snack bar open from 11:30am to 6pm. Marketplace with numerous stores and gift shops throughout the center.
Other: • Some of the shows take place in covered amphitheaters but the canoe pageant, canoe rides, some shows and most of the activities take place outdoors so this isn't the best place to head on a rainy day. • Since you'll be outside a lot I'd recommend sunscreen and hats. • They sell snacks there but I usually take a few with me too for convenience.
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