Polynesian Cultural Center - A Cautionary Note

I’ve been to Hawaii many times and still thinking about doing PCC or another luau with the kids. Having read this and given the distance from Aulani I’m going to give it a miss. Are there any Luaus that are recommeded?
 
We visited Aulani last week for seven nights. The resort is gorgeous, the food is wonderful (and expensive), the pool and beach were top notch. We rented a car from Alamo which is in the Aulani building and ventured out several times to explore Oahu, the North Shore, the southeast coast and sadly spent close to an entire day at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
We continually read that the PCC is a must do. Well let me tell you the other side of the story...
I can't believe we wasted a day in HAWAII on this boring tourist trap, run by the Mormon church.
Upsells at every turn for photos and food. You're "guides" who you learn are Brigham Young University students, lead you around like cattle to various Polynesian "islands" where you find more native BYU students putting on "shows" purporting to display native culture. Some of the shows were chanting and dancing, others were tacky stand-up routines, they were all embarrassing characatures of "native life."
There was a special canoe show where nothing happens. The luau was boring at best. No hula dancers or fire twirlers. No lively music. Just monotonous arm-waving mormon students. The food was buffet style like you would find at a VFW catering hall.
The drinks were syrupy sweet ice tea or lemonade. We bought a $10 pineapple drink before we realized that it was a just a slushy with no alcohol.
The whole ordeal comprises nearly 8 hours door-to-door.
When you read the reviews about this place, look very closely at the bad ones. They talk the truth. Although many reviews say that PCC is a "must do" or "can't miss" when visiting Oahu.
In reality it is very much the opposite.
Do your research, thoroughly.
Fortunately, I did know that and would never drop a dime there. Cultural appropriation at it’s finest. Go to another culture, try to change their beliefs, then profit on telling you all about said culture. No. Support Hawaiians lwhenever you can.
 
I’ve been to Hawaii many times and still thinking about doing PCC or another luau with the kids. Having read this and given the distance from Aulani I’m going to give it a miss. Are there any Luaus that are recommeded?
The Aulani Luau was a nice surprise. We all loved it! VIP is worth it. Even better I thunk was the one at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki. Stunning views, beach and Diamond Head, delicious food, and tons and tons of history. All Hawaiian cast some are relatives of the historical figures. You can head out into Waikiki after which is so cool at night.
 
You gave a pretty spot on review of the place however had you simply did more research on your part all of the things you are complaining about would have been revealed to you. With that said I can tell you of my three visits to the island and tried not only PCC but also Disney, PCC was the better of the two and was priced less and the food was better.

Disney really up sells you on everything worse than PCC. It is so bad that unless you purchase VIP level tickets your only drink options are water and ice tea. Soft drinks are an up sell. They even have separate entrances to the event where if you don't have VIP tickets you get to stand there behind the velvet rope and watch the VIP'ers experiencing the various "cultural" presentations and drinking before you are allowed in. Food the PCC had better food.

At PCC visit in the cheap seats we had Auntie, Hula Dancers, and fire dancers we were at the evening show. It was a long drive from Aulani, but in fairness if you wanted to do anything on the North shore, It was a long drive made worse from the road construction going on. North shore = Matsumoto's Shave Ice, Waimea valley AKA Waimea Falls, Dole Plantation, Kualoa Ranch, Climb works zip lining, I mean anything that you wanted to do that was not right in the general area of Aulani took longer travel times on this visit (Feb 22 - 29). That includes going into Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl, Diamond Head, Aloha Swap Meet, Chinatown, this was the worse traffic we had encountered.

It was funny on our first visit 2016 we watched people every evening filing out of Aulani like ants heading straight to Paridise Cove for the luau. This year we had a luau right outside our room each night it was performed. Had island garden view 7th floor went out got the food and beverage of our choice sat on our balcony and had our own little luau. Did the same thing on movie nights it was a blast.

I don't mean to insult anyone here but lets be real here those luau's are put on for us the tourists so that we somehow can feel like we had a real Hawaiian experience. They are shows for entertainment purposes only yes time consuming and expensive.

