Polynesian Cultural Center
Re-created, individual villages showcase the lifestyles and traditions of Hawai'i, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, the Marquesas Islands, New Zealand, and Tonga.
This 45-acre center, 35 mi from Waikiki, was founded in 1963 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It houses restaurants, hosts lu'aus, and demonstrates cultural traditions such as tribal tattooing, fire dancing, and ancient customs and ceremonies. The expansive open-air shopping village carries Polynesian handicrafts. If you're staying in Honolulu, see the center as part of a van tour so you won't have to drive home late at night after the two-hour evening show. Various packages are available, from basic admission to an all-inclusive deal. Every May, the PCC hosts the World Fire Knife Dance Competition, an event that draws the top fire knife dance performers from around the world. www.polynesia.com. OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 12:30-9:30. Islands close at 6:30.
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Oahu. The Diamond Head Gallery features new acquisitions and thematic shows from the State Art Collection and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The 'Ewa Gallery houses more than 150 works documenting Hawai'i's visual-arts history since becoming a state in 1959. Also included are a sculpture gallery as well as a café, a gift shop, and educational meeting rooms. more ›
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Oahu. On display are more than 30 vintage surfboards dating back to the 1930s, a shrine dedicated to legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, video presentations, surf memorabilia, and even a motorized surfboard that served as the forerunner to the Jet Ski. more ›
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Oahu. Great 1-Day Itineraries: First Day in Waikiki, Windward Exploring, The North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Town Time. more ›
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Oahu. Top O'ahu Experiences: That Beach, Finding Shangri La, O'ahu After Hours, Hiking to Ka'ena Point, Catching a Wave, Exploring Chinatown, Hula with Heart, Listening to a Living Legend. more ›
Island: Oahu
Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., La'ie, HI
Phone: 808/293-3333; 800/367-7060
Price (USD): $50-$218
Credit Card: AE;D;DC;M;V
Source: Fodor's