Polynesian Cultural Center Luau
While my parents were here, we had the opportunity to check out yet another luau here on Oahu. We were never able to check them out when they had visited in the past, so this was a first for them!
So far, we’ve been to the Paradise Cove, Hale Koa, and Germains’s luaus. This time around, we spent a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center and ended it with their luau and show there.
The Basics
We purchased the tickets for the Ali’i Luau All Day Package from the LTS office here on post. It came out to $80/adult and $64/child, which was just Veronica, since Adri and Juli were lap children. For what we got, I’d definitely say this was a great price, compared to the other luaus that we’ve been to. We had access to the center from noon until 9:00pm, which included activities in each of the “islands”, luau dinner, and the show “Ha, Breath of Life”.
Pre-Dinner Activities
Prior to dinner, we had the opportunity to wander the Polynesian “islands” that they have set up in the center. We arrived to the center around 1:00pm, and had more than enough time to make it through all of the islands and either participate in an activity, or view a demonstration. I have to say, watching them make coconut milk and oil in Fiji was my favorite.
Seating
Dinner began at 5:30, and it was up to you to make your way to the luau area. Once you were there, it was pretty much first come, first serve. We got there a tiny bit late, so we were in one of the back tables, which wasn’t terrible since there were only two rows of tables.
Dinner
The Ali’i luau meal at the PCC was buffet style, which I prefer. They had a pretty good selection of food, including fish, pork, chicken, and beef. Like every other luau, they had poi rolls (so ono!). For dessert (which I went up for thirds of) they had guava cake and bread pudding. I’d go back just for those.
The Show
Soo.. I wasn’t all that impressed by the luau show at dinner. It was kind of short and didn’t hold my attention. The girls loved being able to get up on stage and dance, as usual.
The show that followed dinner though, Ha, Breath of Life, was pretty good! It went from 7:30 until 9, with an intermission in between. This show seemed to tell a better story about all of the Polynesian islands. Although, the story may have been a bit difficult to follow as a whole. My only complaint was the hour wait between the end of the luau dinner and the post-dinner show.
All in all, we had a wonderful time. It was a long day, but it seemed to go by pretty quickly. Other than Juli’s meltdown at the show. This is definitely a luau that I’d recommend.