My 2 cents
 


I don't mean to insult anyone here but lets be real here those luau's are put on for us the tourists so that we somehow can feel like we had a real Hawaiian experience. They are shows for entertainment purposes only yes time consuming and expensive.
THIS.
I went to the islands with my family a lot growing up and we never once went to a luau. It was just too expensive and we saw it for what you said; it was a cash-grab for gullible tourists. If you want to see a more authentic hula show, there are local groups that put them on for free if you spend the time to look for them. Sure, no roast pig, but that's a mighty expensive roast pig when you look at it that way.
 
THIS.
I went to the islands with my family a lot growing up and we never once went to a luau. It was just too expensive and we saw it for what you said; it was a cash-grab for gullible tourists. If you want to see a more authentic hula show, there are local groups that put them on for free if you spend the time to look for them. Sure, no roast pig, but that's a mighty expensive roast pig when you look at it that way.
I don’t consider myself gullible for having enjoyed the luau. Yes it was expensive (us Disney fans should be used to that) but we really enjoyed the entertainment and we got fed. I paid just as much to see Elton John with no food and thought it was worth it. We spent 14 days in Hawaii, so I think I saw plenty of “authentic” Hawaii, but I enjoyed the show too.
 
I don’t consider myself gullible for having enjoyed the luau. Yes it was expensive (us Disney fans should be used to that) but we really enjoyed the entertainment and we got fed. I paid just as much to see Elton John with no food and thought it was worth it. We spent 14 days in Hawaii, so I think I saw plenty of “authentic” Hawaii, but I enjoyed the show too.

Exactly! No one goes to a luau thinking that this is "authentic". It is a show, just like any other entertainment. To put someone down as "stupid" or "gullible" for going to a show is beyond rude. Do we all think that this is the wild west when we go and see the Hoop De Doo Review at Fort Wilderness? It's the same thing.
 


We visited PCC on our first trip to Hawaii back in 2005 (we visited only Oahu on that trip). We had a fun day. I suppose we didn't go in with any real expectations that it was a "must-do." I don't recall the presentations having any tacky stand-up routines (it has been 15 years since then, so maybe the content has evolved). I also don't recall a lot of "up-sells" but, here again, that may just be because it was so long ago (and we likely opted NOT to get any extras beyond attending the Luau and evening show... which absolutely had dancers and a fire twirler... at least back then).

Like I said, we had a fun day there, and didn't really feel ripped off or consciously decide "we're never come back to this lousy place!" But it was more of a "been there, done that" feeling and we haven't opted to visit again on subsequent trips to Hawaii. Plus, we've spent less time on Oahu anyway when we've been back, preferring Maui and Kauai.
 
The Aulani Luau was a nice surprise. We all loved it! VIP is worth it. Even better I thunk was the one at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki. Stunning views, beach and Diamond Head, delicious food, and tons and tons of history. All Hawaiian cast some are relatives of the historical figures. You can head out into Waikiki after which is so cool at night.
Thanks for the recommendation! I will check out the Royal Hawaiian for our next trip.
 
I'm saddened to hear that some people find the lack of alcohol a deterrent or something that would ruin their experience. (I'm not Mormon and I drink sometimes.) But if a person won't enjoy their vacation, or a single day or evening event on their vacation, without a drink ... then maybe that person has a relationship with drinking that should be more closely considered.

As others have said, quite the judgement. With some of the packages approaching or exceeding $200 it would seem quite normal to expect drinks.

I also would expect at the Disney Luau that soft drink beverages and refills would be included. I guess I have a relationship with drinking Coke products that should be more closely considered. Of course not sure if someone can read this from a seat being so high up the mountain. I’m saddened to hear that some people find that judging others based on what they perceive as right or wrong is appropriate. Maybe that person should review their judgements more closely.
 
