Oahu’s Best Activities: Polynesian Cultural Center All-Day Pass Experience with Dinner and Show

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Oahu, a Central Pacific island in the United States, is home to some of the most historic cities in the state. There, you can experience not only the majestic views of nature but also, you can immerse yourself in the rich cultures and heritage of the island. 

While there are several ways to experience the local lifestyle, there’s nothing like visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center to get an unforgettable all-in-one adventure.

What Is The Polynesian Cultural Center

Located in the town of Laie in the northeast corner of Oahu, the Polynesian Culture Center is considered the number one paid attraction in the whole of Hawaii. It features six Pacific Island villages and unique exhibits that every tourist would love to visit if they’re looking for things to do in Oahu.

While it’s an intriguing destination for everyone interested to learn more about Polynesian culture and history, the center is also home to a wide range of activities and educational opportunities for families and kids of all ages to enjoy. There will never be a dull moment here.

Things To Do Tn The Polynesian Cultural Center

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu anytime soon, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-visit. There are so many things to do in the center that you can’t find anywhere else. To give you a better idea of what you can expect, here are the attractions and activities the center offers. 

The Six Island Villages

One of the main attractions of the center is a trip across the six iconic island villages, which is open from 12:45 PM to 5:30 PM. To visit the six villages, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $69.95. With this basic fee, you can gain access to the nations, namely, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Fiji. 

  • Aotearoa: The Island of Aotearoa built its culture on the foundation of family, so when you enter this village, you will receive a warm welcome from the villagers. This welcome includes a Maori war dance known as the Haka and a harmonic song performance that will serenade you as you step inside.

    In this village, you can participate in ancient games to test your skills. But not only that, but you can also watch artisans carve weapons, discover interesting cooking styles and food preservation methods, and learn more about their traditional facial tattoos.
  • Samoa: Moving to the village of Samoa, the overarching theme you will experience revolves around humor, love, generosity, and respect. In this village, you can immerse yourself in their daily lives by watching young warriors climb 40-foot coconut trees in their bare feet. In addition, you can also enjoy a song and dance serenade as the villagers perform their traditional artistry to you. Through your numerous interactions with the community, you can become a part of the happy people family by the end of your visit. 

  • Tonga: In Tonga, you can gain new experiences by learning how to dance while sitting down, marveling at foot-stomping music, and watching mighty drummers strum to the beat of a lively cultural performance. If that’s not enough, you can also test your skills in paddling as you take on a native-style canoe that the native islanders have used centuries ago. Plus, if you’re up for it, you can test your spear-throwing skills or play a traditional game called lafo which is the Tongan version of shuffleboard. In this village, every day is always a happy occasion. 

  • Tahiti: Tahiti is an island that celebrates love and artistry, from their special wedding ceremony accompanied by island beats to their mesmerizing Ori Tahiti, a traditional dance that aims to express artistry. If there’s one thing the Tahitians love most, it’s celebrating their culture through movement, music, and food. 

    Besides their traditional dance, you can also participate in the island’s daily activities like pole fishing and spearing a coconut. At the end of the day, if you get hungry after all the physical activity, you can sample their homemade mouthwatering coconut bread.
  • Hawaii: Similar to the other villages, Hawaii is also big on music and dance. That’s why in this village, you can get hula lessons underneath the coconut trees and experience the beauty of dancing amidst nature. You can also take part in ancient Hawaiian games, discover the craftsmanship of lauhala weaving, and engage in interactive demonstrations of preparing and tasting freshly-made poi. 

  • Fiji: Unlike other islands, Fiji embraces a combination of sincerity, etiquette, and amusement. While all the other villages celebrate fun, family, and amusement, Fiji is all about formality. 

    Feel the power of Fijan warriors as they give you a mighty welcome performance and admire the femininity of the women as they entertain you with a traditional dance. As you explore the village, you can find activities where you can learn to make coconut oil, gaze up at the breathtaking six-story temple, and get a temporary tattoo. All these give you an in-depth understanding of how Fijians lived and behaved.

*Information Continued Below*

Luau And Dinner

After exploring the diverse island villages at the Polynesian Cultural Center, you can wind down and enjoy a feast during dinner. 

There are two ticketed dinner options you can choose from Ali’i Luau Buffet and Gateway Buffet. On the one hand, the Ali’i Luau Buffet is available from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Hale Aloha. If you choose this option, you can stimulate your senses through Plolyneisan tastes, sights, and sounds as this buffet immerses you in an island extravaganza of music, dance, and celebration. 

On the other hand, the Gateway Buffet is open from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Gateway Restaurant. It features a premiere dining experience that’s more relaxed and expansive. While you will still be immersed in Polynesian tastes, sights, and sounds, the experience here is more premium and laid back, complete with live musical entertainment.

The Marketplace

Located outside the ticketed area of the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Hukilau Marketplace features a wide range of shops, food vendors, and a full-service restaurant where you can get a glimpse of the traditional Polynesian culture. 

Once you’ve gotten your fill of Polynesian flavors, you can drop by their shops to view art galleries, get henna tattoos, and purchase your very own souvenirs. 

The Evening Show

Complete your Polynesian experience by watching one of Oahu’s best shows — Ha Breath of Life — which takes place every night at 7:30 PM. The show is centered around the romance saga between Mana and his lover, Lani. In this retelling, their story unfolds through a series of music, Polynesian dances, and blazing fire shows. To elevate your viewing experience, the show also features special effects, surround sound, and innovative animation. 

Watch as this Oahu show explores themes of birth and death, tragedy and triumph, and family and love that will surely keep you glued to your seats.

Get the All-Day Pass Experience

You can get these experiences individually when you visit the center, or you can get the complete package by booking an all-day pass experience here.

The full Polynesian Cultural Center tour (from 12:45 PM to 8:45 PM) includes a journey across the six nations of Polynesia, canoe rides across lagoons, interactive local activities, a dinner buffet, and a mesmerizing evening luau show to close the day.

This is one of the best Oahu activities and attractions you can experience when you visit Hawaii, and you can get it for only $152.55 per person. 

Or, if you’re interested in getting a complete Oahu Island private tour, you can book a tour with us online or call (808) 425-9896. 

We can’t wait for you to immerse yourself in the rich and wonderful island of Oahu and experience the Polynesian Cultural Center if you so choose!

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