HAWAII-POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

Old Jul 8th, 1998, 03:18 PM
  #1  
GARY
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HAWAII-POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFORMATON OR ADVICE REGARDING THE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER? IS IT WORTH SEEING?
 
Old Jul 8th, 1998, 09:38 PM
  #2  
Debbie
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Aloha!

The Polynesian Cultural center is a must see. It is an all day event. You will witness all South Pacifican cultures in their natural state. The boat parade is a colorful festival of dance, costume, and tradition.

It is a great value for the money, but only if you can afford spending the whole day there and are interested in the history and culture of the South Pacific.
 
Old Jul 16th, 1998, 08:06 PM
  #3  
theresa
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The Polynesian Cultural Center is a fun place to visit. It reminded me of Epcot Center, a la Polynesia. However, it will definitely take up most of your day, particularly if you are staying in the Honolulu area, as the Center is on the other side of the Oahu. When my husband and I went, we drove east around the island from Waikiki, and took in the scenic drive (although there is a shorter route through the center of the island). We arrived at the Center in the early afternoon. We got to see most of the place, but could have easily spent more time there. All of the cultural areas are staffed by Polynesian youths from various areas of Polynesia, who put on great shows of music and dance and are very enthusiastic about sharing their culture. There is a 'traditional' luau in the evening and a very impressive music and dance show afterwards. Hope this gives you an idea of what it is all about. Enjoy!
 
Old Jul 17th, 1998, 05:59 AM
  #4  
jan
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If you decide to go, be sure to take the scenic route, we started around the Haunama Bay area and drove all the way around the island to the norh shore where the polynesian cultural center is located, beautiful drive but it will take you a while to get there if you want to stop at the beautiful scenic spots along the way. We never actually went to the show because I didn't want to spend a day there, but I know some people who have attended and loved it. P.S. the Royal Hawaiian Hotel has a great luau if you decide not to go to the center and still want to experience this traditional event.
 
Old Jul 17th, 1998, 08:39 AM
  #5  
Cassie
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I think the luau and show are the best part of PCC-I actually found the daytime stuff fairly boring but most people seemed to enjoy it. The water parade [can't remember exactly what they called it] was good though. In Honolulu you can buy your ticket at PCC desk in Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. PCC is sponsored by the Mormom church and their mission university there in Oahu - it provides employment for their international students. I think I paid $72 which included round trip bus from Honolulu, admission, Ali'i Luau meal, and show. Don't skimp and buy the buffet meal package unless money is a REAL object. As I recall, the package is only about $10 less than the Ali'i Luau package and the luau meal and show are well worth it [plus then you don't have to do a second luau in Honolulu]. Skip the off-ground tour of the town that is included in your package, unless you are Mormon and really want to see 7 video commercials in their tabernacle there for the Mormon church. I had hoped to spend more time looking at the tabernacle, but you never get into it, just the visitors center and the commercials, then a short shuttle ride thru the college campus.
 
Old Jul 17th, 1998, 10:27 AM
  #6  
Jerri
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It is worth it, but remember that when the guy falls off the outrigger canoe into the water, it is part of the show, because he does it everytime.
 
Old Jul 17th, 1998, 11:03 PM
  #7  
Carol
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3 days or less on Oahu: Skip Polynesian Cultural Center. You pay too much for what you get. The daytime stuff is somewhat boring. If you're interested in Polynesian history, you'd be much better off going to the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. The luau food was somewhat authentic, but not very good. The show (IN AN AMPITHEATER!?!?) was spectacular if not authentic. (If you want "authentic" and you're headed to Maui, go to the Old Lahaina Luau.) The (late) show is the only worthwhile part of PCC, but afterwards you have to drive back with/behind all the tourbuses AND IT TAKES FOREVER! You'd be better off going to a luau at one of the hotels (one with a view of the ocean). A leisurely drive around that side of the island is a must, but skip the PCC.
 
Old Jul 17th, 1998, 11:15 PM
  #8  
Carol
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One word of caution if you do go: Be aware that admission isn't the only thing that's overpriced. The handmade craft items for sale can be had for half the price elsewhere on the island. Keep your eyes open for locals on the side of the road or in parks and on the beaches making and selling stuff. Their prices are reasonable and you can usually negotiate them down even further. You'll ALWAYS pay too much at PCC. I found this out the hard way.
 
Old Jul 19th, 1998, 02:53 AM
  #9  
Dii
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I also found the PCC somewhat boring and don't think I would recommend it to a friend. Especially all the daytime stuff. Also a long way out there. Lots of other things I preferred.
 
Old Jul 29th, 1998, 06:01 PM
  #10  
marlene
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It's been more than ten years since I've been to Hawaii, but the Polynesian Cultural Center was a highlight. You really shouldn't miss it. Check at your hotel, though, for times of programs at the Center. Most of the tours at that time did not offer packages for the evening show and the only way to see it was if you rented a car and drove yourself. If you do rent a car, take the drive around the island - go at your own pace and stop for pictures whenever you want. It is worth the cost, even if you do it all in a single day.
 
Old Aug 2nd, 1998, 02:04 AM
  #11  
sharon
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I was born and raised on Oahu and have lived on the
mainland for 21 years now. These are the questions to ask yourself: Do you enjoy learning about other cultures? Do you enjoy music and dance? Do you have a long attention span? If you answer yes to all three questions I recommend all day and all evening at the Cultural Center.

The experience there is more interactive than a museum. The buildings, activities/demonstrations, music & dance and people are representative of the Pacific cultures presented there. The Maori long house came from New Zealand, demonstrations give us a taste of what daily life and traditions were for these people and you can talk to them - actual natives of these places. You can ask them what their home is like today.

I haven't been to the Cultural Center for several years but unless it's changed a lot I think it is pretty authentic for this modern world. The luau buffet dinner was decent but not the best available.
The shows are great if you like music and dance and of course they are staged - they're shows and people want to be entertained.

The all day package with the dinner and big evening show was always the best deal. I liked getting there about the time it opened and staying till the end. Enjoyed the various activities at each of the villages and loved the musical shows (morning, afternoon and night.) I would go directly there and not take the scenic route. If you like to take scenic routes and stop along the way, save it for another day - it takes all day. If that is too much culture for you then take the scenic route and get there in the afternoon; wander around the villages, take in the afternoon show, dinner and the evening show then take the direct route back to the city.
 

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