Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Polynesian Culture Center

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Polynesian Culture Center

Is this a must see place or not worth it? Any other suggestions for luaus on Oahu?

Definitely worth a visit if you are on the island.

Though rather expensive, it was terrific - especially the evening show (the best thing about the place). Ken

The Polynesian Cultural Center is owned by the Mormon Church. My mother signed a guest book there and (when she got home) had a Mormon missionary show up at her door with "additional information"

Meant to add...try the Bishop Museum as an alternative. http://www.bishopmuseum.org/

Do your research on luaus. We went to one, and it basically was a parking lot buffett with pineapple on the side. 200 tables lined up back to back. It sucked. I would have preferred taco bell. More intimacy.

Not to offend, this is just what I experienced I am sure it will contrast sharply with those that enjoyed the "Las Vegas style reviews". IMO this place is not to be taken seriously at all. If you look at it as a theme park then maybe. Not a cultural center as you would think from the title. They take comic license with religious rituals and social behaviors of different groups in Polynesia and the Pacific Islands. I can never take anyone young there in good conscience. I took a British Friend a few years ago and I still get grief about it. I have to keep telling her, “Cultural Center” was just a marketing tactic in this instance, a real cultural center in the U.S. would not have a floor show with Elvis tunes and a fire walker bouncing around from a burning grass skirt. A lot of people do like this place. Myself, I would consider what has happened to the Pacific Islands people over the last 200 years. Last full blooded living Aboriginal from Australia died somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 hundred years after western contact. Prior they lived successfully dating back to 40,000 bc. Hawaiians went from 400,000. to 40,000 in 200 years. Don't expect any sophisticated displays of their culture here. Tahiti also lost thousands of native islanders to western diseases. I could go on but you get the picture. You don’t learn a whole lot of this at the center. As far as I can see you can't tell the story of any of these peoples without mentioning loss. PCC takes the comic approach and that of course obscures all of this info and more. You decide what you are comfortable with.

I thought it was a big waste of money.

I have heard from several people that it is a waste of day and money, and the food sucks.

Sarah's out to right all the wrongs over the last 400 years. After she salvages the Pacific region, she will no doubt start to re-liberate Europe. The Polynesian Cultural Center is definitely worth a visit. This is a part of Brigham Young college and is basically made up of people from the Pacific regions. They can in no way give a complete education to the average tourist with regards to the different islands,peoples,cultures, etc. in the short time the average tourist is there. It is worth the time and effort to visit and they do have a good luau and nightime show. Give it a go.

We went way back in 1980 and again in 1999. We will probably go back this year when we go. I thought it was great. Yea the food is not the best and they have some fun with the cultures, but the show was awesome. Overall it is a great package especially considering what the other places charge for just the luau. I say go. Remember to only take advice from the people that have actually been there themselves. Enjoy, Duane

I live in Honolulu and the Polynesian Cultural Center is one favorite stops of my guest from Japan. It is one most popular attractions in Hawaii so much people like it. I enjoy watching Samoan chief start fire from coconut husk.

I honestly think it is shocker if you are expecting anything other than a theme park as Sarah tells us. I am a member of the Japan Society and the Asia Society. These are cultural centers, PCC is not in the same class at all. Not everyone knows that by its title. Most expect a serious look at Pacific Islands people. I think it is a good idea to point that out for those who expect more. Tanuechi: Japan has many similar historical theme parks at home. Big difference is that they tell you right out front they are a theme park. They don't market themeselves to both the dinner show crowd and museum crowd. It does not work and can be a let down to some.

Well it sounds like others are saying it for me. Oh also wanted to add that SSS is not my post. Have fun with whatever you do Kim

Spare us the diatribe. Sarah, if you are serious about helping the indigenous people of the planet why don't you start by giving your apartment in NYC back to the American Indians. How do you feel about living in a place purchased for a few beads and blankets?

Here's another vote to go see it. It was an enlightening experience, except for those people on here who aren't interested in being enlightened, but just like to criticize.

Sarah is 100% correct. PCC is a theme park, pure and simple. It is staffed by college students (not necessarily Polynesian) who attempt to recreate polynesian village settings, etc. Having travelled all that distance to visit Hawaii, explore its many wonders and avoid this tourist rip-off!

I reitterate...the Bishop Museum is far superior and totally authentic. Their mission is... "Our mission is to record, preserve and tell the stories of Hawai`i and the Pacific, inspiring our guests to embrace and experience our natural and cultural world." http://www.bishopmuseum.org

What can you do at the Bishop Museum? There are displays only. Wasn't the original inquiry about luaus on Oahu? Does the museum serve a luau?

do an archive search Kim same battle takes place every time this question comes up.