Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii
By Barbara Durley, Travel & Cruise ConsultantUpdated October 2026 · 6 min read
Quick takeaways
- The Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu is like the Epcot of Polynesia, with villages for Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.
- Take the guided tour to see as many island villages and demonstrations as possible.
- Try poi twirling, stick games, coconut tree climbing, a drumming dance and palm-leaf weaving.
- Stay for the luau (no alcohol is served) and the evening show HA.
When my daughter Kirsten and I were in Oahu, we took a day to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. For my Disney friends, this is like the Epcot of Polynesian countries. Within the center, they have areas that are built to look like Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and a few other islands. The Polynesian Culture here is vibrantly represented across these diverse regions.
As you visit each area, there are representatives from that country who will tell you about their culture through demonstrations and shows. You can also talk to them before and after the show times and learn so much more. You can choose to explore on your own or take the guided tour. We decided to take the guided tour as we wanted to see and experience as many of the islands as we could to truly understand the Polynesian Culture.
Aotearoa: games and poi twirling
Not only did we learn a lot from our guide and the representatives, but we also had a lot of fun with the activities. When we were in Aotearoa, we saw the Whare Tupuna, which is the ancestral meeting house. The Marae is the open area, or courtyard, that is in front. There, they taught a game called Titi-Torea. This was originally a military game that they used to develop hand-eye coordination. The object of the game is to throw sticks at each other and catch them without dropping them. Trust me, that sounds easier than it is.
Next we learned Poi Porotiti or Poi Twirling. Think of putting a tennis ball in a long sock. The Poi is a lightweight ball and it is attached to a cord, and you have one for each hand. You then swing the Poi in unison.
If you are good at it, and we were not, you can imitate sounds, actions and rhythms of nature to tell a story. Poi was also often used in battle with a harder ball at the end. Everyone in our group was happy that they were using softer balls since each of us struck ourselves in the head at least once.
Fiji: pottery and a traditional canoe
In Fiji we learned about the Lapita potters who brought the tradition of Fijian pottery to the islands about 3500 years ago. They also had a 57-foot traditional twin-hulled Hawaiian sailing canoe that they had built using wood imported from Fiji. It looked just like the one they used in the Moana movie!
Samoa: tattoos and coconuts
In Samoa we learned about the Samoan Tattoos or pe’a. The geometric patterns are based on ancient designs. They often denote rank and status, which is a fascinating aspect of Polynesian Culture. They also showed us how to climb the coconut trees using only a rope!
Once they have the coconuts they use a rock or stick, sometimes the back of a heavy knife to crack the coconut open with one crack! If you have ever tried to crack a coconut you will know that this is hard to do. That is unless you’ve been doing it your whole life and you know the trick!
They even taught us how to make fresh coconut milk by scraping the flesh out of the coconut and squeezing the milk out of it. It was incredible to watch and something I’m going to try to do, thanks to the cultural skills shared at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Tahiti and Tonga
In Tahiti they taught us how to do a traditional ote’a or drumming dance. The dancers were incredible, and we all had some fun trying to follow their instructions.
When we headed over to Tonga, they have an amazing royal house. It is called the Fale ‘a Kuini Salote. It represents Queen Salote’s summer house in Tonga. The real house is 4 times bigger than the one they made to scale at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Weaving, canoes and more
There are so many islands represented at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Did I mention that they also taught us how to weave a fish out of palm leaves? As we learned, they taught us the importance of basket weaving, which can be a vital part of Polynesian Culture. It was a really neat way to learn.
Once we had visited all of the villages, we had a ride in a canoe, learned to throw spears, tried some traditional foods and so much more.
The luau and the evening show
It is important to note that this Luau does not serve alcohol. The stories and dancing at the Luau were incredible, and there was so much food! We were able to try many traditional Polynesian dishes.
After the Luau, they also had a nighttime show. I highly recommend going to see the fire dancers in HA.
Barbara’s tipPlan for a full day. Arrive early to fit in the villages, the luau and the evening show.
It was a very long day, but we had a lot of fun and learned a lot of things. If you have the opportunity to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, it is definitely worth it.
Planning your visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center
Thinking of adding the Polynesian Cultural Center to your Hawaii trip? Here’s what we tell clients who are planning a visit.
- Where it is: the center is in Laie, on Oahu’s North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Waikiki. You can drive yourself, or add round-trip transportation when you book.
- Plan for a full day: like Barbara, arrive early so you have time for the villages, the luau and the evening show.
- Check the days: the center is closed on Sundays, so plan around that.
- Choose a package: tickets range from general admission to packages with the luau, the guided tour and premium seats for the evening show. Book ahead, especially in busy seasons.
- Make a day of the North Shore: stop at the beaches, the surf town of Haleiwa or the famous shrimp trucks on the way.
- Getting to Hawaii from Canada: there are nonstop flights to Honolulu from Western Canada, and easy connections from Ontario through Vancouver or a U.S. city.
Advisor tipSpring and fall are lovely times to visit Hawaii, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer and the winter holidays. We can put together your whole Oahu trip, from flights and hotels to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Interested in booking a trip to Hawaii? Barbara would love to help!
FAQs
What is the Polynesian Cultural Center?
It’s a cultural park in Oahu, Hawaii, with villages representing Aotearoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and more, where islanders share their culture through demonstrations and shows.
Should I take the guided tour at the Polynesian Cultural Center?
Barbara recommends it if you want to see and experience as many of the island villages as possible in one day.
Does the Polynesian Cultural Center luau serve alcohol?
No. The luau does not serve alcohol, but there’s plenty of traditional food, storytelling and dancing.
What is the evening show at the Polynesian Cultural Center?
Barbara highly recommends HA, the nighttime show with fire dancers.
Where is the Polynesian Cultural Center?
In Laie, on Oahu’s North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Waikiki.
Is the Polynesian Cultural Center open on Sundays?
No. The center is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit for another day of the week.
