Polynesian Cultural Center worth it without luau?

[CruisingGoddess]

I'm already doing the OLL luau and don't think I'd want to do another one at Polynesian Cultural Center. Do you think it's worth a trip to PCC without the luau? Is there enough stuff to do at the villages and stuff to make the trip worth it? If so, how much time do you think I'd need to spend there?

[sptrout]

The show at the PCC is very different IMO than any other luau show. I have visited the PCC twice and both times have went to a more standard luau later during the trips. Very different experiences, the PCC more history, others more of a party.

 

However, to answer your question more directly, I would not go to the PCC without seeing the evening show. The trip to the PCC is an all day deal (with travel time) so it is a major investment of your vacation time. The "Villages" and other attractions will take all afternoon (they open at noon, or at least they did the last time I was there). If you are going to be there all day you might as well stay for the show.

[LJH1]

I'm already doing the OLL luau and don't think I'd want to do another one at Polynesian Cultural Center. Do you think it's worth a trip to PCC without the luau? Is there enough stuff to do at the villages and stuff to make the trip worth it? If so, how much time do you think I'd need to spend there?

They have an evening show besides the Luau. I don't know what its called now but we saw it in 2008 it was called "Horizons" and it was a spectacular show.

 

I strongly suggest you do the whole day and if the pocket book allows do the super ambassador pkg. it will give you vip seating for the 7 island shows and the canoe pageant. The best thing about the pkg is that they will get you from one village to the next (with an escort) in a timely manner so that you don't miss anything. We also did the buffet dinner which was fantastic and they had very large jumbo shrimps with cocktail sauce (all you could eat)as well as king crab.

Its a long day but a well worth one that you wont be disappointed, It's also the #1 attraction in Hawaii these days.

[Sherette7769]

We did the luau at PCC and OLL. If you do the whole day at PCC, I would not recommend doing the luau there (food was not as good as OLL). They do have a prime rib buffet in place of the luau, if you want to eat dinner there too.

 

What ever you do, don't miss the night show "HA - Breath of Life" .... it's by far the most breath taking show we saw while in Hawaii.

 

If you do all the activities at PCC, you will have a hard time making it to all the activities without the tour guide. If you can afford it, I would say go with the ambassador package. If it doesn't matter to you to get to all the scheduled activities then you wont need a guide, then just watch the time guide closely so you don't miss what you're interested in.

[vbmom87]

We did the luau at PCC and OLL. If you do the whole day at PCC, I would not recommend doing the luau there (food was not as good as OLL). They do have a prime rib buffet in place of the luau, if you want to eat dinner there too.

 

What ever you do, don't miss the night show "HA - Breath of Life" .... it's by far the most breath taking show we saw while in Hawaii.

 

If you do all the activities at PCC, you will have a hard time making it to all the activities without the tour guide. If you can afford it, I would say go with the ambassador package. If it doesn't matter to you to get to all the scheduled activities then you wont need a guide, then just watch the time guide closely so you don't miss what you're interested in.

 

 

I am so happy to hear from someone who has done both the OLL and the PCC. I have heard so much about the OLL, but not willing to rush my limited time in Maui to get there. From what you are saying it sounds like the food is definitely the high point of OLL and the evening show is the high point of the PCC. If that is an accurate assessment, then I am happy with my decision to go to the PCC for the evening show. We are not about food. We are about entertainment. I want to go for the best show. Sounds like that would be the evening show at PCC. I don't know that we will actually do the all day village tour. We may just go for the evening show. My only concern is the long drive back to Kailua where we are staying. It will be a good hour on a dark windy road. Hmmmm. Then sometimes I think we will just pass on the luau. The luau is the last thing I have to plan for my trip. Everything else is in place. This is probably the most difficult decision.

[vbmom87]

We did the luau at PCC and OLL. If you do the whole day at PCC, I would not recommend doing the luau there (food was not as good as OLL). They do have a prime rib buffet in place of the luau, if you want to eat dinner there too.

 

Where could one eat before going to the Breath of LIfe evening show, if they did not eat at the PCC? I asked this once before and was told there is a McDonalds close by. Somehow I think the luau food would have to be better than McDonalds. Do you have another suggestion? The only thing I am thinking is that if we don't eat at the PCC, we are not likely to get good seats at the show.

[Scoop_MSU]

Where could one eat before going to the Breath of LIfe evening show, if they did not eat at the PCC? I asked this once before and was told there is a McDonalds close by. Somehow I think the luau food would have to be better than McDonalds. Do you have another suggestion? The only thing I am thinking is that if we don't eat at the PCC, we are not likely to get good seats at the show.

