Polynesian Cultural Center Luau

[mingo]

We are arriving in Honolulu on Wednesday afternoon - November 24th. We would like to do a luau for dinner and the cultural center was recommended to us. Does anyone have informaion on this?

[Divetex]

My wife and I went to the PCC luau two years ago and enjoyed it. I understand that it has been upgraded since that time, so it should be even better now. Just don't miss the night show afterwards. If you decide to not do the PCC luau, you might check out Germain's. I've read some good things about it, too. Hope this helps.

[bambam]

Pebbles and I went in Febuary, and it was outstanding. If you go to the PCC website, you can pick and choose between several ticket options, we went with the luau and after dinner show. :)

There are two-different shows, the luau specifically giving history about luaus, with colorful cast costumes, songs, and the ceremonial "Royalty Parade" and the popular "digging-up" of the pig. I would caution that you need to make sure you get into the buffet lines early as at our luau, something happened with the pig and not everyone got some of the pork. :mad: The PCC offers tickets to a buffet dinner that does NOT include the show (several folks were upset they bought the wrong tickets), so choose wisely... The luau tickets also include a flower leis and a photo op (for more $$, we declined). Also, the lines for the luaus start early, the earlier you get in line, the closer to the front stage you will sit, but I dont recall there being a bad table anywhere (no poles to contend with). Bring plenty of film/memory for the luau, pictures are allowed.

As for the evening show - that was something else.. an eye-popping historical tour of the 7-tropical nations with exhibits of their dances, costumes and cultures, with an intermission (chances for b-room breaks and to buy sherbert filled pineapples), culminating in a fire-dancer that is world-class - the fire torches are thrown to the dancer from atop the pavillion - maybe a 100-foot or more throw (I kid you not....) :eek: Note: FLASH PICTURES ARE NOT ALLOWED for the evening show - they parade signs up and down the aisle, if folks continue to take pics, they are escorted out of the facility... Additional note: the seating for the luau is different (first come...) than at the evening show Pavillion where tickets are for assigned seating... they are nearby, but at two-different locations...

The PCC is significantly more expensive than Germaines or Paradise Cove, but I think they offer alot more bang for the buck. Final point - you are on the opposite side of Oahu from Waikiki, so you will have a 60-90 minute ride back to the hotel areas. If your trip to Hawaii is a once-every 20 year opportunity, I would suggest a full day at the PCC - you will walk away with a totally different and informed view of the Island cultures... :)

[cctexan]

Well said, BamBam.....especially about the sherbet-filled pineapple! My mouth waters at the mere thought.

[bambam]

Thanks CCTexan!!

As a follow-up, We did the Alii Luau ticket option, and I would say that the Samoa villiage was our favorite - in fact, the evening fire-dancer was the host of the Samoa village demonstration exhibit, he started fire using sticks - (Survivor wannabes should go here) and showed how to crack open coconuts the old fashion way... and they did a demo of how to climb coconut trees (without using a ladder).

Also, the host of the Hawaii Villiage, Brother Henry(?) is also the host of the Luau, and in the village exhibit, he gives a facinating lesson on Hawaiian musical instruments and their history... including the birth of the ukelele..

Here's their website: [url]http://www.polynesia.com/[/url]

Hope this helps...

[bug_dan]

Bambam,

The host of the Samoa Village, I hesitate to say his name as I'm not really sure, was there in 1988 when we first went to the PCC,so he's been doing the fire dance at least 16 years. We've been back several times since and he definitely can entertain the crowd. He is actually a chief in Samoa. We've done just about all the dining venues they have, although now I understand there is a new one, where you can pick from several entrees.