Are you looking for things to do on Oahu with kids? Keep scrolling for my top tips and tricks for exploring the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is a top North Shore Oahu attraction.
This guide to visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center with kids was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you looking for things to do with kids in Oahu?
The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular family activities on Oahu. It’s Hawaii’s number one paid attraction and it has been around for 55 years!
In this post, I will talk about our own experiences and give my best tips and tricks for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center with kids of all ages.
You won’t find another activity like it on the island – not only is it a great way to spend your day but also an incredible experience you can have every day of your life. Come explore what makes the Polynesian Cultural Center so special!
There’s a reason why this is one of the best attractions in North Shore Hawaii!
Keep scrolling for my ultimate guide to the Polynesian Center on Oahu!
Don’t want to read? THIS is the best ticket package to book!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu with kids.
Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Tours/Activities
- Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (drive around Jurassic Valley with kids as young as 5yo)
- Private Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
- Hawaii Bucket List Tour (this is a custom circle island tour that’s our personal favorite)
- Toa Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
- CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the top kid-friendly zipline on Oahu for families)
- Secret Island (this is a private beach area with water toys)
Best Kid-Friendly Oahu Resorts
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
- Turtle Bay Resort (this is a swanky resort with incredible kids’ programming tucked away in North Shore Oahu)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Polynesian Cultural Center FAQs
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located in the small North Shore town of Laie. Their address is 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy. Laie, Hawaii 96762. It’s one of the most popular things to do in North Shore Hawaii.
Yes, there is plenty of parking at the Polynesian Cultural Center and it’s totally free. They have handicapped parking near the entrance and there are even charging stations for electric vehicles.
Yes! You can get a military discount for the Polynesian Cultural Center HERE.
What is the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii?
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a top Oahu attraction geared toward families to learn more about Polynesian cultures.
This is the premier Hawaiian cultural center on Oahu. They offer interactive presentations, hands-on Oahu kids activities, a luau, and even a theatrical evening show. Plus, they have stores and restaurants.
It is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon church). They employ students from Brigham Young University Hawaii. Most of these students are from Polynesian islands and this is a way for them to earn money for school.
How Much Does it Cost to Get into the Polynesian Cultural Center?
There are actually a few different Polynesian Cultural Center tickets you can purchase.
If you just want to explore the villages, you can get the Islands of Polynesia package. This does not include any food or evening shows, but it’s a great way to check out this Hawaii Polynesian Center.
There’s also the exclusive Gateway Buffett package (which is my top pick for families)! This includes a buffet dinner and the Ha: Breath of Life Show. Plus, you’ll be able to explore all the villages.
If you want a Polynesian Cultural Center luau package, there are two options. The Ali’i Luau Package offers a luau dinner, tickets to the Ha: Breath of Life Show, a fresh flower lei, and access to the villages.
The Super Ambassador Luau Package offers premier seating for both the luau and Ha: Breath of Life Show, a kukui nut lei, and a reserved canoe ride. Plus you’ll get a guided Polynesian Cultural Center tour through all the villages.
These packages sell out quickly and book several months in advance.
Is There a Polynesian Cultural Center Shuttle?
Yes! You can purchase tickets for the PCC Shuttle if you are staying in Waikiki.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center?
You’ll definitely want to schedule the Polynesian Cultural Center for a day where you have nothing else booked. It’s an all-day activity.
Otherwise, it’s one of the best North Shore Oahu activities any time of the year.
What to Expect at the Polynesian Cultural Center in North Shore Oahu
Hukilau Marketplace on Oahu’s North Shore
One of the first things you’ll see when you arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center is the Hukilau Marketplace.
This shopping and dining center was designed to look like what the North Shore was like back in Hawaii’s Golden Age of the 1950s. They have sit-down restaurants, food trucks, and several shops.
It’s totally free to enjoy this section of the Polynesian Cultural Center, so it makes a nice stop on a drive around Oahu.
FOOD OPTIONS IN LAIE, OAHU
There are tons of tasty food options at the Hukilau Marketplace. And many of them are the ultimate Instagram background because they are so cute and colorful!