 

Since I already know how you LOVE to research, go directly to the PCC site itself. They have pictures of the show so you can get an idea of the theater. You are correct in that those that choose the better packages (we got the ambassador) will get better seats. There is an interactive seating chart that will show you what sections are available based upon the package you choose. The seating areas appear to be relatively flat (unlike a movie theater for example) so it looked like to us it paid to get closer to the stage. We're going the Saturday we end the cruise since we're staying over until Sunday for return. And we have to drive back to Waikiki.

[sptrout]

You are correct in that those that choose the better packages (we got the ambassador) will get better seats. There is an interactive seating chart that will show you what sections are available based upon the package you choose. The seating areas appear to be relatively flat (unlike a movie theater for example) so it looked like to us it paid to get closer to the stage.

 

The theatre is not flat like the interactive chart implies. It is actually fairly steep, more like stadium seating. This is one of the reasons that food is not served in the theatre, with the exception of a great ice cream stack during the intermission (extra charge unless you have purchased one of the better packages).

 

You are correct that the better packages get the better seats (closer & center). We bought the Super Ambassador Package for our last visit and we were seated in the first row, dead center.

[sptrout]

Where could one eat before going to the Breath of LIfe evening show, if they did not eat at the PCC? I asked this once before and was told there is a McDonalds close by. Somehow I think the luau food would have to be better than McDonalds. Do you have another suggestion? The only thing I am thinking is that if we don't eat at the PCC, we are not likely to get good seats at the show.

 

McDonalds is mentioned because it is right next to the PCC's parking lot and within easy walking distance. There may be other places to eat, but we will have to let our Hawaiian friends comment because I do not remember any.

 

When you buy your tickets to the show you will be buying specific seats so there is no need to "rush to the gate."

 

As for the food; I to have been to both the PCC and the OLL and others and it is safe to say that the food is not the highlight of the evening. At the PCC, the luau the food is mainly provided to give the visitors a break between visiting the Villages while waiting for the main show in the theatre. During my first visit to the PCC many years ago, the food was basically cafeteria-style. It has only been in more recent years that the PCC decided to provide a "luau" style option. During our last visit about four years ago, we bought the Super Ambassador Package, which included an order-off-a-menu dinner in a private dining area. This meal WAS very good, much better than any standard luau meal that we have had.

[vbmom87]

As for the food; I to have been to both the PCC and the OLL and others .

 

Do you agree with so many others that the PCC has the best live show?

[sptrout]

Do you agree with so many others that the PCC has the best live show?

 

Based on the shows that I have seen, no one else is even close.

Edited April 9, 2010 by sptrout

[Scoop_MSU]

The theatre is not flat like the interactive chart implies. It is actually fairly steep, more like stadium seating. This is one of the reasons that food is not served in the theatre, with the exception of a great ice cream stack during the intermission (extra charge unless you have purchased one of the better packages).

 

You are correct that the better packages get the better seats (closer & center). We bought the Super Ambassador Package for our last visit and we were seated in the first row, dead center.

 

Good to know - having not been there, my only point of reference was the short movies they have posted on their website. All about angles I suppose. Our ambassador package appears to have us in pretty good seats.

[LJH1]

Here is a link to a bunch of reviews from TA

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60656-d1083842-Reviews-Polynesian_Cultural_Center-Laie_Oahu_Hawaii.html

[CruisingGoddess]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!! EXTREMELY helpful! I'm going to have to figure out how we can get this into our schedule for Oahu.

[Sherette7769]

Where could one eat before going to the Breath of LIfe evening show, if they did not eat at the PCC? I asked this once before and was told there is a McDonalds close by. Somehow I think the luau food would have to be better than McDonalds. Do you have another suggestion? The only thing I am thinking is that if we don't eat at the PCC, we are not likely to get good seats at the show.

 

Let me say that the OLL show is excellent and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the time to go while on the island! It's just that the night show at PCC is one of the best we've seen. One the drive out to the PCC, I don't recall seeing any other restaurants other than the fast food next door. They did have other snack type places at PCC, but I'm not sure if they close when the dinner meal starts (since we went to the luau) - I did talk to someone who did the prime rib dinner and like it very much (just wish we had done the same). Sorry I can't be of more help!

[vbmom87]

Let me say that the OLL show is excellent and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the time to go while on the island! It's just that the night show at PCC is one of the best we've seen. One the drive out to the PCC, I don't recall seeing any other restaurants other than the fast food next door. They did have other snack type places at PCC, but I'm not sure if they close when the dinner meal starts (since we went to the luau) - I did talk to someone who did the prime rib dinner and like it very much (just wish we had done the same). Sorry I can't be of more help!

 

We really don't care about food. At first I thought you could just buy a show ticket, but looking at the website, even the least expensive show ticket includes a buffet. We would be okay with it, but then we would be stuck with lousy seats. So, we will most likely buy one of the more expensive tickets to get better seats. I am sure we can find something to eat. I tried emailing them to see if they could tell me about Entertainment coupon availability for the date we want to go, but so far no response. I guess I will have to call them . I am finding Hawaii almost as bad as Alaska when it come to emailing. Most of the sites have an email listed, but so many do not bother to respond. Gets frustrating!

