oops,

I thought you were trying to decide between BI and Kauai. Read wrong. With all our trips to Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and BI - Oahu still eludes us, so I have no educated opinion on that. I have read a lot of island history and would love to visit Oahu, but is just hasn't happened. Just trying to keep my opinions real.

Polynesian Cultural Center is way too expensive and many of the same Cultural experiences are available for free on the island... Its also very HOT walking around and your teen will hate it (mine did) Imagine my surprise when after paying almost $300 for admission (4 of us) that the Same performers were at our FREE Hotel show that Friday night...ouch...

We would have had more fun on the beaches....for free

Dole plantation is a good touristy stop if you are in the neighborhood. it is not a 'worth it" destination!

I'd go to the KCC markeet on Saturday, then head out around Diamond head, and circle the island counterclockwise. Stop at Valley of the Temples to visit a reproduction of a japanese temple (Byodo-in), then go to PCC if you'd like. I have been several times over the years, and find it a fun tourist stop (even though we're local!)If you do, you'll be there a while, so come home afterwards. If you don't go to the PCC, continue to Laniakea beach to see turtles. Have a late lunch at a shrimp truck or in Haleiwa town, then get a shave ice in Haleiwa or pineapple whip at the Dole Plantn as you head back into Honolulu.

The next day, go to Pearl Harbor early. If you went to PCC the day before, head out to the North Shore & Haleiwa today. head towards Mililani and then do a clockwise circl back to Kailua - or just head to the North shore and come back the same way for a shorter circuit. Be careful if your bags are in your car. Hopefully you can go back to your hotel to shower before you fly.
If you did that the day before, you might consider visiting the Bishop Museum, Mission Houses, or just enjoying the beach at Ala Moana park or Waikiki

Just one more thought about the PCC...You can get a pretty good overview of what the experience will be like from its website, and decide if it's something you would like or not. (There are 2 for 1 admission coupons in the Entertainment Happenings book for Hawaii) It is alot of entertainment for the cost, esp. since most of us will never visit Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, etc. As an aside, we visited New Zealand last year (Aoteoroa) and did not see anything comparable to the Maori "village" and cultural demonstrations at the PCC. Many of the performers at PCC are serious competitors in hula, fire dance, etc. and, because they are from the islands they represent, provide a lot of education about their cultures, not simply showmanship. O.k., I'll stop now.

The PCC performers are Mormon Students... its a college show on their cultures... for $80 per person admission...

I'd do exactly what Icuy said.
Also, be aware that security at Pearl Harbor won't let you take your purse or handbag inside--but don't leave it in your car! Don't take your suitcases to Pearl Harbor either, leave your bags with the bell desk if you have to check out of the hotel early. You only need your ID, camera, and cash or credit card to make purchases and buy snacks.

I have decided to forego Oahu/Pearl Harbor for this trip and just stick with BI and Kauai.

I think we must do a Luau(even though some folks say that they aren't a must do). I am debating between Smith's on Kauai and Fairmont Orchid on BI. Any opinions on these?

Go with the cheaper/less expensive of the two...