1. Prepare for rain
Hawaii, Oahu, North Shore, Surfer exiting water admires a beautiful, bright rainbow. Photo courtesy of Huffington Post
Bring a rain parka or umbrella (or purchase one at one of our many stores). We are on the windward side of the island and can have showers on the sunniest of days. It’s what makes us clean and green! Rain can last a handful of minutes or throughout the day. Our luau and evening show venues are covered, so you won’t get rained out, ever!
2. Easily plan your day with PCC’s app
PCC app opens on a phone. Photo by Rebecca Sabalones.
Download our app for an easy-to-follow GPS map, a schedule of presentations, cultural insights, and so much more. Free through Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Just search for “Polynesian Cultural Center.”
3. Dress comfortably
In Hawaii, it’s common to dress up with an aloha shirt and slippahs (flip flops). Be aware that we are mainly an outside venue and that it can be very hot and/or rainy. Men should wear a shirt and all should wear comfortable walking shoes. If you wear bathing suits, please use a cover-up! To find a cute cover-up, aloha shirt or slippahs, visit our online store. Our on-site stores also have great options.
4. Bring sunscreen
Just in case you can’t bring your own, we do sell sunscreen at the Center. In any case, be prepared!
Oftentimes, some of our guests come or leave with bright pink faces. Most of our venue is outside and even when it is cloudy, use of sunblock is highly recommended. For your benefit, remember to apply it throughout the day. We also sell sunscreen online.
5. Arrive at pick-up point early
One of the mini-buses for the Polynesian Cultural Center
If you purchased transportation from Waikiki to the PCC, please arrive at your designated pick up point 10 minutes early. There may be multiple shuttles arriving. Please check with the driver to confirm which shuttle you are assigned to. If you have any difficulties or questions , call us at 808-293-3333.
6. Come early and get a full day!
Guests can learn to weave using lauhala tree bark. Photo by Melinda Pike.
We have over 16 hours’ worth of activities and shows. Many of our guests tell us they did not get to experience everything. A full-day package comes with a free 3-day pass, so you can make the most of it! Our gates open at 11:45am.
7. Expect to walk
Map of the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center spans 42 acres of beauty, fun and culture. Bring walking shoes! However if you need assistance, we have electric scooters, wheelchairs and strollers for rent.
8. Drink lots of water!
We have water fountains and sell water bottles, if you didn’t bring a bottle. Stay hydrated! Photo by Rebecca Sabalones.
This is very important. Hawaii temperatures average between 75 – 82 degrees year round and the humidity is often high. Plan accordingly by drinking water beforehand and bring your favorite water bottle. Forgot one? No worries! We have water fountains and plenty of shops and kiosks throughout the Center where you can purchase a bottle.
9. Check your tickets when you arrive
Tickets indicate when, where, and seating for your luau and show.
Your tickets will indicate what time your dinner begins so please check them carefully upon your arrival so that you can plan your day accordingly:
- Ali’i Luau: Seating begins at 3:30p for the 4:00p luau
- Ambassador Luau: Seating begins at 5:30p for the 6:00p luau
- Prime Dining Buffet: Doors open at 5:00p
- Island Buffet: Doors open at 5:00p
10. Find your seats before show starts
Pacific Theater seating
Our evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” seating begins at 7:00p. Show starts at 7:30p.
Have fun and share your best memories during and after your visit using our hashtag: #polynesianculturalcenter
Don’t forget to review us on your favorite social media platform (Facebook, Google+, Instagram, etc…) or on TripAdvisor and others!
Nina S Jones
Nina Jones, a mainland gal from way back, is now a transplanted Islander. With her husband of 41 years, she volunteers at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Her hobbies include swimming, traveling, studying and writing about what she is learning from the various Polynesian cultures. Her blogs focus on their history, beliefs, practices and – as an added bonus – delicious food! To her, Polynesia is not just a place to visit, it is a way to live and she is very honored to be able to be a part of their amazing world.
Rebecca Sabalones is a published writer and editor from Indiana. She graduated with a B.A. in Cultural Communications from Brigham Young University–Hawaii, worked as a multi-media journalist and editor-in-chief for Ke Alaka’i, taught English in Taiwan, and worked as a copy editor for The Daily Herald. The islands called her back to Hawaii where she has been occupied with sales and marketing for the Polynesian Cultural Center.
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