I’ve been to the PCC twice, once in 2013 and again in 2015. I enjoyed the trip both times for what it’s worth. The level of service and infrastructure investment reminded me a lot of Disney. The park is clean, there are a number of fun activities that are history “lite” but still interesting and impressive, and the luau food is almost decent buffet food. Oh and the upcharging also reminded me a lot of Disney. :tongue:

Folks have commented on it multiple times, but there really is only one part that feels like a stand up act (at least in 2013 and 2015) and that is the gentleman from Samoa. I think what a lot of people are failing to recognize here is that PCC is a tourist trap, but it’s the people that make the story. I’m not involved or very familiar with the LDS church but I will say that when I took the time to have conversations with the actors/cultural reps they all spoke very highly of their experience (even when simply talking one on one.) As a former Jungle Cruise Skipper and actor myself I was fascinated by the performance by the gentleman from Samoa. His act was like a really “clean” and ”tight” performance that hit every time, even though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The majority of the crowd is laughing and having fun for the entire short show. Because my family lived in Hawaii for a bit and I had the opportunity to visit the islands multiple times, I noticed that bits of his act had been repurposed by other luaus etc. When I visited PCC the second time I struck up a conversation with him and asked if the content was his originally, he responded he’s been doing it for nearly 20 years and he’s honored to be copied. Needless to say, he in his own way has developed a new cultures and tradition. One of the biggest challenges in being a Jungle Cruise Skipper is that you’re handed a really terrible script. It’s the skips with the right personality and timing that make it work. So while PCC has its issues, if you look at the individual artistry and support those individuals through personal interest, connection, and engagement it can make the trip worthwhile.

I should add the gentleman from Samoa told me that by working at PCC he was afforded a “free” 4 year degree, room, and board at BYU. He’s a visual artist and his work was quite stunning. I wish I could remember his name and website to give him a plug, maybe someone else has his info and can chime in!


Ultimately having had family who lived on Oahu for a number of years I felt what was presented at PCC, although revisionist in nature still served far better than your typical luau at any resort. (The luau as presented today is far different than anything of historical contextual value. Simply put it’s tourist/tiki culture that puts food on the table for many Hawaiians.) The moral of this is find the artistry in the artist not in the tourist trap! If you want a real taste of Hawaiian culture and history please visit the Bishop Museum. Also for arts and culture: visit the go Hawaii tourism website to see local festivals, performances, etc that may be of interest.

Buy small, be local even when traveling!
 
I’ve been to the PCC twice, once in 2013 and again in 2015. I enjoyed the trip both times for what it’s worth. The level of service and infrastructure investment reminded me a lot of Disney. The park is clean, there are a number of fun activities that are history “lite” but still interesting and impressive, and the luau food is almost decent buffet food. Oh and the upcharging also reminded me a lot of Disney. :tongue:

Folks have commented on it multiple times, but there really is only one part that feels like a stand up act (at least in 2013 and 2015) and that is the gentleman from Samoa. I think what a lot of people are failing to recognize here is that PCC is a tourist trap, but it’s the people that make the story. I’m not involved or very familiar with the LDS church but I will say that when I took the time to have conversations with the actors/cultural reps they all spoke very highly of their experience (even when simply talking one on one.) As a former Jungle Cruise Skipper and actor myself I was fascinated by the performance by the gentleman from Samoa. His act was like a really “clean” and ”tight” performance that hit every time, even though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The majority of the crowd is laughing and having fun for the entire short show. Because my family lived in Hawaii for a bit and I had the opportunity to visit the islands multiple times, I noticed that bits of his act had been repurposed by other luaus etc. When I visited PCC the second time I struck up a conversation with him and asked if the content was his originally, he responded he’s been doing it for nearly 20 years and he’s honored to be copied. Needless to say, he in his own way has developed a new cultures and tradition. One of the biggest challenges in being a Jungle Cruise Skipper is that you’re handed a really terrible script. It’s the skips with the right personality and timing that make it work. So while PCC has its issues, if you look at the individual artistry and support those individuals through personal interest, connection, and engagement it can make the trip worthwhile.

I should add the gentleman from Samoa told me that by working at PCC he was afforded a “free” 4 year degree, room, and board at BYU. He’s a visual artist and his work was quite stunning. I wish I could remember his name and website to give him a plug, maybe someone else has his info and can chime in!


