Polynesian Cultural Center Buffet Question
 

Has anybody had the Ambassador Buffet at the PCC as opposed to the Luau dinner? The cost is the same and you get the same tour package as the Ambassador Luau package. Aside from the obvious of eating luau food, are there any opinions about the two options. Clearly the buffet is indoors and the luau is under cover outdoors. Seating for the Horizons evening show is the same. The luau menu seemed somewhat limited compared to others that we have seen, particularly the OLL on Maui. How much poi can one person really eat? For our family, the Buffet menu was more attractive, esp the sushi and sahimi. On the other hand, would we be missing some cultural experience?

I went to the Luau and I thought the food was not very good. Wasn't horrible, it was just......well, nothing really more to say.

Thanks for quick reply. I suppose every travel destination has it's "Sacred Cows." If the truth were to be known, Hawaii's is probably the luau. A visitor feels that they must go to a luau in order to get the "whole Island experience." When in fact the experience they are getting is more Hollywood than Hawaii. It's a lot like paying $100 or more for a 45 minute gondola ride in Venice just so you can say you did. The truth is that if I weren't taking my teenage kids to Hawaii, I probably wouldn't go to the PCC. 30 years ago, the best luau I ever visited was one put on by a Methodist Church somewhere near the Bishop Museum. It was put on as a fundraiser for their building fund, and I beleive that it was just about as authentic as you could get. Seems to remember paying a $10 donation for the best food I have ever had. Our hotel desk clerk told us about it. No MaiTais though, just tea and juice.

The food at both the buffet and the luau at PCC is mediocre steam table food at its absolute worst.
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Been to PCC once may go again just skip the luau the different villages are good and the evening show is great. The food considering all the variety of peoples tastes and what some can't eat as far as spices is neutral.

May 10/06 arrived home from Hawaii, went to the ambassador buffet and the food there was great, even went back for seconds.