My family and I visited the Polynesian Cultural Center in Waikiki, and it was a memorable experience overall. As first-time visitors to Hawaii, we were eager to immerse ourselves in Polynesian culture, and the center did not disappoint. The variety of shows offered throughout the day was impressive, showcasing the vibrant traditions and dances of different Polynesian islands. Each performance was engaging and educational, providing us with a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity of the region.
One of the highlights was undoubtedly the Polynesian food. The dining options featured delicious traditional dishes that allowed us to taste authentic flavours from various Pacific islands. It was a culinary journey that complemented our cultural exploration perfectly.
The center itself is beautifully designed, offering a picturesque setting for families to enjoy. We appreciated the opportunity to stroll through different themed areas, each representing a distinct Polynesian culture. It was a leisurely way to spend the day, soaking in the atmosphere and learning about the traditions and customs of the Pacific islands.
However, it's worth noting that while the food within the centre was excellent, the prices at the food stands were noticeably higher compared to what we found at local markets. This was a minor drawback considering the overall experience, but it's something to be aware of if you plan to budget your expenses. Its also worth noting that after this visit I won't be going to another Polynesian centre as I do find that it is a once in a lifetime experience and don't have to revisit much much later on in life unless there's some major changes within the centre.
In conclusion, the Polynesian Cultural Center in Waikiki is a fantastic destination for families and first-time visitors looking to explore Polynesian culture. From the engaging shows to the delicious food and beautiful surroundings, it offers a well-rounded experience that educates and entertains. Just be mindful of the food prices, and you'll have a wonderful time immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the Pacific...
Read moreWow! My fiancé and I were surprised at how much we enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural Center. We went there because he had went as a kid and didn’t remember too much about it. The grounds are beautifully manicured and very clean, with a real Disney feel to it. The Cultural Center had educational and entertaining segments throughout the different villages to explore, watch, or interact with that is fun for multiple ages.
The star for us though was the HA: Breath of Life show, it was action packed with singing, running, dancing, storyline for the entirety of the show. I was tried for the performers haha
A couple of things we wish we knew prior to visiting: Get there a little earlier in the day, we arrived around 3pm and missed a lot of the daytime shows and the boat ride. If we arrived around 1pm it would have been plenty of time There are tons of dining options! On top of the buffets and the luau, there are food trucks that had a lot of yummy options Book in advance to get the best seat. We got our tickets for the buffet and HA show through AAA at a discount but booked a little late. It is ideal to sit in the middle of the arena facing the stage to get the best view of everything going on There is one road in and out so if there is an accident, it will take a bit...
Read moreIt is a little tourist trappy - but we really enjoyed it. Every staff member is fantastic and nice. The events are good and entertaining.
The luau was fun. The food was just fine. The way they served the traditional pig was a little disappointing. Not all of the seating is great. Be sure to get there minimum 30 minutes before to try and get a decent seat.
BUT if you want to go and only want to do one thing, it has to be the Ha Breath of Life show at 7:30pm. Wow! I expected so little and I was on the edge of my seat the whole show. The story line is beautiful. Every cast member was so talented and beautiful. The set is awesome. The costumes are awesome. The dancing and the acts are WOW!
Easily skip everything else and just see...
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