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.
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.
We continued onto Aotearoa where we played a game of tititorea, learned to dance with poi balls and tried traditional fighting with a taiaha.
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.
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.
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
Someday I hope to go to Hawaii! I think it would be an incredible experience!
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.
amazing thanks for sharing
The Polynesian Culture is so fascinating. I would love to explore this centre.
What a wonderful experience for your family. I would love to check that out sometime!
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.
What a great experience! Would love to visit someday 🙂
Thank you for sharing all the great information and tips on discounts and booking in advance
These are such beautiful people and glad you got o learn some of their ways and culture.
Hawaii is next for me.. I stopped over on my way to Australia once, but that doesn’t count haha
I would love to take my family there.
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.
we were here 40 years ago still looks wonderful
I have never been to Hawaii but if I ever get there this looks like a great place to visit.
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
Looks like an amazing adventure and some culture and beauty. On my bucket list for sure.
I would have love to been there looks like you had an amazing time . 🙂
It’s on my bucket list.I really hope I get there someday.It looks so awesome!
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!
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!
What an awesome trip that would be. I wish I could go 😉
i would so much love to go there
It looks amazing there. You will need another vacation after this one filled full of fun.
Wow, that does look like a unique experience! I love to give my children unique experiences too!
This truly is a beautiful looking place where it seems I could have a great time visiting for sure.
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!!!
that looks amazing ty for sharing
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!!
Wow,I would Love to see this show.So much to see and learn !
This looks absolutely fabulous! You must have had a wonderful time.
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.
Great to hear Sandy! You’ll love the PCC. Take advantage of the discount for sure.
Looks like a great time , lots of fun and and activities to do , thanks for sharing , i would love to go there 🙂