We’ve all been there – running for the shade and trying to avoid the endless summer heat while vacationing, struggling to enjoy the sights while steering clear of the sun’s piercing rays. However, there’s no reason to let the high temperatures stop you from making the most of your visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Here are five tips to beat the heat while on your trip to one of Hawai’i’s most popular attractions:
1. Dress to the Nines (and for 90 °F weather)
Know How to Accessorize: Hats, Sunglasses, and Umbrellas
Take the shade with you as you go! A wide brim hat or baseball cap is a great choice to keep cool while touring the different Pacific Island villages. Because many of the demonstrations and hands-on activities are outside, wearing sunglasses is essential for getting the best view of the shows while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Umbrellas are perfect for rain or shine; Oahu’s humid environment can go from rainy to sunny within minutes. Consider bringing an umbrella with you when coming to the island or purchase one at our gift shop.
Light and Loose Clothing
Dressing comfortably doesn’t always mean sacrificing style. The Polynesian Cultural Center stores carry many traditional Hawaiian clothing items that define the phrase, “fashion meeting function”.
The stores include traditional styles such as lavalavas, sarongs, and aloha shirts that are perfect for embracing your inner islander and keeping cool while on vacation.
You can bring your own or purchase items online from our wide selection of clothing and accessories at or in person at the Hukilau Marketplace.
2. Great spots to beat the heat
Although the PCC provides an authentic cultural experience, the Center provides some areas with air conditioning to ensure guests are comfortable while visiting.
Hawaiian Journey Theater
Hawaiian Journey Theater has air conditioned facilities
Come and see an exciting 15-minute show at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s newly refurbished theater, where the comfortable seating and outstanding surround sound equipment offer a truly magical experience.
The 4D action and special effects (available in selected sections of the theater) transports the audience to the cool Hawaiian seaside and educates viewers on Hawaiian cultures and values.
Samoan Fales
Samoan fale house designed for natural air conditioning
The traditional Samoan homes known as fales featured in the Polynesian Cultural Center’s village are built with natural air conditioners. The fales’ intricate design shields its inhabitants from wind, rain, and sun—a product of Samoan ingenuity.
Make sure to take a stop and learn about the culture of Samoa while in the comfort and protection of a fale.
Click here to read an article describing how they work!
Ukulele Experience
Learn history and get a free lesson
Located in the Hukilau Marketplace, the “Ukulele Experience” exhibit offers an educational experience of the beloved instrument and showcases a variety of ukuleles available for purchase.
Alfred Grace, PCC President and CEO, commented, “We have designed the ‘Ukulele Experience to appeal to all ages, residents and visitors alike. All you need is an appreciation for music and a love for Hawai‘i.”
Come get a free ukulele lesson and cool off in the air conditioned building!
3. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with a Frosty Treat
You can’t visit the Polynesian Cultural Center without stopping for a sweet treat at the Hukilau Marketplace, located near the ticketing office!
Tutu’s Sweets
Dole whip ice cream found at Tutu’s Sweet Shop
Pop into Tutu’s Sweets for delicious made-in-Hawaii confections, which include freshly dipped chocolate macadamia nuts, cotton candy, and cookies. Order a chilly Dole Whip, known for its distinct pineapple flavor created by the Dole Company in 1968.
Refreshing treats around the Pavilion
Mango otais from Fia Fia Farms include pineapple, coconut, mango and lilikoi
At the Fia Fia Farms stand, you can try ‘otai, a polynesian fruit drink, that serves as a great summertime refreshment. Other frozen desserts include shaved ice and ice cream, which can be found at the Beachside Shave Ice and Elsie’s Aloha Ice Cream stands.
So’Da Bomb
Icy soda mixes keep you cool and hydrated
Trying to find a place to get a refreshing, tropical drink? Look no further! So’Da bomb features over 30 soda flavors that you can mix to create your ideal beverage. This location is the first and only soda truck on Oahu, so make sure to stop by and grab a delicious soda to cool down.
4. Leap in a Canoe at the Lagoon
Visitors paddle canoes around lagoon at PCC
The canoe tour is a fun hands-on activity for the whole family. For the month of July, join experienced canoe paddlers and jump into a four-person canoe and race around the man-made lagoon. *Warning: You may get wet while paddling!
5. End the day relaxing at the “HĀ: Breath of Life” Night Show
HA: Breath of Life show with fireknife dancing
This is one evening show you can’t miss! After spending the day touring around the villages, enjoying the delicious food, and shopping for souvenirs, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “HĀ: Breath of Life” night show is the perfect way to end your day. The show features over a hundred Polynesian dancers to share a timeless story of hardship, love, and growth. The beautiful Pacific Theater is open air, yet provides a full cover from ‘the elements’, which allows you to comfortably watch the stunning cultural performances and daring fire dancers—a truly “cool” experience.
Lacey Westphal, a biology major at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, is driven by her love of learning and passion for the outdoors. She enjoys surfing, soccer, and writing (when she has the time). As a student at one of the most diverse universities in the nation, she is always eager to meet new people and learn about the unique stories they have to share.
I’ll be traveling to Hawaii and visiting the pcc for the first time in September, and I’m worried about one of my kids getting heat stroke so this was helpful!!! I wish they weren’t allergic to fresh fruit or I’d let them try to mango otai, it sounds delicious. I hear it’s also humid during that time of the year, is there any way to beat the humidity headaches?
So glad we were able to share this message! During the month of July, we have definitely seen cases of heat exhaustion, the most common of the heat induced ailments,and yes…..September can be equally warm, so it is wise for you to prepare.
The clear cause for the headaches associated with heat exhaustion is dehydration. Carry a water bottle with you, and keep it filled. There are fountains in selected areas around the Center (mostly adjacent to our restrooms). If you have a small freezer where you will be staying, you may even consider grabbing a portable cooler and placing frozen water bottles inside it to carry with you for the day. Please remember, however, that except for water, outside food and drink is not allowed in the ticketed areas of the Center.
What you should avoid would be sodas. The high sugar content and carbonation will not help. Research from the American Physiological Society found that using soft drinks to rehydrate actually worsens dehydration and increases kidney injuries, compared to plain water or water sweetened with stevia.
Also, as pointed out in the article, protection from the direct sun is a must. A brimmed hat and light loose clothing to keep from getting burned and allows for air flow to prevent excessive sweating is also very useful. Stopping to enjoy the areas pointed out in the article throughout the day will help immensely in order to lower the body temperature.
Now, to take care of a headache. According to an article in Medical News Today, it is recommended to “increase fluid intake to replace lost electrolytes with a sports drink, temporarily decrease physical activity and avoid heat to reduce sweating, While (these) measures may treat the dehydration, it can take a while for a dehydration headache to be totally relieved. For fast relief, a person may want to take an acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain.”
My wife and I visited the Center for our 40th earlier this year. I understand that you are addressing the “heat” aspect of visiting this time of year but plan and prepare and DO IT! We payed up a little and took the super ambassador tour it was so worth it. Honestly treated like royalty?. Great job from our guide from BYUH. One of many great experiences in HAWAII.
So glad you enjoyed your visit. Yes, this is a ‘do not miss’ opportunity!
Thankyou for the advice and recommendations
My family and I were there just two weeks ago, and it was wonderful that the various snack bars will refill, at no charge, personal water bottles (hydroflask/canteens). THANK YOU!!!
Excellent point! So glad you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you hear again in the future.