Their website suggests making reservations a week ahead of time. Do you think this is necessary. Also, how is food. Would you suggest Ambassador or Gateway Buffet?

Please, before this thread explodes -- Diane, do a search on this place and you will turn up a GIGANTIC long debate from a month or two ago. Many people enjoy the place, while others think it's a tourist trap or perhaps a Mormon recruitment center. They almost all agreed, however, that the food wasn't very good.

Thanks, I did read that review but decided to go anyway. I had a really good time there about 15 years ago. I just wondered if you have to book ahead like they suggested or is there ample seating for show. I guess I know food is bad but wondered which was lesser of two evils.

I used to work for the PCC but now have a job in town. I still have friends that work for Polynesian Cultural Center. Last summer the luau package sold out 4-5 days in advance. Ambassador and Gateway packages are usually available. Tourism to Hawaii is down this year but I hear June and July flights are full and hotel bookings way up. If you are coming to Hawaii before the end of May no worries. June to August the Center is very full and busy.

By the way my grandfather was among those who helped build the Center in the 60's. Labor missionaries from Samoa and Tonga built it so Polynesian students could earn their way through college. The Mormon Church is little involved, other than setting high standards and providing a financial cushion during economic downturns.

Sorry unless you were raised on a very bland instant pudding, white bread diet you will not enjoy the food here. Ono's in Honolulu has better Hawaiian food but without the pagentry of a commercial Luau. Strongly advise against a stay here that extends into the evening show. Just my opinion of course but you have been warned.

P.S on the show plenty of people will be walking out during it so I can't imagine seating is difficult. Tongan Boy of course will know more about logistics than I, though. We bought our tickets the day before and this was a Saturday in July. Don't recall the theatre being full then either. Even though the headliner in the "Polynesian Review" was an Elvis impersonater singing "Blue Hawaii", to each his/her own. We were not amused.