Polynesian Cultural Center

SUPER AMBASSADOR
Includes souvenir kukui nut lei greeting upon arrival, personal guided tour of the villages, private canoe tour, optional backstage tour and reserved seating at all village presentations, Pageant of the Long Canoes afternoon show and admission to "Coral Reef Adventure" IMAX™ at the IMAX™ Polynesia Theater. Ambassador private dining, ala cart menu, front row/center section seating for Horizons evening show, refreshing Pineapple Delight dessert served at intermission and a FREE souvenir CD, Souvenir DVD and Program for each adult.

AMBASSADOR
Includes souvenir lei greeting upon arrival, guided tour of the villages, Pageant of the Long Canoes afternoon show, and admission to "Coral Reef Adventure" IMAX™ at the IMAX™ Polynesia Theater, Ambassador dining buffet, VIP seating for Horizons evening show, refreshing Pineapple Delight dessert at intermission, all of the events in the Admission Luau Show package, and a FREE Souvenir DVD and Program for each adult.

ALI'I LUAU PACKAGE
Includes admission to all villages, Pageant of the Long Canoes afternoon show, optional free tour of Laie, BYU-Hawaii Campus and the Mormon Temple Grounds plus games, arts, crafts and demonstrations. The Ali'i Luau dinner includes Kalua Pork, Teriyaki chicken, Lomi lomi salmon, poi and much more. Admission to "Coral Reef Adventure" IMAX™ at the IMAX™ Polynesia Theater and the evening extravaganza, Horizons!

ADMISSION - IMAX - SHOW PACKAGE
Includes admission from 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm to all villages, "Coral Reef Adventure" IMAX™ at the IMAX™ Polynesia Theater, activities and seating at the evening extravaganza Horizons. Meals NOT included.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Includes admission from 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm to all villages and daytime activities which include Pageant of the Long Canoes. IMAX™ Polynesia Theater tickets AND seating at the evening extravaganza Horizons available for an additional fee in Hawaii. Transportation not available. Must be booked with airfare, hotel or rental car.

SHOW ONLY
Includes admission after 6:00 pm. Reserved seating at the evening extravaganza Horizons.

TWILIGHT AMBASSADOR
Includes admission after 4:00 pm. Admission to all villages, IMAX™ show, Ambassador dining buffet, VIP seating for Horizons evening show and refreshing pineapple delight dessert at intermission.

TWILIGHT ALI'I LUAU
Includes admission after 4:00 pm. Admission to all villages, IMAX™ show, Ali'i Luau dinner and seating for Horizons evening show.

TWILIGHT ADMISSION/SHOW
Includes admission after 4:00 pm and seating for Horizons evening show.

Spectacular night show with a cast of over 100.
"Horizons," the largest Polynesian revue of song and dance in the world, features over 100 native performers from all corners of the Pacific. Dressed in native attire, Polynesians share their histories, traditions and spirit in the same way their ancestors did for centuries. The spectacle's fire knife champions and fire walkers offer dramatic accents to an unforgettable evening.

Hawaii's Most Authentic
Winner of the coveted Kahili Award for preserving Hawaiian culture, the Ali'i Luau is considered the island's most authentic luau. The secluded luau site includes a picturesque tropical lagoon, a 15-foot high waterfall and "imu" (the Hawaiian word for underground oven) in which the luau pig is baked. Though luau guests enjoy the breezy open-air setting of a Polynesian-style hut, the dining room seats more than 500 guests in comfort, even if it's raining outside.

IMAX FILMS

The IMAX™ Polynesia Theater
Now showing at the IMAX™ theater is "Coral Reef Adventure", an inspiring, documentary about the ocean's most wondrous, fragile ecosystems on this planet is shown daily on the Center's 40-foot tall IMAX™ screen.

Show Times:
Coral Reef Adventure is shown daily at 12:30, 1:30, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 (in Japanese) and 6:00pm.

The Movie:
MacGillivray-Freeman's Coral Reef Adventure follows the real-life expedition of renowned underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall as they explore unique locations in Fiji, Australia's Great Barrier Reef — on and near Lizard Island National Park, the fabled waters off Tahiti, and then 200 miles east in the coral atoll lagoon of Rangiroa, French Polynesia.

