polynesian cultural center visit tips for 1st-timers

[artistcleveland]

first time in HI:

What's the best way to see PCC? try to see every show? (we will be in Honolulu 3 days before cruise so ship schedule doesn't matter) or focus on a few villages?

suggested transport between PCC and Waikiki beach hotel (not public bus)?

I understand opinions vary, but what luaus--evening at PCC, vs around Waikiki--do people recommend (for cost, quality, general experience)?

thanks in advance for your insights and experience!

[slidergirl]

I won't comment on PCC…

BUT, I would recommend you renting a car and driving yourself. It's easy and you can stop off and see more "local" sights and attractions.

[sptrout]

Plan on the PCC to be an all day experience. There are more things to do than you can squeeze into a day, so some preplanning (check their website) would be appropriate. I agree with "slidergirl" that renting a car is a good idea while staying on the island. Just remember that traffic (and parking) are hell on earth in downtown Honolulu.

 

The PCC has what they call a luau, but it is really just a place to feed all the visitors before the main evening show, which is held in a different building. The evening show is the highlight of the day. It is not to be missed and there is nothing comparable to it on any of the islands IMO.

 

Also IMO, first time Hawaii visits should plan on going to the PCC and later going to a more conventional luau. This is what we have done multiple times we went to the PCC. IMO, the PCC is for learning and family entertainment (no drinking for example since it is owned by the Mormon Church), where standard luau's are more of an "eat, drink, and be merry" type of experience. The shows can be very good, but the whole experience is very different. My recommendation, go to the PCC, and then go to the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui if possible. I know we are talking considerable money here, but there truly are major differences.

[WatchHill]

We just returned from 6 days in HI pre-cruise. Upon arrival, we reserved a limo for our transfer to the Hyatt Regency. Given the long flight and lack of sleep, we waited until the following morning to pick up our car. Since the hotel is further along the Waikiki strip, turning left and around the block was easy at 9:30 AM and not much traffic. All of the traffic was heading into the city. We drove across the island and headed along the coast to the PCC. There was one traffic mess - a truck driver's funeral that blocked traffic for miles. It added an extra hour to our drive to the PCC. We arrived close to noon and checked in with our reservation numbers for the Ambassador level package.

Our package included a guide who directed us through each island adventure experience, answering questions and explaining each culture. IMO, without the guide, we would be wandering around, missing the presentations.

We did prime dining - not a luau, but a large buffet. Food was good and plentiful. After the meal, we went to the theater to see the show. Yes it was fantastic. Given the total cost, this was probably one of the best values for a full day adventure.

Our return drive took all of 45 minutes.

 

Darcy

[Ilovesailing]

We have done PCC a couple times with different friend's the only way to see every thing is to book vip package that includes an escort, they will take your from one village to the next in a timely manor so that see their mini shows with vip seating.

You'll get your choice of sit down meal or buffet we chose the buffet and it was fresh, large, plentiful, shrimp, crab legs etc. Then do the evening show not to be missed called "Ha The Breath of life" just a beautiful story and you'll get vip seating for it as well, its a 3/4 round theater so the earlier you book chances are you'' get front row seats.

For an extra $30 pp you can take their motor coach from major hotel or certain streets we like the bus because your sitting up high for a great views of the north shore. It's also approx a 90 min drive each way. The drive back can be hectic with bumper to bumper traffic so sit back and have a nap. If you do the bus sit on passenger side for ocean view.

just can't say enough about PCC!

Last comment I forgot is that PCC doesn't open till around 11am. and skip their luau as you'll see the fire show portion in the "Ha" show and it's the highlight of their luau.

Edited February 14, 2014 by Ilovesailing

[cruiser2015]

I was at the PCC a long time ago (1978!). We will be on the POA in July. We are also staying in Honolulu 3 days pre-cruise. I am leaning towards avoiding the rental car hassle - particularly for multiple days - especially with the high cost of parking. Even if you are considering a one day rental, I don't know that an in town agency would be open when you return from PCC (after 10PM).

What I found that appeals to me is on the PCC website. They call it the Circle Island Tour. It's an all day affair, with hotel pick up that makes 10 stops starting around the Honolulu area, then across the island, around the north shore beaches and to the Center at 12:30. Then you have all afternoon there, followed by dinner (if chosen - you have assorted meal/show options). Then bus back to hotel. And they discount the price if booked in advance.

[Ilovesailing]

I was at the PCC a long time ago (1978!). We will be on the POA in July. We are also staying in Honolulu 3 days pre-cruise. I am leaning towards avoiding the rental car hassle - particularly for multiple days - especially with the high cost of parking. Even if you are considering a one day rental, I don't know that an in town agency would be open when you return from PCC (after 10PM).

What I found that appeals to me is on the PCC website. They call it the Circle Island Tour. It's an all day affair, with hotel pick up that makes 10 stops starting around the Honolulu area, then across the island, around the north shore beaches and to the Center at 12:30. Then you have all afternoon there, followed by dinner (if chosen - you have assorted meal/show options). Then bus back to hotel. And they discount the price if booked in advance.

 

It's a great tour we have done it separately some great stops, the good thing is there is not a lot of walking to make you too tired for PCC

[CaribbeanBound]

We lived in Honolulu for 18 years. I agree with almost everything mentioned above. sptrout's advice is dead on.

 

Note: There's NO WAY it only took just 45 minutes to get back to the ship (or Waikiki) on the South Shore from PCC on the North Shore. Thomas Magnum can turn left in Laie and end up in downtown Honolulu, but it doesn't work in real life. It's at least 60 minutes. (And I wouldn't schedule any less than 90 minutes to beeline it back).

 

My observations to get the most out of this trip to PCC:

1. drive and enjoy a few stops along with way (although if you do, schedule about 2.5 hours to get there), or take the Circle Island Tour as suggested by Cruiser2015.

2. enjoy all of the islands in the park. Each island represents a different island nation. Lots to learn with hands-on activities.

3. stay for the night show. It is indeed the highlight and it's very good.

4. do try to schedule a real luau somewhere else on another day. The luau here will get you fed but it sure isn't a good luau. If you think of it as a low-end buffet with local foods, your mind will be in the right place.

 

Here'a link to the PCC: http://www.polynesia.com/

Edited February 15, 2014 by CaribbeanBound

[agabbymama]

I'm going to go against the tide here, and say I didn't think the nightly show was all that great. Reminds me too much of Vegas Shows and Cirque d'Sole type shows. Just not my thing. I much preferred the Parade of Canoes with the Brigham Young students portraying the different Island dances.

 

Our first trip to PCC, we did go to the buffet and the nightly show. Our second and third trips, we visited Paradise Cove Luau & Germaine's Luau instead (more typical Hawaiian Luau). Only visiting the many different Islands in PCC and being sure to participate in all the activities and the parade of Canoes. You can learn the hula, weaving the reeds, tasting poi, etc. And you can still eat at the buffet, I like that it is separate from the show and you don't have to go to the show if you don't want to.

 

Regardless of what you choose to do, enjoy your trip to Hawaii. Aloha!

[CaribbeanBound]

I had forgotten about the parade of canoes. Yes, that is good fun and worthwhile.