Should we go to the Polynesian Cultural Center?

[disneylandmagic55]

I've seen very mixed reviews for the Polynesian Cultural Center. Some people say it was an amazing, authentic experience and others say it's a controversial operation. We are staying at Aulani and we won't be renting a car. Should we go to the Polynesian Cultural Center or skip it?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Eh, depends what you want out of it.

Just know it's a non-alcoholic luau because it is run by the LDS.

 

[starry_solo]

I've been, don't drink alcohol, but it is run by LDS as the PP said. So, not sure how "authentic" it can be....

 

[Kwami]

I've been, don't drink alcohol, but it is run by LDS as the PP said. So, not sure how "authentic" it can be....

I don't think any luau is authentic. They all exist to make money and to promote Hawaiian culture. That's OK. Most of us seem to think that the luau offered at Aulani is pretty good, regardless of how authentic it is.

But the cultural center is a lot more than just a luau. It's like an outdoor museum and it's actually kind of fun. There's a lot of information there and you'll get to meet people from different Polynesian cultures who explain everything to you as you walk around. I enjoyed my visit there. I didn't stay for the luau.

Note that the trip out there and back will take quite a bit of time if you're coming from Aulani, though.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I don't think any luau is authentic. They all exist to make money and to promote Hawaiian culture.

Several are owned by Hawaii natives, which elevates them against colonialist ownership, IMO.

 

[Kwami]

Several are owned by Hawaii natives, which elevates them against colonialist ownership, IMO.

How does being owned by Hawaiians make them more authentic?

 

[AZMermaid]

We did the super ambassador tour and it was well worth it. It was a full day! The evening show was really really good. The luau dinner was just meh, but we had a wonderful day. It was really nice having someone take care of the timing details and we got the best seats to everything. I don't think we saw it all- but I’d highly recommend it. No alcohol isn‘t a deal breaker for us- we’d have it if it was there, but didn’t miss it at all.

 

[Laura K]

As someone said above, it's quite a distance to get there from Aulani. It does depend on what group you have with you, if you have young kids, PCC may be more fun as there's activities for them to do, though if I was paying to stay at Aulani, I'd rather spend more time to enjoy all the great amenities Aulani has for kids than at the luau. PCC is literally all the way on the other side of the island and you'll be in a long shuttle bus ride if you're not in your own car rental.

I've done both PCC and Chief's Luau before, the latter of which is much closer to Aulani, and if you have limited time in Hawaii and want a luau experience, I'd do Chief's Luau. They were absolutely hilarious, have a very impressive fire show, and they also had some activities to do beforehand that were good for kids, though not as many as at PCC. If you don't have young kids with you, I'd definitely go with Chief's Luau.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

How does being owned by Hawaiians make them more authentic?

I would argue that explanation of tradition from natives rates higher than missionaries creating a museum.

Just as I would rather hear about Ojibwe tradition from an Ojibwe elder.

 

[Kwami]

I would argue that explanation of tradition from natives rates higher than missionaries creating a museum.

Just as I would rather hear about Ojibwe tradition from an Ojibwe elder.

Right, but the people explaining things to you are Hawaiians in both cases. And at the PCC, there are natives of many different Polynesian cultures explaining things to you. It's not like a museum of Mormon missionaries telling you how Hawaiians live.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Right, but the people explaining things to you are Hawaiians in both cases. And at the PCC, there are natives of many different Polynesian cultures explaining things to you. It's not like a museum of Mormon missionaries telling you how Hawaiians live.

I still generally prefer the people in charge of the narrative to be native. Golden rule applies, where the people with the gold make the rules.

 

[Wells Larsen]

I personally loved it and thought it was one of the highlights of my trip. My guide was from Tonga and he was genuinely a really great guy; Informative and funny.
If you like culture and history, I think you would like it.

 

[monsterkitty]

Personally, in my family, we always chose an activity that is owned and operated by a native or at least a local of the area, regardless of where we are. I prefer our money go to the family-owned business rather than a multi-billion-dollar organization.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Personally, in my family, we always chose an activity that is owned and operated by a native or at least a local of the area, regardless of where we are. I prefer our money go to the family-owned business rather than a multi-billion-dollar organization.

So you go to Gatorland and Fun Spot rather than WDW or Universal when you visit Florida?

 

[Kwami]

Personally, in my family, we always chose an activity that is owned and operated by a native or at least a local of the area, regardless of where we are. I prefer our money go to the family-owned business rather than a multi-billion-dollar organization.

Who says that the native-owned activities aren't large, wealthy businesses? Surely natives of wherever you go can run large companies, too.

 

[808blessing]

It is like a Polynesian theme park! Lots of opportunities to plan the perfect schedule, very fun action packed day exploring all the villages. The college students at nearby BYU are the talent and many school kids go to visit and learn. Don't go for the luau, go for the cultural learning in which you can contrast and come to know the nuances of very diverse Polynesian cultures.

The luau food is good and evening luau show is fun. If I were to skip something it would be the luau show if you are not that into dancing and you see the Festival of Canoes during the day.

 

[tankin]

One of my kids favorite things to do on the island (teens) ... They really enjoy the different islands and activities. The LDS message is there but not in your face or oppressive.
the late night show is a theatrical production ... We were good once probably wouldn't do it again.
If budgets were infinite, we'd be doing it on an upcoming trip but the kids decided on a using the money toward something else.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Several are owned by Hawaii natives, which elevates them against colonialist ownership, IMO.

Native Hawaiians who join a certain religious denomination are still native Hawaiians.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Just as I would rather hear about Ojibwe tradition from an Ojibwe elder.

If an Ojibwe elder converts to Catholicism, he's still an Ojibwe elder.

Dear lord, I don't even like the PCC but the anti-LDS bigotry here is pretty shocking.

@disneylandmagic55 pretty much everyone who has been to Aulani highly recommends renting a car. I think you can get everything you'd get out of the PCC (and a whole lot more) by combining the Bishop Museum with Waimea Valley.

 

[monsterkitty]

If we go to Florida, we're knowingly and purposefully going to visit WDW or US.

However, if we're going to Hawaii, a Caribbean Island, or any other location that has businesses owned by local natives we're going to support those businesses as much as we can. This has nothing to do with what church or religion owns a particular business.

We just try to support the little guys.