Polynesian Cultural Center Luau: Review, Visiting Tips & 10% Off Tickets

Is Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Worth It?

Polynesian Cultural Center Luau (PPC Luau) is one of the most popular activities in Oahu, Hawaii. And it’s easy to see why.

The Polynesian Cultural Center luau tickets not only include a delicious dinner but also admission to the Islands of Polynesia theme park, featuring interactive exhibits, replica Polynesian villages, traditional dance, musical performances, and fire shows. The PCC luau tickets cover entertainment from 12:30PM to 9PM, which makes it an excellent value for the money.

In this complete Polynesian Cultural Center review and guide, I will go over everything you need to know, including what comes with the Polynesian Cultural Center luau tickets, how to get discounts, and finally, some important visiting tips.

If you are debating between the two award-winning luau shows in Oahu – Polynesian Cultural Center Luau vs Paradise Cove Luau – I will also give you some insights to help you decide what’s best for you!

So, let’s get started!

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My Honest Polynesian Center Luau Review

I have been fortunate enough to attend several of the top-rated luaus in Oahu, and in my opinion, the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau provides the best overall experience in terms of value for money, selection of food, and quality of the shows.

Best Value for Money

There are three parts of a Polynesian Cultural Center luau ticket: the admission ticket to the Islands of Polynesia theme park (alone worth $70), the meal (luau or dinner buffet), and the night show HA: Breath of Life.

For the luau price, you are getting not only an amazing dinner but also 8 hours of entertainment (compared to approximately two to three hours of entertainment at other luau shows)!

There are six different island stations at The Polynesian Cultural Villages/Islands of Polynesia theme park: Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa, Tahiti, Fiji, and Hawaii. Each has its own shows and activities that will help you understand more about Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures.

If you book any of the dinner packages, you can have a 3-day free pass to come back and visit the Island Villages for free after your initial visit. Just let the Ticket Office know when you check-in!

Best Luau Food Selection – Even for Vegans and Vegetarians

While other luaus typically only have three to five choices for the main dishes, Ali Luau at Polynesian Cultural Center has a huge variety of food options that will allow you to capture the authentic taste of Polynesian cuisine.

With over ten different main dish choices, including Hawaiian favorites like Kalua pig and poi, you’ll be able to find something to suit your taste.

Not only does Ali Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center offer a great variety of food for meat and seafood lovers, but it also has a wide variety of choices for vegetarians and vegans.

In addition, the Ali Luau also offers a large selection of side dishes and desserts, so you can make sure your meal is complete.

I have included the highlights of the menus below, so you can see for yourself how diverse the food selection is.

Best Luau Celebration & Night Show

The luau royal celebration lasts approximately 90 minutes while you have dinner. The talented performers will transport you to another world with their lively music and traditional costumes.

At the end of the show, stick around for some fun photo opportunities with our costumed dancers.

After that, you will go to the big theatre for the “HA: Breath of Life” evening show. It tells the story of life through different Polynesian islands and ends with an amazing fire show by the Samoans!

Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Dinner Packages: Tickets & Discounts

1. Super Ambassador Luau Package – What is included?

When it comes to luau packages at the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Super Ambassador Luau Package is the VIP option.

Even though it is the most expensive package, it offers the best value for money as you will enjoy VIP treatments and more perks at all of the attractions and activities. The ticket includes:

Islands of Polynesia private guided Tour & kukui nut lei (12:45 PM to 5:30 PM): You will be greeted with a lei greeting upon arrival and receive a rare white kukui nut lei.

After that, a professional guide will walk you through the theme park and answer any questions you may have about Polynesian culture.

The ticket also includes a reserved canoe tour across the beautiful lagoon and reserved premier seating at all the island village presentations.

Alii Luau Buffet preferred seating & flower lei greeting (5:00 – 6:30 pm): The award-winning Alii Luau includes the Royal Court procession, and presentation of the kalua pig from the imu (underground oven), delicious traditional food, a fresh smoothie, and lively Hawaiian entertainment.

It is held in a covered outdoor venue against a background of waterfalls and lush gardens, so you won’t have to worry even if it rains.

“HA: Breath of Life” evening show platinum level seating (7:30 – 8:45 pm): The “HA: Breath of Life” evening show is a must-see event! From the moment the curtain rises to the final curtain call, you’ll be captivated by the story, the music, the dance, and an incredible fire show.

