Before we started exploring the villages, we chanced upon the daily Canoe Pageant wherein native Polynesians in colorful costumes danced atop canoes.
The pageant starts with the throwing of petals (just forgot what the significance of this is).
Then one after another, each Polynesian group performs their native dances.
From Hawaii -
From Tonga -
From Tahiti -
From Aotearoa -
From Samoa -
From Fiji -
Each of the groups has its own distinct moves and beat.
After the Canoe Pageant, we visited the villages. There are scheduled presentations and activities per village. For Samoa for instance, we witnessed how Samoans can create fire with wood.
You can also try to do it yourself after. Check out this Japanese who successfully tried it.
We also saw Samoans display their agility in climbing a coconut tree. And it isn’t just any coconut tree – it’s a very tall coconut tree!
Per village, you can also try their native food. For Samoa, they served this dish that had banana, sweet potato and some kind of leaves.
Activities per village differ like they’ll teach you how to dance, demonstrate how to play the drums, teach you how to throw a spear, etc.
While at the Polynesian Cultural Center, just explore the grounds. You might just see surprising things like this turtle-shaped landscape.
Or what seems like a big boulder is actually a Tiki.
This tall structure is the House of God in Fiji during the pre-Christianity period.
And these Tikis are actually burial grounds for high-ranking chiefs and the stone statues represent each one of the chiefs. But of course, these are just replicas.
We also went to the Luau in the evening. Here’s the food at the Luau. Finally tasted Kalua Pork – their version of roasted pig (aka lechon). For dessert, I loved their guava and coconut cakes.
We also went to watch their show called “Ha: The Breath of Life” (pic-taking is not allowed though). On the way to the theatre to watch the show, there’s also a marketplace where you can buy souvenirs.
The Polynesian Cultural Center has various packages for visitors. You can opt to just get Admission, or Admission+Luau, or Admission+Luau+Show. There’s also VIP and regular packages. This can range from USD50 (general admission) to as high as USD200+.
We got the package that has Admission, Luau (just regular, not VIP)+Show which totaled to about USD94 (including taxes).
My reco though if you have limited time and want to save on costs, just get the General Admission (USD50) because for me, the village presentations were the most entertaining, and with the Canoe Pageant, you’ll already be able to experience the various dances and music of Polynesia. (Similar dances are also performed during the luau and the show.)
Plus in terms of timing considerations, if you're going to watch the village presentations, attend the luau and watch the evening show, you'll have to stay there from 230pm to about 9pm. Then factor in your travel time - the Polynesian Cultural Center is about 2 hours away (1-way) from Waikiki if you're commuting. Thus, to maximize your time, you can skip the luau and show, and explore other points of interest.).
For the luau, if really want to go to one, try checking out Germaine's Luau and Paradise Cove's Luau. Heard good reviews about them plus the venues are both at the beachside. :)
