Polynesian Cultural Center
A large cultural park on the north shore in Laie, with six Polynesian village showcases, plus an evening luau and a fire-dance spectacle.
The Polynesian Cultural Center opened in 1963 in Laie on Oahu's north shore, and its performers are students of Brigham Young University–Hawaii. The park is divided into six villages representing Hawaii, Samoa, New Zealand Māori, Fiji, Tahiti, and Tonga, where visitors can learn fire-starting by friction, climb coconut trees, and try hula and lauhala weaving. Afternoons feature a canoe parade, and evenings bring the Ali'i Luau and the fire-dance show Hā: Breath of Life. Basic admission starts at about US$90, and combo packages that include the dinner and show cost more. The center is closed on Sundays. It is about an hour's drive from Waikiki, and it is well suited to a full day.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 12:00–21:00 (village until about 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Waimea Valley
- Kualoa Ranch
- Dole Plantation
- North Shore, Oahu
- Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
- Haleʻiwa Town
- Byodo-In Temple
- Waikele Premium Outlets