Polynesian Cultural Center

[Disney Mom to Alex]

Has anyone been to the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center? We'll be at Aulani the first week of March and I'm trying to decide on which luau to do.


My last chemotherapy treatment is on Tuesday and we're taking the whole family to Aulani to celebrate being cancer free!!

 

[nifferearly]

Congratulations! You'll have an amazing trip!

We were just at the Cultural Center about 10 days ago. I've heard that their evening show is very nice and they offer a luau before it. We didn't do the luau there because it's a long drive back to the resort and we didn't want to do it after the show ended at 9. It's probably close to 1 1/2 hrs from Aulani. Wasn't bad during the day because we came back along North Shore and were able to see the ocean and stop at beaches.

The Cultural Center was very pretty and interesting. The drum show (in Fiji, I think) was very good. Unfortunately, after a couple of cloudy days, it was extremely sunny and hot when we were there which affected our enjoyment. We would've stayed longer had it been the previous cloudy day. Not sure it was worth $50 (and higher if you do the luau and show) for us. But we went as part of the Go Oahu card (you can buy on costco's website) so it was a good deal.

Germaine's Luau is about a 15 minute drive from the resort. This was included in the Go Oahu card. It was pretty good food and entertainment. Also, you could walk to the Paradise Cove luau from Aulani.

If it affects your decision, there is no alcohol at the Poly Cultural Center's luau. Germaine's came with 3 coupons per person and there was a large selection of drinks available.

 

[Disney Mom to Alex]

Thanks for the info. That's a really good point about not wanting to drive back at night.

The Go Oahu sounds like a really good deal. We'll definitely do that!!

 

[deedisneydream97]

We just returned from Aluani a couple weeks ago. You will love it! We also opted for Germaine's luau. We didn't do the "go" card (ran out of time to research it). Same reason as stated previously...the cultural center was too far away. Germaine's was a quick drive.....although DH and I were a little apprehensive driving there....it is right in the middle of an industrial zone, thought we were lost. What a beautiful location, though (right on the beach). The pig was fantastic, as were the drinks (I gave DH most of my tickets, as I was the designated driver). The luau was definitely "cheesey", but enjoyable. We paid $72 each, but each also received a nice gift bag (a nice insulated lunch bag, with a nice water bottle and some cheesey post cards). It was fun, but don't think I'd go again. We also enjoyed the Starlight performance at disney.....very tastefully done and entertaining. So next time, after the buffet at Disney, we will go to Starlight....kind of like going to Luau without driving. although I think everyone should experience "cheesey luaus" once. Yes, paradise cove is probably a 5 minute walk.

Congrats on your recovery. Aluani is the perfect "gift" to yourself. We are already planning our next trip.

 

[Deweysgirl]

The PCC is a must do. It was one of the highlights of our visit. We also went to the luau and it was fun and enjoyable. Loved everything about this place. Wish we had more than 1 day here, there was so much to see and do.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

We've been to Germaine's and decided it was a mistake. Take the extra time and drive to the PCC. It's far more authentic than the utterly tourist driven Germaine's. (Which doesn't even come close to getting history right).

The food was ok, but nothing what so ever worth the money.

 

[Lissete]

PCC is great fun for all ages. The show in Samoa is our favorite but each area is very informative. The water pageant is great too. Now, the star of the PCC is the night time show; Ha: Breath of Life. It is FANTASTIC!

The luau, on the other hand, was pretty blah. The food was just okay and the "show" was not much of a show at all. During our first visit 5 years ago, we did the prime rib dinner option and it was much better.

Since you are going early in the year, the Entertainment Book may not be a great deal for PCC. Since we go in October, I usually snag the book for $7 or so and the coupon in there is for about $50 off your total.

The best luau in Hawaii, IMO, is on Maui. And I agree, do a luau at least once!

All in all, PCC-yes, HA-Absolutely, Luau-pass.

We have always stayed in the North Shore in the past, but are looking forward to Aulani!

Enjoy your visit and congratulations on your recovery!

All the best!

 

[Dean]

The PCC is a great option, great show and good food. However, it is not the typical Luau experience. There is currently a coupon with the entertainment book options (many have access by various methods) for I think it's about a 2 for 1 discount (? park only) as well as 25% discount for Germaines and Paradise Cove Luau. If one is looking at doing the show, I'd suggest getting reserved seats ASAP. That way you can get he best seats at a lower price level.