Second guessing my plans for the Polynesian Cultural Center...

[mouseclick1]

DH and I are going to Aulani in April for six nights before heading to Kauai for our final two nights. We went to Oahu 10 years ago with DH's parents and our two boys, who were teens at the time. We stayed on Waikiki Beach, and then we all headed over to Maui. This time it is just the two of us. We did not do the Polynesian Cultural Center on our previous trip, though DH's parents spent the day there and loved it. I wanted to check it out this time and went ahead and booked the Ambassador Package with the prime rib dinner. I was able to get fifth row center seats for the Breath of Life show with the package. Sounded great when I booked it.

I've been questioning whether or not I overdid it. It is pretty far away and I'm not thrilled with idea of the long drive in the dark after such a full day. Also, the food is getting pretty mixed reviews; some are downright terrible. Our package comes with a small group guided tour, but DH and I would rather explore on our own.

I am wondering if I should cancel my tickets and just do the day trip and skip the dinner and evening show. We did do a luau while we were on Maui so we have had that experience before. I would love to hear from others who have gone to the center, especially those who drove from Aulani. Did you love it or did you feel it wasn't really worth giving up a full day?

Thanks!

 

[Midoria]

"Breath of Life" is a show with a plot and characters - so not exactly the same as a luau, but close. The main difference is that luau generally have Hawaiian an Tahitian dances with Samoan fire-knife as their main attractions. The night show also features the authentic music and dances from New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji as well.

I love "Breath of Life", but I'd probably skip it along with dinner. And you don't need the tour of PCC. Each village has people there to talk to you, and they clearly post times for their individual performances so you can plan accordingly. You and the hubby aren't new to Hawaii or Polynesian culture, so I think you'll be able to navigate the park just fine as a duo and learn a lot. Save money and just go during the day.

Side note: My favorite village is Aotearoa because you can actually enter a whare runanga! Plus, Maori have this way of harmonizing that gives me the chills. Try and catch one of their interactive performances while you're there.

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks, that's helpful. Aotearoa is actually the village I am most looking forward to visiting.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

We spent the day there and were personally tired out and glad we didn't do the dinner and the show.

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks. I do think that I am going to go ahead and cancel it. I think the day there will be enough, and we can stop for dinner along the north shore on the way back.