polynesian center/International market
 

Wondering if it is worth going to the polynesian cultural center and the Inernational market place, let me know about these places

You'll get answers both hot and cold on the PCC. I enjoy it, and often take guests, who enjoy it. I recommend driving yourself, and skipping the food. <BR>The international market place has gotten tackier and tackier over the years...little carts selling junky souvenirs and pretty aggressive vendors. I may be biased, because my neice picked up Head lice a few days after a vendor shoved a hat on her head.<BR>Even our exchange students hate the place. you'll get better bargains and quality at Wal-mart or the swap meet.

The International Market Place IS tacky, but handy to visit (if you're walking the streets of Wakiki as we were) and we got great bargains on tees to bring home to all the friends.....

Both are a skip in my mind. The swap meet that lcuy was talking about is at Aloha stadium kind of a truck from Waikiki but worth it for cheap ticky tack and t-shirts go on an over cast day it gets hot. You could also work it in to a drive to the north shore or Bishop museum.

Did you know that the Polynesian Cultural Center is owned and run by the Mormon Church as part of its missionary activities, and that most employees are students at Brigham Young University's Hawaii campus?<BR><BR>http://www.mrm.org/articles/oahu.html

Suzy I found out that fun little fact on my visit only. A tram pulled up and an announcement was made that this bus was going to the great temple, make an orderly line and wait your turn to visit. I think we pushed some people trying to grab a seat.<BR><BR>I thought I would be taken to an ancient Hawaiian temple, not!!! I was driven to 70's construction of a 30 foot Jesus with very tacky painting of clouds and sky behind it then hidden speakers began telling the story of how the Mormon faith took grip. We were forced to wait in the hot Hawaiian sun or listen to this in air conditioning for 15 minutes. Surprise, surprise most of the stranded stood out in the heat. We still laugh about this. <BR><BR>Just don’t expect this place to be a cultural center it’s only entertainment. That is how we were disappointed, it is more of a theme park. You would think being good Christians they would be honest about this from the get go. You will never see any documentaries or books on Hawaii ever make reference to it.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR ><BR><BR><BR>

And, because it is a Mormon deal, no booze! What's the fun in that?

I went to the Polynesian Cultural Center<BR>14 years ago, it was o.k. Went back two years ago thinking I would appreciate it<BR>being I was a little older. Well, I didn't. We took a tour there which arrived at 2:00 p.m. and left after the show at 10 p.m. I felt that there wasn't enough to keep us interested for the whole time. The International Market Place is tacky but our kids enjoyed it as they learned the fine art of bargaining. If you're in the area it doesn't hurt to stop.

I agree with Lori's comments. PCC seemed awfully expensive. One time is enough of that! I would rather be at the beach or at Dukes having a drink. IMP is interesting to walk through. I did buy some quilting squares of Hawaiaan fabric. My son liked the surf shops in the back area.