Polynesian Cultural Center

This center is amazing! It's a must when visiting Honolulu for the first time and even thereafter. All shows are quality. The Ha Breadth of Life could be a Broadway show...Just fabulous choreography. It is an action packed day. Don't miss the movie in the Hawaiian Journey theater. It's one of the only air conditioned venues and the movie about Hawaii was awe inspiring. We learned how to play the ukulele near the mission settlement and each village had their entertainment show put on by the college students from that island culture. We followed with the Gateway Buffet which allows you to try Hawaiian/Asia foods that you may not try elsewhere. Huge buffet with options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten sensitive. The park opens at 12:30pm with a big show in the lagoon and you don't stop till about 9pm. It is at your own pace, but it's show after show and it encouraged you to just keep going from one village to the next We visited August 12th and we were told it was the hottest week of the summer. Very tiring being in the sun all afternoon; however if you miss anything, the park offers you a 3 day consecutive pass after your visit for free. Just show your original ticket the next day at the ticket booth near the football Hall of Fame in the marketplace and that's it. They will give you another entrance ticket. That 3 day consecutive is only for the 6 villages, not the show or buffet but you could pay to add it on. We found that 2 days was enough, but if you have children, you may need longer. Monday was most crowded (4-6) big busses came in from Waikiki and Tuesday was a slower day (1 bus). The first day we took the bus from Waikiki and glad we did. We were so tired at end of day. It was nice to sit back and enjoy the air conditioned ride back to our hotel. ($30 a person)The following day, we returned and drove to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The drive is beautiful. We stopped numerous times at parks and beaches for photos. The students who perform at the Polynesian center are absolutely wonderful. Great performances all around. It seems like a lot of money for the entrance, but it was worth it - like your first visit to Epcot in FL it could be compared to. I highly recommend the bus add on from Waikiki - meeting place is in front of ABC store which is well marked on a sign out front. The driver informed us of so much island history the entire drive to the park. Plenty of food options outside the park in the marketplace when you arrive (Disney prices, but good) You may picnic there as well, but can't bring food that needs refrigeration into the park. You can bring snacks. Save by bringing your own water to the park; It's allowed, or buy their fancy pineapple and coconut drinks in the park. Loved it! We found so many unique gifts in the marketplace shops. I can't rave enough about our experience here. It was a wonderful time. Don't forget to download their app in the Google Play store. You can get an inside peek.