The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of Hawaii’s largest and most popular paid attractions, located on Oahu’s North Shore, approximately one hour from Waikiki (south) or Ko Olina (west).

There is so much to see and do on the park’s 42 acres! I thought I’d share my top activities at the center to help you make the most of your visit. But before I begin, let me address a critical question.

Hukilau Marketplace serves food.

Hukilau Marketplace is a foodie’s dream! Outside the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center, there is a dining and shopping experience. It’s the ideal place to fuel up before seeing the site, with a mix of brick-and-mortar eateries and food trucks. Tita’s Grill specializes in hot garlic shrimp, and Kiwi Style Fish ‘n Chips serves fish and chips with hard-to-find-in-Hawaii chicken salt and potato fritters. Tutu’s Sweet Shop, a lolly and candy fantasy, is a must-see.

View the Huki show

Huki: A Canoe Celebration is a spectacular performance in the lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center from 2:30-3pm daily. Seats near the water’s edge are first-come, first-served, so arrive early for a good spot in the shade. It’s a fun 30-minute show with costumed actors on water floats meandering up and down the lagoon telling stories of Polynesian exploration, the town of Laie, and the creation of the Polynesian Cultural Center. The dancing is fantastic, and the music is fantastic!

Hydrate with Fresh Coconut Water

Walking around the Polynesian Cultural Center might get really hot! In addition to the normal measures (cool clothing, a hat, and sunscreen), you’ll need to stay hydrated. The Samoa Village, like a mirage in the desert, sells Fresh Coconuts! The first sip of cool coconut juice was everything. When it’s done, come back and they’ll cut it open so you can taste the coconut meat. Sprinkle with Li Hing Mui, Hawaii’s beloved sweet and salty powder. If you don’t like Fresh Coconuts, try a Pineapple Smoothie served in a pineapple instead. These can be found throughout the park and at the Huki performance on a floating canoe.

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Learn About Hawaii

Allow enough time to explore Hawaii’s indigenous culture in the Hawaiian Village at the property’s far end. During the Presentation, islanders “tell stories” and introduce you to Hawaiian dance, music, and song, so you may learn about Hawaii’s distinctive culture. Visitors can partake in hula classes at a purpose-built hula mound. Play ancient Hawaiian “board” games, learn lauhala weaving, or see poi being produced.

Tonga Laugh Out Loud

The Kingdom of Tonga is the last existing monarchy in Polynesia, and images of Tonga’s royalty can be found inside the Queen’s Summer House. The “Friendly Islands” Tonga Presentation is a comical show in which audience participants are transformed into energetic drummers. This is the spot to put your spear-throwing skills to the test if you’re athletic.

Consider the Samoan Climber.

Samoa gives up another hilarious entertainment, usually hosted by local star Samoan “Kap.” During the presentation, keep an eye aloft as a fit young man climbs a 40-foot (12-metre) coconut tree with ease! Improve your survival abilities by learning how to build a fire with two sticks and how to weave the cutest fish ever out of coconut leaves. Don’t leave without looking inside the domes, which are created without nails to provide natural air-conditioning! Kap is also the resident artist; see his work in the Kap Culture & Art Gallery.

Play Games in Aotearoa

The climax of the Aotearoa Presentation is the Haka, a Maori battle dance. However, there are many games to play in The Land of the Long White Cloud, such as the double-long handled Poi Maori (ball on a string) and the Maori stick game Titi-torea, both of which require strong concentration and hand-eye coordination. Kids love the neighboring Carver’s Workshop, where they can construct their own fish hook replica necklace.

In Tahiti, you can renew your vows.

In Tahiti Village, love is always in the air. Every day at 3:30 p.m., you can see a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony and even participate in renewing your own vows! If you arrive at the correct time, you’ll be able to eat melt-in-your-mouth coconut bread and go pole fishing off the small pier. Discover Tahitian pearls, full-body tattoos, and how to swing your hips in the Tahitian way.

Get in a Canoe

The lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center serves as the main stage for the Huki show, but it also has two water sports. Depending on your energy level, go on a leisurely sightseeing Canoe Tour or go Canoe Paddling. Canoe Paddling departs from Tonga Village; unfortunately, I did not get to participate in this activity, but I witnessed families out on the river and had serious FOMO.

Enjoy the Alii Luau Buffet and the Ha Breath of Life.

The Alii Luau Buffet is included in most Polynesian Cultural Center Packages. Perfecting the meal while serving hundreds of people at a luau is difficult, but they’ve done it! There was a broad variety of cuisine available, all of which was fresh and tasty. I put everything on my plate and savored every bite! Just so you know, there is no booze. There will be no Mai Tais at this luau, but plenty of mocktails will be served in pineapples!

The Alii Luau Buffet includes a show that takes place throughout the dinner. It begins with Hawaiian dance, music, and song before transitioning into a spectacular performance titled Alii Luau Onipaa “A Celebration of Queen Liliuokalani.” It is an homage to Hawaii’s last governing queen and sole sovereign, Queen Liliuokalani. The historical clothes and narration provide a fascinating look into Hawaii’s past.