Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC)

Founded in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), a non-profit organization, has been recognized as Hawaii’s top paid visitor attraction for more than 30 years. Set on 42 lush acres of Oahu’s North Shore, the PCC features six island villages representing Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga, as well as exhibits representing Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Marquesas. Each village shares the native culture of their islands with exhibits, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Through these windows into Polynesian culture, guests are immersed in the traditional songs, dances, games and lifestyles of Pacific islanders.

This year, the PCC is adding new “Go Native!” activities to its lineup; enticing guests to “do as natives do” and actively participate in several real-life aspects of Polynesian daily life. Guests learn practical, modern techniques to create savory Polynesian cuisine at home at the cooking demonstrations; build an umu (Samoan above-ground oven) and use it to cook traditional Samoa food such as palusami (young taro leaves cooked in seasoned coconut milk); sew a Hawaiian quilt or dye a pareu (sarong); safely scale to the top of coconut trees with the help of a harness; experience canoe racing, the official team sport of Hawaiʻi; and tap into their warrior spirit by taking aim at coconuts atop 6-foot poles.
 Guided canoe tours are offered throughout the day on a tranquil fresh water lagoon that winds through the park. The lagoon also hosts Hawaii’s only waterborne pageant, Rainbows of Paradise, which features colorful song and dance from Hawaiʻi, Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji and Aotearoa — all performed aboard double hulled canoes.

In the evening, guests may dine like royalty at the Aliʻi Luau, heralded as Hawaii’s most authentic luau. The award-winning luau takes guests on a nostalgic trip back to the time of the aliʻi, royalty of Hawai‘i, and features traditional Hawaiian luau food and entertainment and cultural demonstrations in a beautiful tropical setting. The generous menu includes kālua puaʻa (baked pig) cooked in an imu (underground oven), poi (cooked, pounded taro), pipikaula (Hawaiian style beef jerky), haupia (coconut milk pudding) and much more.

Alternatively, guests may feast at the newly renovated Gateway restaurant, one of the largest enclosed restaurant and special events venues on Oʻahu. With seating for more than 1,000, Gateway offers two bountiful, buffet spreads. The Island Feast buffet features authentic dishes
from throughout the Pacific such as Fijian chicken curry and koko alaisa (chocolate rice pudding) along with a variety of local favorites. Those upgrading to the Prime Dining buffet will have all the options in the Island Feast plus additional dishes including crab legs, shrimp cocktail, kalbi style short ribs and prime rib. Both options are presented with Polynesian hospitality and ambiance fit for aliʻi.

The evening closes with a critically acclaimed evening show, Hā: Breath of Life. Entertaining more than a million guests since opening in 2009, the $3 million Polynesian revue takes guests on a culturally rich and emotion-filled journey through the sights, sounds and cultures of Pacific islands. Hā: Breath of Life has redefined expectations of productions in Hawai‘i by combining authenticity and cultural accuracy with a captivating tale embracing universal life themes of boyhood, young love, respect and appreciation for elders, and the importance of community and family. Showcasing more than 100 performers and state-of-the-art performance technology, original melodies, choreography and costumes, Hā: Breath of Life is a must see for kamaaina (locals) and visitors alike.

For the souvenir hunter, the Pacific Marketplace features an exciting shopping experience filled with authentic Polynesian handicrafts as well as a wide variety of souvenirs, gifts, clothing, books and music by local artisans.

Now through Dec. 31, guests can purchase the Admission and Show package to dine for free at the Gateway restaurant’s Island Feast. PCC has also made it easier to see all of what Polynesia has to offer. The “Free within Three” ticket special allows visitors to return within three days at no additional cost to experience more of the cultural presentations and tour the villages.

PCC is open Monday-Saturday and closed on Sundays. Villages are open from noon to 6 p.m., with dinner options opening at 5 p.m. and Hā: Breath of Life starting at 7:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, call toll free 1-800-367-7060, on Oʻahu call 293-3333, or visit www.Polynesia.com.

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