With the Super Ambassador level seating in the front two rows, you’ll have an exclusive unobstructed view of the entire performance.

There is a shuttle to take you to the BYU-Hawaii campus where you can stop and visit the historic La’ie Temple Visitors Center or wander through its stunning gardens and displays.

You will also receive a complimentary 3-day pass to the island villages if you want to come back and visit at your own pace.

👑Book Super Ambassador Luau Package here and Save 10% when you book at least 10 days in advance

2. Alii Luau Package – What is included?

The Alii luau package includes almost everything in the Super Ambassador package without the VIP treatments. You will still be able to enjoy the shows, but you will be seated in the regular section instead. The ticket includes:

• Islands of Polynesia group tour (12:45 PM to 5:30 PM): You will join a guided group tour through the six island villages. You won’t get reserved seating but you will still be able to join the canoe tour and watch the village presentations
• Alii Luau Buffet regular seating & flower lei greeting (5:00 – 6:30 pm): The regular seating will either be farther away from stage or off-center. The award-winning Alii Luau is held in a covered outdoor venue against a background of waterfalls and lush gardens. It includes the Royal Court procession, presentation of the kalua pig from imu (underground oven), delicious traditional food, a fresh smoothie, and lively Hawaiian entertainment.
• “HA: Breath of Life” evening show (7:30 – 8:45 pm): Even though the seating is not as good as in the Super Ambassador Luau Package since you will be farther away, you will still get to sit in the main center sections. From the moment the curtain rises to the final curtain call, you’ll be captivated by the story, the music, the dance, and an incredible fire show.

The Ali luau package also includes the complimentary 3-day pass to the island villages and the shuttle to the BYU-Hawaii campus where you can stop and visit the historic La’ie Temple Visitors Center.

👑Book Alii Luau Package here and Save 10% when you book at least 10 days in advance

3. Gateway Buffet Package – What is included?

The Gateway Buffet Package is an affordable dinner package at Polynesian Cultural Center. Even though you won’t be able to attend the luau royal celebration and eat the traditional Hawaiian luau food, you will get to enjoy a dinner buffet with Polynesian-inspired American cuisine. The ticket includes:

• Islands of Polynesia self-guided tour (12:45 PM to 5:30 PM): You can explore the villages at your own pace, join a canoe tour, or visit the Laie & Temple Visitors Center at BYU-Hawaii Campus.
• Getaway Buffet with American cuisine (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm): enjoy a selection of Polynesian-inspired American cuisine. This doesn’t include the luau traditional food and luau royal celebration.
• “HA: Breath of Life” evening show (7:30 – 8:45 pm): The seating will be farther away or off-center with obstructed views.

🍽️Book Gateway Buffet Package here and Save 10% when you book at least 10 days in advance

4. Islands of Polynesia & “HA: Breath of Life” Evening Show Package

Don’t fancy having a buffet? You can skip the dinner part and order the Islands of Polynesia & “HA: Breath of Life” Evening Show Package. Since there are no discounts associated with this package (whereas the other luau tickets come with a 10% discount if you book in advance), I think the other dinner packages are better deals.

However, if they are all sold out, this package is still a great way for you to immerse in the Polynesian Cultural Center. Even though it will take away that Hawaiian luau experience, I have to say that both the Islands of Polynesia and the evening show are amazing. There are some food and snack stalls by the gate of the Polynesian Cultural Center, so you can grab something to eat if you’re hungry.

🏝️Book Islands of Polynesia & “HA: Breath of Life” Evening Show Ticket

5. Islands of Polynesia

If you’re short on time and can only squeeze in a few hours at the Polynesian Cultural Center, you can get just the tickets for the Islands of Polynesia. The basic ticket includes admission from 12:45 PM to 5:30 PM, where you can immerse in cultural experience in 6 island villages, enjoy a canoe ride, and visit the La’ie & Temple Visitors Center.

🏝️Book Islands of Polynesia here

*Polynesian Cultural Center Costco Ticket & Discount

Costco used to offer a discounted ticket on the Go Oahu Pass, which includes the admission ticket of Islands of Polynesia ($70). However, this offer has been discontinued and Costco Travel no longer sells Go Oahu Pass. You can get the best price for Polynesian Cultural Center by booking online in advance and save 10%.

