Reviews for Polynesian Cultural Center
2874 reviews
Be aware: The Polynesian Cultural Center is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and much of what you experience here is filtered through that lens. What looks like a celebration of Pacific Islander culture is, in reality, a highly curated and commercialized presentation that often distorts or sanitizes Indigenous traditions to fit a religious and entertainment agenda. This place feels less like an authentic cultural center and more like a missionary tool disguised as a tourist attraction. Many of the “villages” simplify or misrepresent complex cultural histories, and you’ll notice an uncomfortable blend of performance, proselytizing, and profit. The employees, many of whom are LDS-affiliated students at nearby BYU Hawaii, often looked tired or disengaged, with only a few managing to maintain the upbeat persona expected of them all day. We are told multiple times that we should be proud to give our money to the PCC because we are paying the employee’s tuitions. I was told this at least 5 or 6 times today. The entire operation financially supports the LDS Church and Brigham Young University, not independent Polynesian communities or cultural preservation efforts. If you’re coming to Hawaiʻi hoping to experience genuine Indigenous culture, this is not the place. I left feeling deeply uncomfortable, misled, and disappointed. Please do your research before attending, there are far better and more respectful ways to learn about Polynesian heritage than supporting an organization that has historically imposed its religious worldview on the very cultures it claims to honor. I feel so sorry for the Polynesian people who have to watch as their culture is embarrassed and desecrated in front of them. Please scroll down and find Tara Sims review. Her experience is mine exactly.
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Friendliest staff, beautiful attractions, interactive cultural demonstrations. Behind the scenes, young adults from across Polynesia are getting a higher education scholarship in exchange for their cultural performing arts work. On its surface, it's a vibrant and expressive display from around the Pacific that allows tourists to get some of the sights, smells and tastes from the more well known Pacific islands. There are Polynesian food luaus, but also options from American cuisine to sushi, if you're less adventurous at the dinner table. Make sure to visit Cap at Samoa and the drummers from Tonga early in the day to get the most from your trip. There are no animatronics; every canoe paddling, tree climbing, fire making, dancing and musical performance is live and in person. Be sure to stay for the evening show "Ha Breath of Life" for a Vegas or Broadway rivaling display to end your evening. If you're not used to tropical weather, plan for sunburn, dehydration, rain and just remember that this is not an indoor museum. Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a light rain poncho or jacket, if you're into being prepared, and a positive attitude, because when you're open to trying new things and having fun, you'll get the most from the experience despite the weather, the drive, the traffic and the cost. There are lots of activities for children, I would say between 5 and 12 years old, that are also good for "young at heart" adults, a very family friendly, all day event. If you travel to Hawaii and want to experience a tourist friendly Polynesian immersion, more culturally rich than a mojito in Waikiki, this is a must visit.
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
It is definitely a community of learning and sharing culture and experiences. HA: breath of life was definitely way worth the money and time. If you get the whole day package, you'll get tour guides that will bring you thru all of the islands and make sure you enjoy at least one event in each. The luau was delicious and beautifully done. Recommend 100%
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Interesting and informative
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
It was Very GOOD. Very COOL. And Not Windy
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Run mainly by students, was impressed by the pavilions and the very thorough knowledge everyone had. the HA show was fantastic!
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
The best place to go when you are on Oahu. This place is authentic. You learn and experience so much about the Polynesian islands. The buffet is the best buffet I have ever had. I go to lots of buffets! Seriously, you need to check this out! Get there before it opens and stay all day until the show at night. So worth it!!
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Great family place
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Very interesting, just be aware if you book the ambassador tour tickets, it is a very personalized tour experience, with your guide sticking to you for the entire day. Took us a bit by surprise, but we enjoyed the day
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center
Amazing experience, so much to see and do. Definitely a worthwhile experience for the whole family!
Product: Polynesian Cultural Center