After diving for over three decades the Halls are concerned with the decline of some of their favorite sites and have captured spectacular images they hope will help raise awareness about the plight of coral reefs, as well as the health of the global oceans.

This amazing IMAX™ film shows how reef animals rely on each other in surprising ways. You’ll dive with the Halls on mysterious deep reefs, swim with hundreds of grey reef sharks, and then zoom through coral canyons while riding a fast current beneath the waves. But sadly, you’ll also swim through vast stretches of bleached coral boneyards and learn more about this underwater devastation.

During the journey the Halls meet scientists and conservationists working to understand and save the reefs, such as Rusi Vulakoro in Fiji and the world-renowned ocean advocate, Jean-Michel Cousteau. Howard and his team, joined by deep-sea ichthyologist (a fish scientist) Richard Pyle, also descend to a dangerous 350 feet in search of deep ocean corals and rare species in the seldom visited underwater realm dubbed "the Twilight Zone."

In Tahiti, the Halls join a local chapter of Reef Check, an international organization of divers who help study local coral resources; and finally, in Rangiroa Howard searches for huge schools of sharks known to live there. The 300 they find, all at once, are a good sign for the health of the whole marine ecosystem.

In addition to traditional island songs, the soundtrack includes music by Crosby, Stills & Nash, and narration by award-winning actor Liam Neeson.

MacGillivray-Freeman first released Coral Reef Adventure in 2003.

Personal souvenir copies can be purchased on DVD at the IMAX™ Theater's Hukilau Store.

Rainbows of Paradise is performed daily from 2:30-3:00 p.m. in two locations on the Polynesian Cultural Center: On the lagoon between the Islands of Samoa and the 1850s Mission Complex; and on the wide section of lagoon between the Islands of Fiji, Tahiti and Hawaii. There are no reserved seats.

Islands of Samoa
Island activities:
Six times each afternoon — at 12:30, 1:30, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 — the Samoans present one of the Center's most popular cultural demonstrations:

Learn how to make fire by literally rubbing two sticks together, how to easily crack open a coconut, the difference between coconut juice and "milk," and how the men do all the major cooking. The young men will also show their strength and agility by climbing 40-foot coconut trees.

Islands of Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Island activities
Four times each afternoon — at 1:00, 3:00, 4:30, and 5:30 — the Maori put on a demonstration that explains the symbolic significance of their beautiful meeting house, unique carvings, facial tattoos, the ancient origins and meanings of sticking out their tongues and twirling poi balls, and other aspects of one of Polynesia's most unusual group of people. You won't want to miss the stirring haka dance; kids will enjoy learning to play tititorea, a Maori stick game designed to develop hand-eye coordination, and kids of all ages seem to enjoy the ta moko area where they can get a temporary tattoo.

Islands of Fiji
Island activities:
Four times each afternoon — at 1:00, 3:00, 4:30, and 5:30 — the Fijians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:

Learn the significance of the lali or log drum, how important the coconut is in cooking, and other aspects of Polynesian island life. Review the wide array of historical weapons and implements involved in waging war upon neighboring islands and villages; that the cowry shells on the ridge mark a house as belonging to a chief, and that only the chief could enter that house through his door. Everyone will also enjoy making Fijian music with derua, a bamboo percussion instrument; or try a game of cibi (pronounced "thim-bee").

Islands of Tahiti
Island activities:
Four times each afternoon — at 1:00, 1:30, 3:00 and 5:30 — the Tahitians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:
Learn both the women's and men's movements in their exciting dances, or just try to stop your toes from tapping to the beat of the wooden to'ere drums. Learn why the Tahitians make both fragrant flower and beautiful shell lei, sample Tahitian coconut bread, tour the garden, even let your kids try some fishing, and more.

Islands of Hawaii
Island activities:
Eight times each afternoon — at 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 — the Hawaiians present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:

Learn not only some basic hula, but also learn of the deeper commitment hula students make to their art, the intricacies of the motions, and the heritage of the hula implements and instruments. Gain insights into the ancient kapu or taboo system that meant men and women ate in separate houses. Learn how taro is harvested, cooked, and turned into the staple food, poi. Of course, you are also welcome to sample some. Observe how women craft leaves and flowers into beautiful Hawaiian lei and other useful items; and then try your hand at ulu maika — Hawaiian bowling, or konane — Hawaiian checkers.

