Bishop Museum vs. Polynesian Cultural Center - if you must choose, which do you prefer and why? Traveling with no children. Thanks !

For factual history of Hawai`i, definitely visit the Bishop Museum. The artifacts in Hawaiian Hall are of Smithsonian-quality.

My vote would be for the Cultural Center, especially the Tongan area and the show at night.

They're totally different experiences. The Bishop museum is a museum (duh). The grounds are pretty and some of the exhibits on Polynesian history are excellent.

The Cultural Center is much more of a theme park. Some of the exhibits are interesting but the shows are a mixed bag of ethnic dance and cornball jokes.

Timing may make a difference. You can probably see the Bishop in two hours, but the PCC will take the entire day to visit.

I think sfz defined the differeces perfectly. I like both.

Thanks for your informative replies!

I don't see how you can compare a museum to a theme park. Can you do both?