How to Enjoy a Day at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii

Planning a vacation to Hawaii? Consider visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. This educational and entertaining spot is Hawaii's top paid attraction. It showcases the rich native traditions of Hawaii and six other island nations including Samoa, Maori, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. You can participate in an authentic Hawaiian luau, enjoy a spectacular dance show and join in on various island activities. These tips will help you get the most out of your visit to the PCC.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Set aside an entire day for your visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). Depending on where you are staying in Hawaii, travel time to and from the center could take up to an hour one way. Also, if you really want to experience all the activities, including the highly acclaimed evening show, you will spend most of the day and early nighttime inside the center.
2. Make reservations and purchase a ticket package well in advance. Because this is such a popular tourist attraction, you will need to plan ahead. The PCC sells several different packages which include admission to the various activities, different types of dining options and a range of reserved seating for the evening show.
3. Visit the villages once you arrive at the PCC. Each village showcases a specific Polynesian island and its culture. Children and adults alike will enjoy the various hands-on activities that highlight the unique cultures. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and try new things.
4. See a show. After touring the villages, see a live show and watch a movie at the IMAX theater. The Rainbows of Paradise is a unique water show performed every afternoon in double-hulled canoes. The IMAX theater plays the "Coral Reef Adventure," a fascinating underwater experience.
5. Attend the Ali'i Luau. The PCC luau is said to be the best and most authentic luau experience in Hawaii. The Ali'i Luau is an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner with all the traditional luau dishes and trimmings. It also provides some dining entertainment.
6. Top your day off with the spectacular "Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky" evening show. This critically acclaimed, 90-minute visual feast will definitely be the highlight of your day. A cast of 100 Polynesian dancers showcase their cultural heritage with colorful costumes, inspiring music and graceful, athletic dances. Sit back and take it all in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to experience the luau, you should purchase the correct ticket package. Not all ticket packages include the luau. However, if you want to save money or forgo the luau, there are other dining options available through cheaper ticket packages.
• If you are unable to see everything you wanted in one day, or you can only spend part of a day at PCC, you can purchase a "Give me 5 free" ticket which allows you 1 additional free admission to PCC if used within 5 days after the first visit.
• Tickets to the Polynesian Cultural Center are not inexpensive but are comparable to any other theme park. But, if you want a truly authentic cultural and educational experience that you will never forget, the PCC is definitely worth every penny.

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