Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center features distinct exhibition areas covering the islands of Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rapa Nui (Easter island). Full-day Polynesian Cultural Center tickets grant full access to the site, a dinner experience with a luau option, and the thrilling “Ha: Breath of Life” night show, or half-day afternoon tickets for access to one island village, dinner, and the night show.

Many travelers also visit as part of a circle island tour of Oahu, which may also stop at other notable sites such as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Diamond Head, or the Dole Plantation.

• All major areas are wheelchair accessible, and American Sign Language interpreters are available for most shows. Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented on site for an additional fee.

• A number of gift shops and restaurants are set throughout the park, including the main Hukilau Marketplace.

• A limited number of foreign-language tours are offered.

• Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and run from.

• While cameras are welcome around the site, photos and video are not allowed during the “Ha: Breath of Life” show.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is set in the North Shore town of Laie, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) or one hour from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu by road. Most travelers drive independently or choose a Polynesian Cultural Center tours that include round-trip transportation. Free parking is available on site.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is open Monday to Saturday from 11:45am to 9pm. The island villages are open from 12-5:30pm, and canoe rides are available until 6pm. Dining begins at 5:30pm and the evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” runs from 7:30 to 9pm. Because the center offers so many activities, it’s best to plan what you’d like to see and allot your time accordingly.

Because the Polynesian Cultural Center is open in the afternoon, many full-day circle island tours spend the morning visiting sites on Oahu’s east and north shores such as Waimea Bay and the Halona Blowhole before arriving at the center around noon. If you’d like to experience the nighttime events including dinner and the show, choose an extended circle island tour that includes the evening entertainment.

Yes. You can visit the Polynesian Cultural Center without buying a full-day luau package. Alternatives include a self-guided Islands of Polynesia tour that showcases the six island villages, or the Gateway Buffet, which includes a village tour and buffet dinner. Some Oahu island excursions also just cover the center’s villages.

If you’ve booked any Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) package, you need to check in when it opens at 12:30pm. If you’re there just for the Ha: Breath of Life show, arrive by 7pm. To extend your visit, consider eating out or shopping at the PCC’s Hukilau Marketplace, open from 12pm.

The Polynesian Cultural Center encompasses six Polynesian island villages dotted around 42 acres (17 hectares) of tropical gardens—so expect to do some serious walking. Getting to the villages and enjoying their cultural activities and presentations, can take anything from 4-5 hours depending on your pace.

Yes, you can park for free at the Polynesian Cultural Center, in the large parking lots by the main gate. People with mobility difficulties or who use wheelchairs will find accessible spaces near the center entrance. Electric vehicle charging stations, available on a first come first served basis, are also in the lots.

You shouldn’t miss the Polynesian island villages: Each is a unique cultural experience. Highlights include hula dancing at Hawaii, drummers at Tonga, and seeing Samoa’s coconut collectors shimmy up palm trees. Other musts include lagoon canoe tours, the luau feast, and the spectacular Ha: Breath of Life show, featuring dance, music, and fire knives.

No, but booking in advance is strongly recommended. First, you can claim discounts for booking select packages at least 10 days ahead. Second, many packages, including those featuring the luau buffet or Ha: Breath of Life show, sell out quickly, so prebooking secures your spot on your chosen day.