Things to do nearPolynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii, is a landmark living museum celebrating the traditions, arts, and peoples of six Pacific Island nations.
Founded in 1963 and operated in connection with Brigham Young University Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center has grown into one of Hawaii's most visited cultural attractions, drawing visitors from across the world to the north shore town of Laie on Oahu. The center was established with a dual mission: to preserve and share the living traditions of Polynesia while providing employment and scholarship opportunities for Pacific Islander students studying at the adjacent university. Today those students serve as the heart of the experience, acting as cultural ambassadors in the six island villages that represent Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Each village is designed with architectural detail and landscaping specific to its region, and demonstrations throughout the day cover traditional crafts, navigation techniques, agricultural practices, and performance arts. The lagoon at the center of the grounds serves as a gathering point for the afternoon canoe pageant, where performers from each village travel by water in a celebration of shared Pacific heritage.
Dining options range from a broad buffet featuring dishes from across Polynesia to the more immersive Ali'i Luau, where a traditional underground imu oven is central to the meal. The evening culminates in Ha: Breath of Life, a large-scale theatrical production tracing the journey of a Polynesian family across generations, performed with live music, elaborate costuming, and fire dance.
The Polynesian Cultural Center stands as one of the most thorough and respectfully presented introductions to Pacific Island cultures available anywhere in the world.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Polynesian Cultural Center
Visit on a weekday afternoon to experience the village demonstrations with smaller crowds and more personal interaction with the cultural guides.
Try the traditional Samoan coconut candy and Hawaiian poi at the dining pavilion for an authentic taste of Pacific staple foods.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes, as the grounds are expansive and much of the experience takes place outdoors under the Hawaiian sun.
Stay for the evening luau and the Ha: Breath of Life night show, which together offer a full arc of Polynesian storytelling through music and dance.
Arrive at least thirty minutes before the afternoon canoe pageant to secure a shaded spot along the lagoon for the best view of the procession.
Top tours & experiences near Polynesian Cultural Center
9-Hour Mobility Scooter Rental at Polynesian Cultural Center
Rent an electric mobility scooter and explore 42 acres at Polynesian Cultural Center
German-Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour
See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour
Wheelchair Rental at Polynesian Cultural Center
Reserve a wheelchair rental for 7.5 hours at Polynesian Cultural Center
Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki with Waimea Falls
Explore Oʻahu’s coasts, rainforests, and cultural sites by air-conditioned mini-bus
Waikiki to Waimea Valley Private Transfer
Private one-way transportation to North Shore and Leeward Coast destinations
Private Full-Day Oahu Circle Island Convertible Tour
Private 9-hour Oahu circle island tour in a luxury convertible
Oahu Circle Island Tour with North Shore & Dole Plantation
Explore Oahu’s coastal scenery and small-town side in one island loop
Private Full-Day Oahu Circle Island Tour
Shape an Oahu day around local flavors, North Shore views and cultural sites
Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki with Waterfall Hike
Discover the stories behind Oahu’s landscapes with professional tour docents
Oahu Circle Island Guided Tour From Ko Olina
Explore Oahu's coast, mountains, and cultural sites by air-conditioned mini-bus
Small Group Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki
Explore Oahu's coast, culture, and film locations with an expert guide
Private North Shore to Waikiki Hotel Transfer
Private transportation from select North Shore and Leeward Coast locations to Waikiki
Guided Honolulu & North Shore Convertible Tour
Ride a luxury convertible to Honolulu sights and North Shore beach stops
Oahu North Shore Circle Island Tour with Dole Plantation
Explore North Shore surf spots, film sites and local flavors on an Oahu island loop
Rent a Single Stroller at Polynesian Cultural Center
Single stroller rental for 7.5 hours at Polynesian Cultural Center
Full-Day Oahu Circle Island Tour from Ko Olina
Discover the stories behind Oahu's landscapes
Oahu Circle Island Tour with Byodo-In Temple & Waimea Falls
Pair island sightseeing with time to swim at Waimea Waterfall
Private Oahu North & South Shore Convertible Tour
Private Oahu North & South Shore beach tour in a luxury convertible
Explore Oahu on a 9-Hour Circle Island Bus Tour
See Oahu’s top lookouts, beaches, and North Shore stops on a shared 9-hour bus tour
Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Plantation
See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles
Private Oahu Circle Island Luxury Van Tour
Customize a 7-hour private circle-island ride in a luxury van for up to 7 people
Oahu Circle Island Tour & Sunset Sail
Circle Oahu’s landmarks, then sail Waikiki at sunset
3-Hour Private Chauffeur Service in Oahu
Private rides for Oahu outings, from tee times to luaus
Customize a Private Oahu Island Tour With Pickup
Design your private Oahu island loop with a German-speaking guide