Polynesian Cultural Center at a glance
The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is in Lāʻie on the northeast side of Oahu. It is organized as a set of Island Villages, each presenting the culture of a Pacific island group, followed by an evening show called HĀ: Breath of Life. Most visitors plan it as an afternoon and evening, not a quick stop.
The most important rule for planning: the center is closed on Sundays and on Wednesdays. Many older sources list only Sunday. This independent guide shows the rules as of October 2026 and is not the center's own website.
Polynesian Cultural Center tickets and packages
Adult and child (ages 4 to 11) prices as of October 2026, before tax. Package offers change, so confirm the price when you book.
| Package | Includes | Adult | Child 4 to 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islands of Polynesia | Island Villages, 12:15 to 5:30 pm | $94.95 | $75.96 |
| Gateway Buffet | Villages, buffet and evening show, Silver seats | $138.95 | $110.96 |
| Aliʻi Lūʻau | Villages, luau and evening show, Gold seats | $197.95 | $157.96 |
How to choose: Islands of Polynesia is the villages only, with no meal and no show. It suits a daytime visit. Gateway Buffet adds a buffet and the evening show with Silver seats. Aliʻi Lūʻau adds the luau and the show with Gold seats, and costs $59 more than the promotional Gateway price. Both packages with the show need the whole afternoon and evening.
The Gateway Buffet price is a promotion that runs until October 31, 2026. The regular price is $157.95 for adults and $126.96 for children. The center also lists experiences from $49.95.
Polynesian Cultural Center tickets and tours
Tickets and guided trips to the Polynesian Cultural Center, with live prices and availability.
Closing days at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Check these before you fix your day.
Sunday and Wednesday
The center is closed on both days. In summer 2026 it opened on Wednesdays from July 1 to August 5. For the rest of the year, Wednesday is a closing day.
Wednesday exceptions
The center opens on Wednesday, November 25, December 23 and December 30, 2026. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day are closed. When one of those holidays falls in a week, the center opens on the Wednesday of that week instead.
Questions about a date
Call customer service at 808-293-3333 or 800-367-7060 before you travel if your plans depend on an exception date.
A typical day: villages, canoe pageant and the HĀ show
The ticket counter opens at 11:45 am and the center at 12:00. The Island Villages run from 12:15 to 5:30 pm, and the canoe pageant on the water starts at 12:40 pm. The villages make up the main part of the day, so allow several hours.
With the Aliʻi Lūʻau package, the luau runs from 4:30 to 6:05 pm and the last seating is at 5:40 pm. The whole program, from the villages to the end of the show, runs from 12:15 pm to 8:35 pm.
HĀ: Breath of Life starts at 7:15 pm on the autumn schedule that began September 28 and ends at 8:35 pm. More than 100 performers take part. All seats are reserved, and photos and video are not allowed during the show. Hukilau Marketplace next door is open from 11 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday, with shops open until 7:30 pm.
The 3-day pass lets you return to the Island Villages on any of the next three business days. It does not cover the HĀ show, the luau or the buffet.
How to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center
It is a long way from Waikiki, and the rail line does not go there.
By car
Driving gives you the most freedom, especially for the evening show. Plan the return trip after 8:35 pm, and ask about parking when you book.
By tour
Tours with hotel pickup bundle the transport with the tickets. Compare them in our tours guide.
By TheBus
The center is not on Skyline or the W Line. TheBus gets you there only with a change, and the last bus matters after the evening show. Check the current timetable before you go.
Combine it with other places
Lāʻie lies on the way along the North Shore.
Neither Kualoa Ranch nor the Polynesian Cultural Center is on the rail line, so plan a rental car, a tour or a bus with a change. Because the center opens at noon and the show ends at 8:35 pm, it works best as the main plan for an afternoon and evening, not as an add-on to a full morning of sightseeing.
Polynesian Cultural Center: frequently asked questions
Which days is the Polynesian Cultural Center closed?
Every Sunday and Wednesday in 2026, with a few exceptions: it opens on Wednesday, November 25, December 23 and December 30. It is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
How much are tickets in 2026?
The villages-only Islands of Polynesia ticket costs $94.95 for adults and $75.96 for children aged 4 to 11. The Aliʻi Lūʻau package with villages, luau and show costs $197.95 and $157.96.
What time is the evening show?
HĀ: Breath of Life runs from 7:15 to 8:35 pm on the current schedule. All seats are reserved. The 3-day pass does not include the show.
Which package should I choose?
For a daytime visit, the villages-only Islands of Polynesia ticket is enough. For the full experience, choose Gateway Buffet (Silver seats) or Aliʻi Lūʻau (Gold seats), both of which include the evening show.
How long should I plan for the visit?
The full program with villages, luau and show runs from 12:15 to 8:35 pm, a little more than eight hours. The villages alone close at 5:30 pm.
Can I visit the villages on more than one day?
Yes, with the 3-day pass. You return to the Island Villages within the next three consecutive business days. The pass does not cover the show, the luau or the buffet.