Hawaii- Polynesian Cultural Centre?
 

I will be in Honolulu for a few days next month. I will be staying at Wakiki, I am debating if it is worth going to the Polynesian Cultural Centre. (www.polynesia.com)

How much time should I spend here, half a day or a day.

I have been to Hawaii before, I've also visited New Zealand and Fiji, so I would be interested in the Tonga, Samoa, Easter Island, Tahiti and Marquessas exhibits.

I notice there are many meal options and different packages, some include a tram ride andsome include a show, other packages include a boat ride. Which is best?

Could people who have visited the Polynesian Cultural Centre please give me their feedback.

One more thing, i do not plan on renting a car, is the Polynesian Cultural Centre easy to get to by public transport?

Thanks in advance.

Polynesian Cultural Center is has the best Polynesian entertainment in Hawaii.

Spend an entire day there starting around noon. You'll leave when 'Horizons' is over around 9:15pm.

See my note about PCC on link below. If you want to see more villages, then skip IMAX.

I also recommend that you skip the tram to the temple.

The $55 package includes everything you mention.

The $80 Ali'i Luau package includes everything plus the 5pm dinner show. It also includes a lei greeting and upgraded seats for 'Horizons'.

You can book your package including transportation form their website.

If you plan to use Entertainment Book coupon, then call rather than booking online.

1-800-367-7060

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

if you're just interested in exhibits then general admission is enough. i've only been there as a kid then a few years ago after the renovation to bring my kids. we go for the canoe parade, exhibits and night show. coming from honolulu and at general admission it’s still considered a full day. i wouldn't bother paying for the buffet, or other features, though. that’s just my preference.

btw, plan for longer day if you want to use public transportation:
http://www.polynesia.com/transportat...portation.html

pcc provides transportation too, don’t know the cost. some hotels offer shuttle service to pcc as well.

It's quite a distance. I think it would be better to use some kind of transportation service provided specifically to get to PCC, rather than try to go on The Bus (if that is even possible).

Yes - you can go by regular bus from Honolulu. I don't remember the route number - maybe a local will see your thread. There is a bus stop right outside the front gate. But I don't think the bus is an option if you stay very late.

Check out the center's website - most tourist attractions give full transport options.

Thanks for the feedback, and the links.

Obviously, taking the public bus is not feasible, I didn't realise the bus trip could take up to three hours. I was able to find a company that provides transfers to the PCC from Waikiki. For those of you who are interested the company is Roberts Hawaii (www.robertshawaii.com)

I am not interested in the shows, I had seen shows last time I was in Hawaii. I remember in the Sheraton Princess there was a good show, not sure of the show's name.

I would like to see the exhibits of the countries I haven't visited, since I doubt I will get a chance to visit these islands.

If you are not interested in the shows, you can get a basic $40 ticket. You can purchase this type of ticket right at PCC, so you do not have to make reservations.

It includes all of the villages, the canoe pageant, canoe rides.

It doesn't include IMAX, the Ali'i Luau or 'Horizons'.

It is really the entertainment, especially their evening show, 'Horizons' that makes PCC better entertainment than any where else in Hawaii.

As far as exhibits (museum aspect), PCC is not very good.

It takes about 2 hours by city bus. $2 each way or $20 for a 4 day unlimited pass.

http://www.thebus.org/pop/attracti.asp

The show at Princess Kaiulani Hotel is Creation: A Polynesian Journey.