The Polynesian Cultural Center, located on Oahu's North Shore, is an entertaining and educational place to visit on your Hawaii vacation. The center offers hours worth of activities that will immerse you in Polynesian culture, exploring the history of the islands of Polynesia, engaging in games and crafts, soaking in live music and dancing and dining on authentic luau cuisine.
Location
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located in Hawaii, on the north shore of the island of Oahu, in the town of Laie. The center is off Kamehameha Highway, 32 miles north of downtown Honolulu. As of 2010, adult ticket prices range from $45 for general admission up to $225 for the "super ambassador" package with VIP service. Children's prices range from $35 to $175. The center's general admission areas are open from 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Luau
Luaus are a popular tourist attraction on Hawaii's islands, and the Polynesian Cultural Center is known for putting on one of the best and most authentic. The center's Ali'i Luau brings together cultural pastimes from Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand, featuring spear throwing, fire dancing and canoe building. Then, of course, there are the traditional luau activities--live entertainment, including hula dancing and Hawaiian music while you dine on a feast of kalua pork, lomilomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, fish, chicken long rice, haupia and poi.
Villages
Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center's eight villages, each paying homage to the different people and unique culture of the islands of Polynesia. The 42-acre village setting includes representations of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Tahiti, the Marquesas, Tona and a Rapa Nui exhibit. Each village features daily demonstrations from island natives that include explanations of cultural origins, traditions, displays of artwork, music, dance and interactive activities, such as games and crafts.
Other Activities
There are many other activities available at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Take lessons in fire-pit cooking, spear throwing, coconut husking and fire starting. Learn about the meanings behind different Polynesian tattoos and wear home a temporary version of your favorite tattoo. Enjoy one of the center's two daily shows--the Rainbows of Paradise, which features Polynesian dancing aboard canoes, and Ha Breath of Life, an evening show with more than 100 performers singing and dancing. The center offers a free, guided tram tour that will take you through Laie, to the Brigham Young University-Hawaii campus and to the Laiea Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dining and Shopping
In addition to the traditional luau menu at the Ali'i Luau, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers dining opportunities that include fine dining, a buffet restaurant, snack stands and a barbecue lunch buffet. Take home souvenirs such as island crafts, books and apparel from the Polynesian Cultural Center's gift shop.
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