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Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Menu

What food is served at Ali’i Luau Buffet?

The all-you-can-eat buffet at Ali’i Luau has the most comprehensive menu of all the luaus I have been to in Oahu, Hawaii. The authentic Polynesian cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds with so many options:

Kalua pig: this is one of the most famous Hawaiian foods that is widely served in Oahu luaus. Kalua pig is the whole pig seasoned with sea salt and wrapped in banana leaves, then roasted in an underground pit called an imu. Towards the beginning of a luau, the host will introduce four men carrying a kalua pig on stage. Get your camera ready so you can take pictures of the “impressive dish”.

Poi: this is a traditional Polynesian staple food. Hawaiians make poi by pounding boiled taro roots and mixing with water until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. It tastes rather bland by itself so I prefer adding it to the kalua pork or Huli chicken for more flavor.

Lomi salmon: this is a side dish in Hawaiian culture that looks like salsa. Hawaiians break smoked salmon into small pieces, then mix them with diced tomatoes, onions, and other small condiments.

Fresh Poke: the flavorful cubed bite-sized pieces of raw seafood are marinated and served with garnishments like green onions and sesame seeds. Polynesian Cultural Center also serve tofu poke for vegans

Huli chicken: this chicken dish is deliciously flavored with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and wine.

Haupia: this coconut-based custard cube is a traditional Hawaiian dessert. It somewhat tastes like coconut pudding and is not too sweet.

Other than these traditional Hawaiian food, the Ali luau includes so many delicious and unique dishes such as pipikaula, moa with opu (chicken and squash), whole steamed Kona Kanpachi in Ti leaves, Imu Pua’a Pork, as well as many other side dishes and desserts.

For vegans and vegetarians, there is a variety of delicious and healthy food such as tofu poke, pulehu broccolini, hekka a, and uala hasselback, and kabocha pumpkin.

What food is served at the Gateaway Buffet?

The Gateway Buffet doesn’t have traditional Hawaiian luau food, but it offers an expansive menu of island-inspired dishes, such as top sirloin roast with cinnamon brown sugar pineapple slices, whole grilled Kona Kanpachi fish, pineapple fried Rice, char siu pork ribs, spicy pork belly, and crispy shrimp. There is also a poke bar with kimchi tako poke, shrimp poke and ahi sashimi.

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Polynesian Cultural Center Luau vs Paradise Cove Luau Review

When it comes to luaus in Oahu, there are two most popular choices: the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau and the Paradise Cove Luau. Both are award-winning luaus, so a lot of people have a difficult time deciding which one to go to. But you won’t, because you’re here, and you have the insights from someone who have been to both (yay!)

The Paradise Cove Luau is a standard luau by the beach with more of a party atmosphere for fun and relaxation, where as Polynesian Cultural Center Luau is a comprehensive experience that will allow you to immerse in the Polynesian culture and history.

I rate Polynesian Cultural Center luau very highly because I truly think it’s worth the money for its amazing food selection and shows, but there are circumstances where I think it’s worth considering Paradise Cove Luau. Depending on your preferences in these circumstances, you may find Paradise Cove Luau a better option for yourself.

• If you stay in Ko Olina and want a luau nearby: Paradise Cove Luau is held at the beach of the luxury Ko Olina Resort on Oahu’s west coast. If you’re staying at Aulani Disney Resort, Marriott, or Four Seasons in Ko Olina, Paradise Cove Luau would be an easy walk away.
• If you want to drink alcohol during the luau: it wasn’t a deal breaker for me that the Polynesian Cultural Center didn’t serve alcohol. In fact, I quite enjoy their virgin pina colada! However, if it is a deal breaker for you, then Paradise Cove luau is a good alternative. Other than having a welcom Mai Tai, Paradise Cove gives you a prepaid Cove Card which you can use to claim drinks from the bar.

Consider Paradise Cove Luau if you stay in Ko Olina or if you want to drink alcohol during the meal. ✔️Book Here

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How to Get to Polynesian Cultural Center Luau

🚌Shuttle Service

The easiest and most economical way to get from Waikiki, Honolulu to Polynesian Cultural Center is to add the round-trip shuttle to your shopping cart when you check out your luau/dinner package tickets.

