On a trip to Hawaii with my best friend and her family, we decided to visit the Polynesian Cultural center for the Luau.  I pictured beautiful flower headdresses, coconut tops and grass skirts and was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the venue, costumes and presentation of the food.

Originally known as the ‘aha aina, meaning “gathering meal”, the luau was initially a religious ceremony where Hawaiian delicacies were only permitted for the King and his elite.  It wasn’t until 1819 when King Kamehamhea II dismissed the ancient ritual restrictions and allowed the commoners to celebrate a “new feast.”  The luau celebration included reef fish, pork, bananas and moi, the fish of the Hawaiian kings.  One of the most notable dishes prepared for the celebration was chicken wrapped in taro leaves and baked in coconut milk. Over the years, the locals incorporated the Kahlua pig and poi, a purple food made from taro root and coconuts which are served at luaus today.

An interest in Hawaii’s culture and cuisine was brought about by an increase in tourism.  Local Hawaiians were happy to share their customs by offering tourists the opportunity to attend a luau to include a traditional hula dance and customary dishes.  We were excited to see the ancient Hula Kahiko as well as the evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life.”

We decided to purchase the buffet to have the opportunity to sample all of the foods provided.  With a variety of entrees, side dishes, fruits and desserts, we knew we would not be going home hungry.  For the entrees, we could choose from Imu Pork, Island Chicken with Huli Huli Sauce (a marinade made of pineapple, soy sauce and ginger), Baked Chicken, Poke Bar (Tuna and Clams), Lomilomi Salmon (Tomato and Salmon salad), Teriyaki Braised Beef, Aioli Glazed White Fish, Kalua Pork and Vegetarian Chili.

Our sides included the choice of Hawaiian Fried Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Poi, Steamed Rice, Honey Roasted Sweet Potato Topped with Coconut and Taro Rolls with Butter.  The Salad Bar offered Gourmet Blended Greens, Cucumber Salad, Papaya Seed Dressing, Ranch Dressing, Spicy Kimchee and Macaroni Salad while we could enjoy unlimited watermelon, grapes, papaya and apple bananas.

Of course we had to save room for the pineapple bars, but could also choose chocolate cake, haupia (coconut pudding) with toasted coconut, bread pudding and sugar-free cheesecake (upon request).

Our evening was spectacular with customs, culture and cuisine. The light show and hula dancing kept us on the edge of our seats followed by the enormous spread of local delicacies.  It was an amazing experience where we enjoyed the show, ate until we couldn’t force another bite and enjoyed the gorgeous food displays and servers.  That night, I definitely ate like a king.

Have you visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, attended a show and enjoyed the luau?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading my short post about visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha
Hwy Laie, Hawaii  96762
Telephone:  800 367 7060

• Admission Fee:  General Admission:  $64 per adult and $52 per child; Package Deals:  $90 – $243 per person (depending on the package); $72 – $195 for children (depending on the package);
• Hours:  The Center:  Open Monday to Saturday from 11:45AM to 9PM; Closed Sundays. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day;   Hukilau Marketplace:  Open Monday – Saturday from 11AM to 9:30PM, Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
• Lunch and Snacks: BBQ Lunch Buffet is held at Hale Aloha;  Fale Popo (Samoa Village); Carvers Workshop (New Zealand Village); Tahiti Snack Bar; Tonga Snacks (Tonga Village)
• Amenities:  Day experiences o include Island Villages, “Go Native” Activities, canoe rides, mission settlement, canoe pageant, Laie and Temple Visitors Center tour, Hawaiian Journey, Evening show, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, dining options, special events and educational programs
• Length of the Tour:  1 – 3 days depending on the package deal or general admission ticket purchased.
• Tips for Your Visit:  Review the schedule prior to your visit so you don’t miss any of the events, prepare for the weather (it can cool down at night), visit each of the islands, pick up a passport for the children, arrive when the center opens, interact with the performers, watch the canoe pageant, see the show and enjoy the traditional luau.

Where to Stay:

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
2885 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai’i  96815
Telephone:  808 922 1700

Where to Eat:

South Shore Grill
3114 Montsarrat Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai’i  96815
Telephone:  808 734 0229

Voted the best fish tacos on the island, I could not wait to order a couple and decided on the Grilled Cajun Ono Fish with Aioli….absolutely delicious!  The chips and homemade salsa was a hit as well!

What to Eat: 

• Kalua Pig:  Hawaii is famous for its Kalua Pig, similar to American pulled pork.
• Poi:  Made from taro root which is similar to a potato, the poi we sampled was “pounded” into a thick starch.  This cooking technique results in a sticky pudding-like dessert which is purple in color.
• Poke:  Similar to Japanese sashimi, yet the fish is cut into chunky cubes and usually served over a bed of rice.

What to Read: 

• Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku by David Davis
• The Tattoo by Chris McKinney

Photo Guide for Oahu:

• Diamond Head Crater Hike:  360 degree views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean
• Hanauma Bay:  underwater photos, photo of the bay from the parking lot
• Kualoa Ranch: Jurassic Park scenery
• Kualoa Regional Park and Mokoli’l Island: Palm trees and the triangle island
• The Pineapple Plantations:  Take the inland route from Waikiki to the North Shore and stop at Dole Plantation
• Sunset Beach and Pipeline:  the North Shore is the perfect location for surfing, so you will find LOTS of surfers here.
• Turtle Bay:  surfers and sunsets
• Waikiki Wall and Beach:  palm trees, surfers and highrise buildings, sunrises and sunsets

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