Luau - Paradise Cove or Polynesian Center?

[DonaldDuck21]

Was wondering if anyone has tried both luau's and if so which one is preferred? I know the Polynesian center is not close but we will have a car. Love to hear any feedback.

 

[mommy2eee]

We are here now and go to Paradise on Thursday. I bought the Entertainment coupon book which has 25% off coupon for adult admissions (of any level). I liked because of close proximity to Aulani so I can get my drink on and not always be the driver!

 

[Thometake]

It's been years since I've been to the luaus, but I have done both. My cousin who lives on the island and worked in the hotel business had taken us to the Paradise Cove luau because she considered it the best one on the island. Added bonus is that it is close to Aulani!

As I recall, Paradise Cove is great because it is on the beach, so they have a hookilau and traditional crafts and games before the meal and performance, so you really get a lot for your money. You can even watch them remove the roasted pig from the pit where it's been cooking all day in the traditional manner. The whole family had a great time, and I think you will, too.

Polynesian Cultural Center is a great experience for a whole day's visit - I consider it the Disneyland of the islands! It's like a living museum. You enjoy strolling (or riding a canoe) to the various villages that represent the different islands and cultures of the South Pacific. You can watch a villager shimmy up a coconut tree and crack the fresh picked fruit open on a sharp stick. There's lessons on using traditional musical instruments and plenty of cultural history and education blended in with the fun. Because they are not on the coast, the luau and show is a bit more of a formally organized affair than Paradise Cove, so that's probably part of why I prefer Cove over PCC for the luau. pCC's show is very nice, though, and has more focus on history and legends while Paradise Cove's show us centered more on music, dance and entertainment.

As I said, it's been years since I went to the big luaus on Oahu, so maybe another member can give you more updated info.

Either way, if it's your first luau, you're sure to enjoy the experience, whichever one you attend.

Enjoy, and Aloha!

 

[Amw1064]

We have only been to Paradise Cove and we really liked it. We are going back this summer with other friends joining us at Aulani.

 

[HapaDuniani]

I visited Hawaii and Aulani for the first time last year. I purchased tickets to Paradise Cove for two reasons, 1) said to be the best 2) walking distance from Aulani. I am sorry to say, I was quite disappointed with it all. The food was terrible and it was too long. They have many "activities" but I think that's to justify the high ticket price. The hula dancing was the only enjoyable part of the evening for me. The dancers were phenomenal! Especially, the chair hula, quite beautiful! Personally, I think the luau at the Polynesian Resort in WDW is much better than Paradise Cove.

 

[Iggipolka]

We elected not to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center because it is owned by a highly conservative religious organization and thus does not mesh with our family values of inclusion of all types of people and families. In addition, (not that this was a deal breaker), they do not serve any alcohol on their property.

 

[OKWJan]

Has anyone done the Fia Fia show at the Marriott just down from Aulani? I have heard good things about the show and the food and it is also close to Aulani. I would love to hear you feedback, as that is the one we are thinking about.

 

[Mom2disneygirls]

I spent a lot of time researching this. When we went to our honeymoon in Maui had a wonderful luau experience. For us we have decided to go to Chief's luau. I had been debating between the two mentioned here and was between the two and when I went on the discount Hawaii website (linked here on the disboard) it said they were no longer working with Paradise Cove based on the number of complaints they received. Saw many more positives about Chief's so here is hoping it is good as that is what we ended up choosing.

 

[Supplanter]

Polynesian culture center was amazing, we had so much fun I would totally go back right now and its only been a month since we were there. The workers are all students from the actual island nations you are "in" and all the money goes to support them and help their education so they can make their home countries better.

Plus it was sooo much fun.
We fished, played games, danced, made traditional "cloth", started a fire, mashed and ate poi, played drums and other instruments, danced the haka, and so much more all in one day.
Plus the night show is freaking insane! Guys throwing fire all over the place, awesome dancing and just really really well done. I highly recommend it.
Unfortunately we went on the next to last day of our trip or we could've gone back the next few days to do it all again for free with their free for 3 program. I highly recommend the pcc, it is the most authentic experience you'll have in hawaii and it is something that'll make you want to move to the islands.


We did paradise luau the one night too and its cool, it just is what you think of when you think tourist trap. The food was fine, the entertainment was good, it just lacked the soul of the pcc in my opinion.

 

[Supplanter]

We elected not to go to the Polynesian Cultural Center because it is owned by a highly conservative religious organization and thus does not mesh with our family values of inclusion of all types of people and families. In addition, (not that this was a deal breaker), they do not serve any alcohol on their property.

boycotting a business because you dont agree with their beliefs? That doesnt sound very inclusive hahahaha

 

[OKWJan]

Actually, I head the Chief from the Chief's luau at Sea Life Park is the the one that does the Fia Fia show at the Marriott. I think we are doing the Fia Fia because of all the good things we have heard. I will post after we go

 

[Iggipolka]

boycotting a business because you dont agree with their beliefs? That doesnt sound very inclusive hahahaha

I have no problem not financially supporting an organization that promotes hatred against my family structure.

 

[margot31]

I have a few friends who have lived in Hawaii and said Paradise Cove is the one to go to.

My husband and I went when he was down in Hawaii for work and we all really enjoyed ourselves.

 

[karebear06]

We have the Super Ambassador Package reserved for PCC. I've heard many great things about the tour and that it's like World Showcase of the Polynesian Islands. I've never heard of them promoting hatred to anyone though?

 

[ONealFamily]

I have no problem not financially supporting an organization that promotes hatred against my family structure.

Looks like someone doesn't like following the forum rules.

Because of the large number of complaints of personal attacks related to these subjects and inability for many people to keep a civilized conversation when discussing these hot-button topics, politics and religion will no longer be appropriate topics on our forums. Political or religion based posts or threads will be removed, and repeated violations of this rule can result in an infraction.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

We loved the PCC! It's a "not to be missed" in our book!

 

[JennisSilly]

We're skipping PCC and opting for Paradise Cove.

PCC is not for us in many ways.

Plus, I like not having to drive .

 

[nkereina]

My vote is for Paradise Cove, with the two main reasons being that they serve alcohol and it's walking distance from Aulani.

 

[chirogrrl]

This is good information! We are planning on going to Paradise Cove in June. When should we get tickets? Do we need to get them in advance?

Thanks!

 

[nkereina]

This is good information! We are planning on going to Paradise Cove in June. When should we get tickets? Do we need to get them in advance?

Thanks!

My TA booked ours for September already. I believe if you buy online they are non-refundable, but if you buy over the phone, you can cancel and receive a refund up to 48 hours before the show. Ours are refundable through our TA so I didn't think we had anything to lose by booking so early.