- Pounders (farm fresh island style dining)
- Elephant Shack (Thai food)
- Sweet As Ice Cream (New Zealand style ice cream)
- Beachside Shave Ice (20 flavors of shave ice)
- Aunty Emily’s Polynesian Bakery
- Elsie’s Smoothie Shack
- Kiwi Style Fish and Chips (New Zealand style food)
- Guadalajara Grill (Mexican food)
- Delice Crepes (from Tahiti)
- Hale Pop’s (gourmet hot dogs)
- So’Da Bomb (the first soda truck on Oahu)
- Tita’s Grill (plate lunch)
- Tutu’s Sweet Shop (tasty desserts)
NORTH SHORE SHOPPING
The Hukilau Marketplace is also an up-and-coming shopping destination. They also offer live music and dancing daily. And they even do special events like outdoor movies.
Shopping options include:
- Goo’s Plantation Store
- Hapa Home
- Nona’s Tropical Threads
- Kap Culture & Art Gallery
- Amusement Ink (aibrushed tattoos)
- Hukilau Salon
- Magic Memories (photo service)
- Pukana La Creations
- Na Hoku (fine Hawaiian jewelry)
- Pearl Factory
- Polynesian Wood Carving
- Tahitian Treasures
LAIE IS HOME OF THE “SHAKA”
Has someone told you to “hang loose?” Hamana Kalili of Laie, HI originated the unique hand-sign now called the Shaka while working on the sugar mill railroad.
It’s when you extend your thumb and little finger and curl the other three fingers into your palm.
The Shaka has since gone global, spread by surfers, Hawaii residents, millions of visitors, and even U.S. President Obama, who grew up in Honolulu.
JOSEPH KEKUKU STATUE
Do you know that twangy sound in classic Hawaiian songs? That’s Joseph Kekuku’s work. He was born in Laie, HI, and invented the Hawaiian steel guitar as a boy. Then, he traveled the world sharing Hawaiian music through his Hawaiian steel guitar.
He’s one of the reasons Hawaiian music became a global sensation! So it makes sense that his statue would be at a Hawaii cultural center.
Polynesian Villages + Activities
The Polynesian Cultural Center focuses on 6 main Polynesian cultures: Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and Maori (New Zealand.)
Each of these cultures is featured in an Island Village with hands-on activities for kids and cultural demonstrations. These activities run from Noon-6 pm every day.
DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
When you arrive at the Polynesian Cultural Center, be sure to grab a little pocket program. This includes the daily schedule of events, presentation times, and optional activities.
We usually grab a couple so that our kids can help decide where we go and can navigate around the property.
They also have an app you can download.
CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS
Each village offers cultural presentations throughout the day. It’s important to check your program so you don’t miss these.
Usually, people first stop at the Samoan Village since it’s closest to the entrance and has one of the first cultural presentations.
You’ll see how to make fire the Samoan way, get to taste traditional Samoan food, and watch people climb up a coconut tree. It’s very impressive, especially for kids!
Each village offers a very different presentation. At the Hawaiian village, you can learn how to throw fishing nets and dance hula. The Maori village teaches people how to swing poi balls.
CANOE PAGEANT
Something very unique to the Polynesian Cultural Center is its canoe pageant. It’s one of the most entertaining family activities on Oahu.
Every day, the entire park is invited to head to the lagoon to watch a Polynesian show that takes place on boats. Representatives from each Island culture dance on their canoe as they make their way around the whole grounds.
It’s a great activity on Oahu for kids, especially if you aren’t sure your kids can sit through a luau. They updated this canoe pageant a few years ago and it’s even better than ever!
Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Options
If you book a Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center package, it will include a luau. They actually have several different luaus at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Each one has a different price point and offers different perks. And each luau takes place in a separate building. I’ll explain them below.
Note: There is NO alcohol anywhere at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Exclusive Super Ambassador Luau Package
This is the most expensive luau package. You’ll get a private guided tour of the villages, premium seating for the Ha: Breath of Life show, a reserved canoe ride, and a kukui nut lei. Plus, you’ll do the Alii Luau buffet with live entertainment.
Exclusive Alii Luau Package
This is the medium-priced luau package. You’ll get luau-level seating for the Ha: Breath of Life show and a flower lei. Plus, you’ll do the Alii Luau buffet with live entertainment. Check latest rates and availability.
Exclusive Gateway Buffet Package
This is the cheapest package and the one I recommend for families. You’ll get the Gateway Buffet dinner with live music and general seating for the Ha: Breath of Life Show. There isn’t any hula dancing, so it’s not technically a luau. Check latest rates and availability.
Ha: Breath of Life Show
One of the coolest things to do at night in Oahu is experience the Ha: Breath of Life show. It’s a really beautiful theatrical performance that shows how Polynesians voyaged throughout the islands.
