I recently went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the first time in a couple years. The visit reminded me of some things I’d like to share, including some tips about visiting this attraction. After all, you have a lot of activity choices when you visit Oahu, and you may wonder if the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau is right for you.
Ahead are the top things I noticed that you’ll want to take note of too.
5 Things to Know About the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
1. Parking is Free
Back in the day, you had to pay up to $8 to park your car (which was a lot back in 2010). These days, parking is free. I’m sure it’s built into the increasing ticket prices, but at least you don’t encounter another charge as you arrive.
2. Timing Is Critical
Tickets to the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau include access to the Island Villages, which you can explore before the luau. But you need to time it well.
If you get there after 1:30 PM (like we did duh!!) you won’t be able to see a presentation until 3:30 PM because the boat pageant starts at 2:30 PM. Pre-luau dinner begins around 4:30 PM, so you’ll want to arrive closer to noon if you want plenty of time to enjoy the grounds and the cultural activities before settling in for dinner and the luau show.
3. Bring Your Own Snacks & Water
The Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center allows outside food and drinks as long as they’re not in large coolers. You can bring bottled water and refill it throughout the park. And this is definitely the more economical decision, since purchasing bottled water onsite can get pricey.
4. The Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau has Lots of Options
There are many different ways to enjoy this experience, and it all depends on your personal preference. If you’re the kind of person who really enjoys learning about different cultures and their customs, the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau and Island Villages are wonderful. If that describes you, I would recommend spending a full day at the center. That means you should arrive right before 12:30 and take in as many of the cultural presentations as possible as they only happen on the half-hour.
It’s a good idea to arrive at a village before the presentation starts and experience some of the educational activities that are available. For example, pick the cultural presentation you’re interested in at the various villages, get there 15 or 20 minutes early, and participate in demonstrations.
You may want to consider the VIP Ambassador tour if you want your day at the park completely organized and structured. You can also add dinner or Luau and a show which is included in their various packages if you want to go “all out” at the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau.
5. You Don’t Have to Go to the Luau or Show at the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is not for everyone. If you’re the kind of folks that don’t necessarily need or want to learn about different cultures, you can just buy a day pass and spend a couple of hours there.
I would focus on the cultural presentations starting with Samoa at 12:30 pm, Hawaii at 1:00, and then Tonga at 1:30. If you didn’t have enough by then, you could just stay for the boat parade. If you just did that, you would see a representation of most cultures at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a nice drive to the North Shore and you can combine it with a stop in Haleiwa or one of the North Shore beaches.
Booking Tickets for the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
If you’d like more information about the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau, just give me a call at 1-800-843-8771 and I can hook you up and help you figure out what your plan should be for this activity. Or, if Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center Luau isn’t right for you, we’ll find an activity you’ll love.
Just say “Aloha Bruce,” and I know exactly what ya mean!