[Sherette7769]

We really don't care about food. At first I thought you could just buy a show ticket, but looking at the website, even the least expensive show ticket includes a buffet. We would be okay with it, but then we would be stuck with lousy seats. So, we will most likely buy one of the more expensive tickets to get better seats. I am sure we can find something to eat. I tried emailing them to see if they could tell me about Entertainment coupon availability for the date we want to go, but so far no response. I guess I will have to call them . I am finding Hawaii almost as bad as Alaska when it come to emailing. Most of the sites have an email listed, but so many do not bother to respond. Gets frustrating!

 

I do remember e-mailing them too. It took about a week to get a reply, and then they didn't really answer my question - lol! You might be better off calling?

[2bcrsn]

The show at PCC is excellent. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip in 2007. We drove back afterwards to Kailua. It wasn't a bad drive (and it wasn't windy at all for us) as there were still quite a few cars on the road. The only challenge was being tired after having spent the entire day there, but it was an easy drive and took about an hour.

[LJH1]

We really don't care about food. At first I thought you could just buy a show ticket, but looking at the website, even the least expensive show ticket includes a buffet. We would be okay with it, but then we would be stuck with lousy seats. So, we will most likely buy one of the more expensive tickets to get better seats. I am sure we can find something to eat. I tried emailing them to see if they could tell me about Entertainment coupon availability for the date we want to go, but so far no response. I guess I will have to call them . I am finding Hawaii almost as bad as Alaska when it come to emailing. Most of the sites have an email listed, but so many do not bother to respond. Gets frustrating!

 

The PCC has their own snack bar set up much like you would find at a theme park.

[vbmom87]

The show at PCC is excellent. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip in 2007. We drove back afterwards to Kailua. It wasn't a bad drive (and it wasn't windy at all for us) as there were still quite a few cars on the road. The only challenge was being tired after having spent the entire day there, but it was an easy drive and took about an hour.

 

Yes, that is my concern, being tired. I understand you have to ask for caffeinated beverages. I must remember to do that!!! At least there will not be any alchohol to compromise our driving skills. Glad to hear you considered it an easy drive. That is encouraging.

[vbmom87]

Just spoke with a reservations at the PCC to see how the Entertainment Coupon works. You buy one package ticket at regular price and you save $45 off the second ticket. So for us, if I buy the two entertainment books now at the current promotion price of $25 for two books, I will save $90. Not too bad. Would be nicer if it was a true buy one get one free.

[LJH1]

Just spoke with a reservations at the PCC to see how the Entertainment Coupon works. You buy one package ticket at regular price and you save $45 off the second ticket. So for us, if I buy the two entertainment books now at the current promotion price of $25 for two books, I will save $90. Not too bad. Would be nicer if it was a true buy one get one free.

 

I would double check that they (PCC) will allow two coupons to be used towards one booking.

[vbmom87]

I would double check that they (PCC) will allow two coupons to be used towards one booking.

 

I did ask and he said I would need two coupons for 4 people. Of course, I know enough to know that the next person I talk to could tell me something different. ;)

 

Surprisingly I also got an email back today and I had specifically ask about using coupons for four adults and she replied that yes, I could use them. We will see what happens when I call back to reserve my tickets.I am currently deciding what package we want to purchase. Sounds like the Prime Rib is the best menu from what I have been reading. Of course I am a vegetarian, so it won't much matter for me. I forgot to ask if they have a choice for the vegetarians. Will have to ask that too.

[jillyfish]

Per PCC website:

Super Ambassador Dining: "features the finest levels of dining and menu selections"

 

.............first item listed on menu..............Jell-O and cottage cheese !!!!!! :p

[elkea]

The show was good and the luau was ok, but spending the whole day at PCC was a total waste of time. THey spend about 4 hours taking you to various artificial "villages", then you wait 1 hour to be let into the luau which lasted about 1 hour before they take you over to the show. The "villages" were completely boring and if you wandered around by yourself there was NOTHING to do. They only do a little presentation at each of the "villages" when a large group is taken there. We were so upset that we had chosen to go to the PCC for the whole day, as we felt like we wasted 4 hours of our very limited time on our Honolulu port stop there. We could have spent that time either in Hololulu or going elsewhere other than sit at the PCC for 4 hours. If you go to the PCC only go for the luau and show. DO NOT go for the "villages" tour--this is very artificial, boring, and if you want to walk around on your own they look at you funny and keep asking you if you are ok. I felt like we were being held prisoner there and if we didn't go along with the group that we were looked at as being somehow strange. We felt very uncomfortable and were glad to leave.:mad: