The Polynesian Cultural Center, which attracts 1 million visitors a year, is the state’s top paid visitor attraction. It has earned its reputation many times over.

Spread over 42 acres in La’ie on Oahu’s northeastern shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a full-day experience with plenty to do and see for the entire family.

For nearly 50 years, the Center has delivered exotic customs, cultures and traditions of ancient Polynesia. Visitors can “Go Native” and test their skills in Tahitian spear throwing, a New Zealand war dance and other Polynesian cultural practices. Visitors are part of the show at PCC.

The Center was founded in 1963 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help support student attendance at the church’s nearby college, Brigham Young University-Hawaii. It features Pacific Island villages, an extravagant evening show with a cast of 100 native performers called Horizons, a canoe pageant, an award-winning luau, an arts and handicrafts marketplace and an IMAX theater.

It is designed to celebrate the people and culture of the Polynesian islands, which range from New Zealand in the south and Easter Island in the far east, to Hawaii in the north, and include islands like Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Fiji.

The Ali’i Luau, which is Hawaii’s largest and most authentic luau, is set against a backdrop of waterfalls and lush gardens. The venue features talented dancers and musicians, in addition to fresh flower leis for each guest.

In October 2013, the PCC was proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

One of the most successful cultural theme attractions in the world, the Polynesian Cultural Center skillfully blends education with entertainment.

The Center also offers visitors a choice of several restaurants for dining plus a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and authentic Polynesian handicrafts.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is open from 11:45 to 9:15 p.m. daily except Sundays. Island villages opens at 12:05 p.m.

Note, there is no longer a charge for parking at the PCC grounds.

Photo credit – Polynesian Cultural Center

Enjoying a traditional Hawaii luau is one of the best ways to experience the true Hawaiian culture. “The Myths of Maui” is one of the oldest luaus on Maui, and the show is offered nightly at the luxurious Royal Lahaina Resort.

As another amazing sunset materializes over the deep blue Pacific Ocean off of Kaanapali’s tropical coastline, Maui’s best oceanfront location comes alive with music and fine food.

In the ocean-side Luau Gardens at the Royal Lahaina Resort, “The Myths of Maui” is an unforgettable luau spectacle.

You will experience an amazing celebration of traditional Hawaiian festivities, mouth watering island cuisine, tropical beverages and of course …. an entertaining luau show.

“The Myths of Maui” is one of the largest luaus on Maui with a capacity of approximately 500 guests.

As you arrive, guests are greeted with a shell lei by your hosts. Soon after you are seated, an assortment of tropical cocktails such as Mai Tai’s and Blue Hawaiians are served.  The delicious drinks are unlimited throughout the luau show. There is an open bar to find a wide variety of cocktails, beer, wine, soda or fruit punch, anytime during the show.

One of the special moments is the Imu Ceremony or uncovering of the traditional roast “Kalua Puaa” (pig) pork from the underground “Imu” oven. The Imu Ceremony is incredible as the large crowd shows their approval,  prior to enjoying the evening’s main dish.

The luau is an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner so be sure to bring your big appetite. There is a lot of great food and it is all quite delicious.

In addition to the main course of pig, the buffet also offers traditional foods like fresh island fish, Kalua turkey, teriyaki steaks, Hawaiian sweet potatoes, poi, taro, lomi lomi salmon and guava bread, coconut cream cake, and tasty haupia (Hawaiian pudding).

The master of ceremonies is terrific. He brings the perfect blend of humor and in-depth knowledge of Hawaiian culture.

A fun moment is a hula lesson held on the main stage. Dozens of audience volunteers take part in learning the hula, as the crowd laughs and cheers them along.

Once the show begins, it’s your time to enjoy the experience as the talented cast of dancers, singers, musicians, and drummers present a magical journey through the South Pacific islands of Hawaii, Samoa and Tahiti.

Watching the beauty of the hula dance is priceless. The hula is the traditional local dance, telling the many stories of Hawaiian legends.

After a fast-paced journey of entertainment, the evening culminates with the exciting Samoan “fire knife” dance.

For more information about “The Myths of Maui” luau – Click Here

Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau

After you enjoy an evening at Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau, you will find out why this popular luau was named “Best Luau on the Island” by The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed, 5th edition. We couldn’t agree more!

Unlike other Kauai luaus, what’s unique about this luau is its spectacular setting. Smith’s Luau is the only luau in Hawaii that is set in a botanical garden. Here you will be surrounded by 30 acres of lush landscapes in the sacred Wailua River Valley, which was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.

On Kauai (The Garden Isle), Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau takes place along the scenic Wailua River and has been giving its guests the memorable opportunity to enjoy terrific food, drinks and live entertainment for many years.

Enjoy lagoons teeming with a variety of fish and exotic peacocks and view over 20 types of tropical fruits in their orchard.

After your shell lei greeting, you will have time to stroll through their beautiful botanical gardens. Guest can either take a narrated tram tour or stroll around at your own pace.

Later on you will witness the traditional imu ceremony, in which the kalua pig is unearthed from the underground oven. Afterward, enjoy a glass of wine, beer or Mai Tai tropical drink at the open bar while the Smith Family entertains you with traditional Hawaiian songs.

Then it is time for the pa‘ina, the luau feast. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat Buffet and sample many authentic Hawaiian delicacies, including: lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig (from the imu ceremony), teriyaki beef, mahi mahi (island fish), chicken, Hawaiian sweet potato, garden isle greens, island fruits, macaroni salad, and namasu salad.

Of course, don’t forget to try the poi. End your meal with several choices of mouthwatering tropical desserts.

As the Smith’s say, food may be the heart of a luau, but music is the soul. After the feast, your unforgettable evening will continue with the entertaining “Rhythm of Aloha Show” featuring Hawaiian hula, Tahitian drum dances, traditional dances from New Zealand, China, Japan, the Philippines and the exciting Samoan fire-knife dance!

The show takes place in their spacious, torchlit lagoon theater named “Pele Amphitheater,” which even has an incredible erupting volcano!

Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau – show

Clink here to make reservations and find more information on Smith’s Tropical Paradise Luau on “The Garden Isle” of Kauai.