Shell McKedy

Review of Polynesian Cultural Center

Manmade lagoons, lush grounds and super aloha staf...

Manmade lagoons, lush grounds and super aloha staff are the positives. My children learned much about the six Polynesian cultures on our guided tour. But as someone who studied cultural anthropology in college I was skeptical at the oddly whitewashed version of Polynesian history. For example, we were told by our Cook Islander guide that the Fijians were the only Polynesian culture that practiced human sacrifice while we stood in front of the tall, rectangular thatched roof temple complete with a stone alter where humans died long ago. I specifically asked if ancient Hawaiians practiced human sacrifice and was told a resounding 'no'. But on a walking tour of Honolulu the next day we were told that human sacrifice was robustly practiced as it was brought over by the Tahitians. A quick search on the Internet confirmed that human sacrifice in Hawaii happened in LUAKINI temples, where humans and animals were offered. Slaves, war captives, criminals and defeated political opponents were sacrificed. So I think the church management needs to do some research on the six cultures that are being presented and taught to the dearly paying public. What they are presenting now is definitely not accurate. I would not recommend the top-tier and uber expensive Ambassador tour for this reason and others. It's far from private as 19 people were in our tour and some were unruly making the learning process difficult. I discretely complained and nothing was done about the very loud and obnoxious family who actually left their frightened and teary 3-year-old behind in the New Zealand house.
So since PCC is expensive here's what I recommend. If you rent a car at Enterprise or National there's a buy one and get one free day pass if you grab the brochure when you pick up your car at the airport (keep your contract handy). So a single $60 admission will get 2 of you in to learn about the six cultures. The more than $500 that I spent for adults and 2 children definitely wasn't worth the single day we spent there. I would skip the luau despite the delicious food as it is expensive. Pineapple drinks also cost $10 in addition and the show is brief. But go back after you've rested and take on the Breath of Ha show at night. It was colorful, interactive and boasted rich pageantry, folklore and dancing. In fact, all things considered the live Ha show was the best part of our long day and would be the only part that should not be missed. Just be aware that the Polynesian Cultural Center does not reflect those cultures accurately as you go through the exhibits and ask questions. One would think the LDS Church, being a world leader in genealogical research, would have done a little more research before launching this center in 1963 as a way for BYU Hawaii college students to earn scholarships. A little more effort towards accurately portraying cultural heritage and academic excellence would benefit this organization as well as the dearly paying patrons who visit to learn about Polynesian cultures.