They use cool multimedia presentations throughout the show and it’s totally engaging for kids of all ages.
This is NOT a luau, but it features lots of Polynesian dancing and it’s truly mesmerizing.
Why the Polynesian Cultural Center is a Must on Oahu with Kids
Do I think the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the best family activities on Oahu? You bet! If you are looking for things to do in Oahu with kids where they won’t be bored, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie.
Let me tell you why it’s one of the top Oahu activities for families.
IT’S BABY-FRIENDLY + TODDLER-FRIENDLY
It can be difficult to find Oahu activities that can accommodate strollers. Thankfully, the paths at the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Hukilau Marketplace are all paved. Plus, they even have stroller parking throughout the villages.
It’s also easy to find clean restrooms and various snack stations, both of which are a must when traveling to Oahu with toddlers and preschoolers!
When we were there with a toddler, he loved watching the cultural presentations, tasting the food samples, and participating in some of the hands-on activities.
Plus, kids under 4 years old are completely FREE!
POLYNESIAN FOOD SAMPLES
My kids are pretty obsessed with food and they are always game to try a food sample. At the Polynesian Cultural Center, there are opportunities to taste poi, coconut bread, taro, and green bananas.
You can also try freshly shaven coconut, which is always a bit hit with my boys!
HANDS ON CRAFTS
If your kids like crafts, they will have a total blast with all the activities. And the staff are really good about helping younger kids make them.
One of our favorite crafts at the Polynesian Cultural Center is weaving a lauhala fish. It only takes a few minutes to make and your kids will play with it the entire trip!
There’s also an opportunity to get temporary tattoos in the New Zealand village, which is another popular family activity.
You can also do paid activities like stringing a fresh flower lei.
OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE
Many of the villages have areas dedicated to teaching guests how to do something the Polynesian way.
My kids love the Samoan village because they learned how to make FIRE! They have a log, short sticks, and coconut husk and you can move the stick really, really fast until it gets hot. Then, you add the coconut husk to start a fire.
So far, the kids have been unsuccessful, but they have a blast trying! It’s one of their favorite activities for kids on Oahu.
There’s also a place to hop into a Tongan canoe and paddle around the lagoon. Or learn how to throw a spear in the Tahitian village.
SNACKS + TREATS
Is there anything worse than when your kids get hungry and start whining on vacation? Thankfully, it’s easy to refuel at the Polynesian Cultural Center!
There are several snack shops at the park with easy grab-and-go food. There are American staples like hot dogs, or you can try a traditional New Zealand meat pie or Hawaiian Spam Musubi.
And you can even get a smoothie in a whole pineapple, which always perks my kids up after a long day of walking around.
I suggest grabbing snacks or drinks right before the canoe pageant, so you can get energized while watching the show.
Top Tips for Families for the Polynesian Cultural Center Experience
1. Plan on Spending the Entire Day Here
You’ll want to start exploring as soon as the villages open at 12:45 p.m. The way the program is, you’ll need the entire time if you want to do all the presentations.
I suggest either hitting a North Shore food truck or the Hukilau Marketplace for lunch.
Since it will be a long day, I don’t recommend planning a morning activity. Instead, have a more leisurely morning or enjoy a tasty breakfast somewhere.
2. Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray
While there are some shady places, you’ll spend most of your time out in the direct sunlight. So, make sure everyone wears sunscreen and then pack some to reapply throughout the day.
I also suggest bug spray if you tend to get bitten. There is a stream and some lagoons that sometimes attract bugs. But, we haven’t had any issues.
3. Consider Returning the Next Day
Something that a lot of people don’t realize is that you can use your ticket to come back during your trip for FREE. So, if you feel like you didn’t get enough time to do all the villages, you can totally come back.
So, you might want to leave some wiggle room in your schedule if you think this might be a good option for your family.
Note: This is usually a 3-day pass when they are fully operational.
Oahu Polynesian Cultural Center Wrap Up
As you can see, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the top activities in Oahu for kids. There are tons of Polynesian Cultural Center reviews online and most will tell you that it’s a must-do Oahu attraction.
Get your tickets to the Gateway Buffet at the Polynesian Cultural Center HERE.
Looking for more things to do on Oahu with kids? Check out my guides for the Honolulu Zoo, Sea Life Park, Dole Plantation, and Pearl Harbor.
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!