Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu is a living exhibit representing the distinctive cultures of six island nations: Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Aotearoa, and Tonga. This unique, immersive experience is a powerful celebration of our Polynesian heritage and one of Hawaiʻi’s most popular tourist attractions.
Before people get to the Polynesian Cultural Center, they don’t realize how massive it is. The center spans 42 acres and is bustling with vibrant activities like dancing, spear-throwing, and traditional games. The luau buffet features fresh, authentic cuisine and is one of the best meals you’ll have on Oahu.
If you’re planning a vacation in Hawaiʻi, then the Polynesian Cultural Center is absolutely worth a visit.
How to Get to the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on the North Shore of Oahu. You’ll take HI-83 W (Kamehameha Highway) if you’re leaving from Honolulu. It’s about an hour from Waikiki—or even an hour and twenty minutes if there’s traffic—but you will enjoy a scenic route along the coast.
You could also take a bus to the center from Waikiki, but we recommend renting a car so you can explore all the surrounding attractions at your own pace. The bus route will take you a minimum of two hours one way.
Visiting Information & Facilities
If you’re a first-time visitor, figuring out how to navigate the huge park can be challenging. But we’ve got all the details you need to plan your visit.
Operating Hours
Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center is open from 12:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The number one regret we hear from visitors is that they wish they had more time, so plan to get there right when it opens. The ticketing counter is usually open by 11:30 am, and you’ll have some time to walk around and shop before the main center opens—the Hukilau Marketplace is open before the rest of the park.
Ticket Prices
The park has five packages ranging from $69.95 to $242.95 with different benefits. “Islands of Polynesia” is perfect for you if you want to explore the center on your own.
The “Islands of Polynesia & Ha: Breath of Life” package includes the special evening show, Ha: Breath of Life. The “Gateway Buffet” package includes both the evening show and a buffet with live music.
If you want the full experience of Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center, our recommendation is to stay for dinner and the evening show. The energy is incredible, and the performers clearly love what they do.
Parking Space
The center offers free parking along with ample accessible parking spots. You can also find electric vehicle charging stations here.
Other Facilities
The park has multiple stores and kiosks where you can shop for souvenirs such as art prints, ceramics, and other handmade crafts. If you get hungry, you can go to the Hukilau Marketplace which houses many restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
Visiting Rules
Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center doesn’t allow alcohol, drugs, smoking, weapons, firearms, or any outside food. You’re allowed to take pictures for personal use anywhere and at any time in the center except during the Ha: Breath of Life show.
Experiences & Attractions
The Polynesian Cultural Center offers an enriching multicultural experience that will leave you in awe and carve a lasting imprint in your memories.
Islands of Polynesia
Islands of Polynesia is the primary attraction of the park consisting of six island villages with actors showcasing the different cultures. This area of Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center can be accessed between 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm during usual operating days.
The visit to each island is a fun, interactive, and educational experience where you can mingle with the actors of each island village, learn native dances, and indulge in unique activities such as catching fish with a net or throwing spears.
Ha: Breath of Life
Ha: Breath of Life is the signature evening event at the park, featuring hundreds of Polynesian natives telling the tale of Mana and Lani through dance and music. The breath-taking story punctuated with special effects is definitely an experience worth having.
Discover the Polynesian Cultural Center with GoVibe
Now that you know how to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu and what you can expect there, it’s time to book your rental vehicle so you can get going and experience the beauty of the exhibit yourself.
GoVibe allows you to book a rental car within minutes using an easy app-based booking system. No more waiting at airport rental counters or dealing with unnecessary paperwork. We’re a locally operated company with clean, reliable vehicles priced up to 25% less than the big airport car rental chains. Plus, we bring the car to you. Reserve your vehicle now!
