A Unique Family Experience at Polynesian Cultural Center

My family has been traveling to Hawaii for many years. We are very familiar with Oahu and love everything this island has to offer.

On most trips we have stuck to exploring beautiful beaches on the island. This year, our kids are older so we decided to finally visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Our kids are now 5 and 8 years old. We thought this would be a great time to bring them to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn more about this islands of Polynesia.

When we arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center we were invited onto a tram and brought to the ticket desk. The ticket desk is in the Hukilau Marketplace. In the Hukilau Marketplace you’ll find food trucks, souvenir stands, restaurants and stores. The Hukilau Marketplace is extremely charming.

We walked through the Marketplace and made it to the entrance of the villages. The villages to visit include Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Iosepa, Tonga, Tahiti and Rapa Nui. Every village has fun hands on activities. The entire family had fun trying different games and skills throughout the Polynesian Cultural Center.

We began our visit with the Islands of Samoa where we attempted to start fire, learnt to weave a fish and tried throwing fire knife batons.

Polynesian Cultural Center review

Polynesian Cultural Center review

After visiting Samoa we took a short break to watch the “Rainbows of Paradise” Canoe Pageant. We were all very impressed at the dances performed atop double-hulled canoes.

Polynesian Cultural Center review

We continued onto Aotearoa where we played a game of tititorea, learned to dance with poi balls and tried traditional fighting with a taiaha.

Polynesian Cultural Center review

Polynesian Cultural Center review

After Aotearoa we visited Fiji, Hawaii, Iosepa, Tonga and Tahiti. While in Tahiti we all participated in a spear-throwing competition. This was a very fun station. I was surprised to see how well we all did!

We continued on to a fun canoe tour. The entire family enjoyed the view of the from a large canoe. My kids thought it was the funnest part of the day.

Polynesian Cultural Center review

Polynesian Cultural Center review

We stopped for a snack at one of the snack bars. I really appreciated seeing special food items from different villages throughout the Polynesian Cultural Center. I also found all food items to be very well priced.

We ended our visit at the Polynesian Cultural Center with the film “Hawaiian Journey”. This IMAX film was wonderful! We learnt more about Hawaii, enjoyed the effects in the theatre (moving seats and misty sprays). We all felt that “Hawaiian Journey” was a great way to end our Polynesian Cultural Center experience.

Overall my family had a lovely time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. I’m happy we went and finally experienced it.

There are many ticket options available for the Polynesian Cultural Center. You can choose a general admission ticket that gives you access to all the villages and canoe rides. You can upgrade your ticket to include the “Ha: Breath of Life” show or the Luau.

Save on your Polynesian Cultural Center Visit:

If you are planning on visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center while on Oahu I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online. You will receive 10% off when purchasing online. 

To learn more about the Polynesian Cultural Center you can check out their website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for up to date information and more.

I’d love to know, have you ever visited the Polynesian Cultural Center? What did you like most about it?

34 Comments

  1. I would love to go to Aotearoa where you played a game of tititorea, learned to dance with poi balls and tried traditional fighting with a taiaha. It sounds like so much fun

  2. I’ve been here before back in 1992 and it’s a wonderful place. I like how the university students work there. Teaching the present about the past.

  3. This is the kind of trip I’d love to take my grandchildren on. The many and varied activities would keep them entertained and learn a lot as well.

  4. Hawaii is next for me.. I stopped over on my way to Australia once, but that doesn’t count haha

  5. This looks like such a fun time! I’ve never been to Hawaii but the Polynesian Cultural Center is now on my list of must see places when I finally make the trip.

  6. I never got to see a show, when I was there. When and if I go back this will be the first thing I do. I hear it is a great show

  7. That is so much BIGGER than I thought it would be… I think I was expecting something like a pavilion at Epcot. DUH! Now I really have to go back!

  8. looks like you all had a wonderful time.. My youngest is still a little small for a flight like that, but hopefully in the future!

  9. This truly is a beautiful looking place where it seems I could have a great time visiting for sure.

  10. I’ve only been to Maui – once. And my kids have never been but I know they would love it.. I hope to go back someday!!!

  11. It would be a dream to go there one day, it looks so beautiful and the people seem so friendly, sounds like you had a fun time and learned lots!!

  12. It is on our bucket list to go to Hawaii. Thank you for sharing all the great information and tips on discounts and booking in advance 🙂 Beautiful family.

  13. Looks like a great time , lots of fun and and activities to do , thanks for sharing , i would love to go there 🙂

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