Ultimately having had family who lived on Oahu for a number of years I felt what was presented at PCC, although revisionist in nature still served far better than your typical luau at any resort. (The luau as presented today is far different than anything of historical contextual value. Simply put it’s tourist/tiki culture that puts food on the table for many Hawaiians.) The moral of this is find the artistry in the artist not in the tourist trap! If you want a real taste of Hawaiian culture and history please visit the Bishop Museum. Also for arts and culture: visit the go Hawaii tourism website to see local festivals, performances, etc that may be of interest.

Buy small, be local even when traveling!
The gentlemen you are referring to is Kap Tafiti. He's a wonderful man and a really good artist.
 
The gentlemen you are referring to is Kap Tafiti. He's a wonderful man and a really good artist.

Thank you! I knew someone would remember his name. Looks like he got a website overhaul since I first met him. Everyone should check it out Kap Culture.
 
We went to the PCC once on our trip 3 years ago. We were staying with friends who live on the North Shore so our drive wasn’t far, but traffic still was bad and we ended up only having time to check out a few of the islands before our luau. We found the hands on activities to be educational for the kids and loved the short film about Hawaiian history. The food at the luau was decent and we enjoyed the performance for what it was. The only upsell was the photo before the luau. We had small kids though, including a little baby, so maybe my view of it would be different if we were just a party of adults or had teenagers.
 
We did PCC last summer, just two adults, and found it to be boring. The food was meh. The shows weren't the best. The coolest part was a Football Hall of Fame exhibit. We wound up not having a full table, because a family of six that we were seated with threw a fit about the wait times, and were escorted off premises.

We went to Dole too, but knowing it was a tourist trap before we set foot in the place. Willingly going to a tourist trap, knowing it was all on us, made it better. Plus got Dole Whips direct from the source!

The husband and I are both big fans of poke bowls, and tried so many variations during our trip. It was amazing.
 
I had one good experience at PCC, one disappointing. The better one happened 20 years ago, the disappointing happened about 5 years ago. It got way more commercialized over the time, felt like I was in one long commercial
 
I had one good experience at PCC, one disappointing. The better one happened 20 years ago, the disappointing happened about 5 years ago. It got way more commercialized over the time, felt like I was in one long commercial

What were they selling? I have not been, we chose to skip it on our trip.
 
I'm going to join Team "I liked it" here.

I did know ahead of time that it was run by BYU and that there wouldn't be any alcohol. And I think that if either of those two things are big red flags to you, then the PCC is probably not where you want to go. Pretty easy to find this information as well, although I always recommend filtering out 0, 1 and 5 star reviews as I don't find that they do much besides reinforce whatever preconceptions you might have of a place.

Anyway, I found that the "edutainment" was good, the students working there genuinely seemed like they were enjoying themselves and it was a fun time. Food was fine, nothing special and I enjoyed the dinner entertainment plus the additional show.

I don't doubt that there are better productions out there, and if you're staying at Aulani going to the east side of the island just to see the PCC is probably not worth it. Otherwise, it's not a bad way to spend an afternoon/evening, and probably something people should try once.
 
I had a good time at Polynesian Cultural Center a year ago (July). Took the city bus out from downtown Honolulu, got there about when the "park" part opened (noon-ish). Yes, it took some planning and some criss crossing to get to the various "lands" at the times when scheduled shows took place. I am not up on Hawaiian and Polynesian history so I would hope that the information presented was factual and also not a rare exception rather than the rule as pertaining to past or present life in the various island groups (Tonga, Tahiti, etc.) represented. Otherwise no harm adding some humor and adding some parallels to current events into the story telling. Lots of static exhibits, think: walking trails at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

There is plenty of history to tell so it would not be unusual to get a story on a different aspect of life or culture if you visit again and a different person was the docent or narrator.

I did not stay for the luau. Left shortly after the park part closed (six-ish). Had dinner "off site" (Kaneohe).
 
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