Experience Old Hawaii At This 42-Acre Tropical Oasis Worthy Of A Pilgrimage
By Megan Shute|Published February 18, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From the first Europeans visiting the islands in 1778 and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 to Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959, the Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history, heritage, and culture. And while the Aloha State has undoubtedly undergone monumental change throughout its history, there are some places where you can still experience old Hawaii, including this enchanting tropical oasis that should be on everyone’s Hawaii bucket list.
Located on the northern shore of Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center, a Polynesian-themed attraction and living museum known for eight simulated tropical villages and phenomenal luau. This unique destination is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii — and even the country. In fact, the Polynesian Cultural Center was named one of the best experiences in the United States in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
A visit to this iconic Hawaiian attraction gives guests the opportunity to travel across Polynesia and participate in a celebration of Polynesian culture across centuries — no passport or time machine required.
Spend the day wandering through this 42-acre tropical oasis, alongside a large lagoon, near cascading waterfalls, through lush tropical flora, and even next to an "erupting" volcano, as you experience the excitement and adventure of the South Pacific Islands.
With six island villages to explore, 81 unique activities, 23 places to eat, 16 places to shop, and more, you may never want to leave the Polynesian Cultural Center. Don’t worry, though: your admission ticket package includes free 3-day readmission to their island villages.
...and toss a spear or paddle a canoe in the Tongan village. You can also learn the significance of Maori tattoos in Aotearoa, the mighty and feared warriors of Fiji, and the romantic wedding ceremony of Tahiti.
Then, dine like royalty at an authentic Hawaiian Luau. A celebration of Hawaii’s cultural heritage, the Alii Luau features live entertainment as well as some scrumptious Hawaiian food, from kalua pork, teriyaki braised beef, and poke to Hawaiian fried rice, poi, and taro rolls. Yum!
Top it all off with one of the most magnificent evenings shows in the Aloha State. Ha: Breath of Life features more than 100 performers from across the Pacific special effects, animation and surround sound, and tells the symbolic story of Mana and his beloved Lani. Polynesian dance, music, and blazing fire knives make this a show you’ll never forget.
Nowhere else in the world will you have the opportunity to experience thousands of years of cultures from six unique island nations in a single day. If you haven't visited yet, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one tourist attraction that deserves to be added to every Hawaii bucket list.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located at 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie, HI 96762, and is open 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed Monday. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook.