Islands of Tonga
Island activities:
Six times each afternoon — at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 5:30 — the Tongans present their very popular Tongan ta nafa or drumming presentation that actually starts by learning the simple yet graceful motions of a mauluulu sitting dance. For example, you'll learn the difference between clapping with a pati or a pu sound. You can also try your hand at Tongan lafo, a type of shuffleboard game, or even your accuracy with tolo spear throwing.

Islands of Marquesas
Feature presentations:
Two times each afternoon — at 2:00 and 4:00 — the Marquesan's present fascinating insights into their ancient culture:

The Marquesas will enchant you with their ancient style of dancing: You can definitely see the sounds and motions of nature in their choreography, and you won't want to miss the pig hunt dance. Temporary tattoos are one of the most popular things to acquire there; and along with demonstrations of weaving and other crafts, the Marquesan's also share samples of breadfruit in season. Discover what it tastes like.

Your Visit Makes a Difference
Over the years, more than 11,000 Polynesian students have helped finance their educational dreams while working at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Today the Center provides jobs and scholarships for nearly 600 Polynesian students, allowing them to attend the adjacent university. After completing their education, many return to their native islands to provide badly needed services and skills. By visiting the Center, you contribute to their dream.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Center has been Hawaii's top paid visitor attraction since 1977, according to annual state government surveys. Almost one million people visit the Center annually, and over 27 million visitors have arrived since its opening in 1963.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located in Laie on the scenic north shore of Oahu and is open from 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm daily except Sundays. For the best PCC experience, arrive before 1:30 pm. The seven cultural villages close at 6:00 pm.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the Center as a nonprofit entity dedicated to helping preserve the cultural heritage of Polynesia while providing jobs and scholarships for hundreds of students at the adjoining Brigham Young University - Hawaii Campus.

"Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky" -- a 90 minute evening extravaganza -- is the highlight of the Polynesian Cultural Center experience. This famous production is the largest Polynesian revue in the world, featuring a cast of over 100 islanders. The Center also stages daily its "Pageant of the Long Canoes," the Ali'i Luau dinner buffet, complete with imu (underground pit made to roast pigs) ceremony and "hapa-haole" entertainment, and other special events.

The Polynesian Cultural Center features seven Polynesian "islands" in a beautifully landscaped, 42-acre setting representing Samoa, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. A man-made freshwater lagoon winds throughout the Center.

The Center's Gateway Restaurant comfortably seats about 1,000 diners and is the largest restaurant in the South Pacific. A separate fine-dining buffet restaurant, the Ambassador, is also available for guests that purchase the all-inclusive, upscale Ambassador Package.

The "Ancient Legends of Polynesia," the Center's spectacular canoe pageant show, is performed once a day. This waterborne introduction to the multi-talented youth of Polynesia tells of the myths and legends of Polynesia with original music, narration, songs and dance.

The Center's spectacular evening show, "Horizons! A Celebration of Polynesian Discovery," is staged in the Pacific Theater, a 2,770-seat amphitheater with fiery volcanoes, brilliant fountains, multilevel stages and numerous special effects. The Pacific Theater has state of the art electronic lighting and sound equipment.

"IMAX Polynesia" was Hawaii's first IMAX™ theater and now showing at the IMAX™ theater is "Coral Reef Adventure", an inspiring, documentary about the ocean's most wondrous, fragile ecosystems on this planet is shown daily on the Center's 40-foot tall IMAX™ screen.

In its presentation of Polynesian cultures, the Cultural Center highlights the dignity of the Polynesian people; their great sense of adventure and discovery; the prestige of their cultures; and their uniqueness and ethnicity.

Every visitor will experience an extensive Polynesian tour which would otherwise cost upwards of $10,000 were they to actually travel to these far flung islands.

The Center's Treasures of Polynesia plaza sells a wide range of gifts, souvenirs, and authentic Polynesian handicrafts made at the Center or imported from the South Pacific.