I actually regretted not buying the shuttle service in advance and ended up having to pay over $60 for Uber from Honolulu to Polynesian Cultural Center Luau. When the luau ended, we tried to get a car but no Uber or Lyft was available in the area. Most drivers either went home already or gathered in the downtown area or Waikiki Beach. After trying to get a ride for 20 minutes, we had to pay $20 per person to get on one of the last shuttle.

🚗Driving a rental car

Rental car prices in Oahu fluctuate, and has been on the more expensive side due to rental car shortage post pandemic. You can use Discover Cars to check for the cheapest rental rates and they tend to offer a huge discount if you rent for 5 days or more.

Discover Cars offer the best rates on car rental, cheap insurances, and a discount for longer rental period. ✔️BOOK NOW

Keep in mind that traffic from Honolulu to the North Shore can be heavy during rush hour, so it’s best for you to leave a little early and plan for around 75 minutes of drive time from Waikiki to Polynesian Cultural Center.

Get on the H-1 freeway from Waikiki and drive west toward the mountains on either McCully St. or Kapahulu Ave, then exit right at Likelike Highway (Highway 63, just past Bishop Museum). Continue to drive up and through the Koolau Mountains, before taking the first right-hand exit (Kahekili Highway), which soon turns into Kamehameha Highway (or Highway 83). Continue north for 23 miles, you will pass by Kualoa Ranch before reaching reaching the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Useful Tips for Visiting Polynesian Cultural Center

• If you’re driving a car rental to Polynesian Cultural Center, you can spend the morning at Waimea Valley before getting to the Polynesian Cultural Center at 1 PM. There is a beautiful botanical garden and a waterfall where you can swim at
• If you don’t rent a car in Oahu, make sure to book a shared ride from Polynesian Cultural Center when you check out. It will pick you up near Waikiki Beach and you should be able to return by 10:30 pm. The luau is quite far from Honolulu and it is almost impossible to book an Uber on this side of the island at night. You can get back to Honolulu by city bus at 9:50 pm but keep in mind that you will have to wait for almost an hour after the luau ends.
• Don’t forget to book at least 10 days in advance for 10% discount
• If all the luau packages are sold out, you can still book the Getaway Buffet Package, then watch for the luau cancellations on the website. I was actually able to upgrade from Getaway Package to the Ali Luau Package two days before my arrival.
• If you get to the Islands of Polynesia late and don’t have time to visit all presentations, the must-do activities are canoe tour and the Island of Samoa’s presentation.

The Wrap Up: Is Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Worth It?

The Polynesian Cultural Center’s luau is a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing authentic Hawaiian culture.

The cultural theme park has villages representing different Polynesian islands, including Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, and more. Visitors can explore these villages and learn about the traditions and customs of each island through interactive demonstrations, performances, and exhibits.

One of the highlights of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s luau is the food. The luau offers a delicious and diverse selection of traditional Hawaiian dishes, including poi, kalua pig, lomi salmon, haupia, and more.

The kalua pig is prepared using traditional methods, such as cooking in an underground oven, or imu, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. In addition to the main dishes, the luau also includes a variety of sides, desserts, and drinks.

Aside from the food, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s luau also features live music and entertainment, including hula and impressive fire dancing performances. The center’s luau is a great way to learn about and experience the vibrant culture of Hawaii and the Polynesian islands.

In conclusion, The PCC luau tickets include not only amazing dinner with authentic food, but also cover entertainment from 12:30PM to 9PM, which makes it an excellent value for the money. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just looking for a fun and unique cultural experience, the Polynesian Cultural Center’s luau is definitely worth it.

Hawaii Travel Resources

1. How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
   • List of the best things to do in Oahu and how to maximize the value of Go Oahu Pass
2. How to Find the Best Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii
   • Reviews of the best Hawaiian Luaus in Oahu and tips to get the best experiences
3. Hawaii Without a Car — Should You Rent a Moped?
   • Itineraries and tips to cope with the rental car shortage in Hawaii
4. Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
   • Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit
5. Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii for Snorkeling & Swimming with Sea Turtles
   • List of the best beaches in Oahu and visiting tips for you to spot green sea turtles!
6. Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
   • A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
7. Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review, Ticket Discount & Visiting Tips
   • A complete guide and review of the Polynesian Cultural Center
8. 125+ Best Hawaii Quotes for Instagram Captions!
   • Get inspired with the best quotes to capture your Hawaiian experience on social media!