Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,142 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package worth booking?
Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package is a 5-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $158 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,142 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,142)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $158 per person
Located on O‘ahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a one-of-a-kind attraction showcasing the people, culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia. Since 1963, it has welcomed millions of visitors and remains a f
What you get
About this experience
Located on O‘ahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a one-of-a-kind attraction showcasing the people, culture, arts, and crafts of Polynesia. Since 1963, it has welcomed millions of visitors and remains a favorite for both locals and tourists. As a non-profit, 100% of its revenue supports daily operations and the education of its student employees from nearby Brigham Young University-Hawaii. The Gateway Buffet Package offers a full day of immersive experiences, including hands-on activities and cultural presentations across six Polynesian Island Villages. Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat feast at the Gateway Buffet, featuring island-inspired dishes, a salad bar, and desserts, all served in the spirit of ohana (family). End your evening with the spectacular HĀ: Breath of Life show, a breathtaking performance by over 100 talented Pacific Island performers in our open-air theater. Join us today for an unforgettable experience!
What's included
Included
- Dinner
- Self-guided experience through 6 island villages
- Admission fees
- "HĀ: Breath of Life" evening show
Not included
- Transportation to/from Polynesian Cultural Center
- Tour Guide
What you'll see and do
Polynesian Cultural Center
Islands of Polynesia villages admission is open from 12:15pm-5:30 pm. Each of the 6 island villages provides hands-on activities, demonstrations, and performances which bring these unique cultures to life. All-day admission to explore the authentic cultures of the islands staffed by friendly villagers ready to share information. Take a leisurely canoe tour across our magnificent lagoon. The Gateway Buffet is our most popular dinner package and is offered as an alternative to our lūʻau. It includes live music in a relaxed atmosphere with an expansive buffet of island inspired dishes in our dining hall that features a 360° mural. Doors open at 4:30pm - 7pm at our Gateway Restaurant. From 7:30pm-8:45pm, the stunning “HĀ: Breath of Life” evening show features over 100 Pacific Islander performers, special effects, animation, fire knives and surround sound. It is a saga of birth and death, love and family, tragedy and triumph.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oahu
Guests can meet us at the Welcome Center of the Polynesian Cultural Center, located at the right-hand side behind the Hamana Kalili Statue. This building houses the ticketing booths, where visitors can check in or inquire further about their visit.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Guests can meet us at the Welcome Center of the Polynesian Cultural Center, located at the right-hand side behind the Hamana Kalili Statue. This building houses the ticketing booths, where visitors can check in or inquire further about their visit.
Options you can book
Bronze Seating
Bronze Seating: Include Bronze level seating at the "HĀ: Breath of Life" evening show Gateway Buffet: Come enjoy a premiere dining experience that includes live music with an expansive buffet of island-inspired dishes.
Gold Seating
Gold Seating: Includes Gold level seating at "HĀ: Breath of Life" show Gateway Buffet: Come enjoy a premiere dining experience that includes live music with an expansive buffet of island-inspired dishes.
Silver Seating
Silver Seating: Include Silver level seating at the "HĀ: Breath of Life" evening show Gateway Buffet: Come enjoy a premiere dining experience that includes live music with an expansive buffet of island-inspired dishes.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Polynesian Cultural Center
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Strollers are convenient for exploring the area, but please note that during certain shows, strollers will need to be left outside, and parents may need to hold their babies on their laps.
- A tour guide is not included in the Gateway Buffet package, but group or private tours can be arranged for an additional fee. You can pay for a guide at the center on the day of your visit.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,095 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
1,095 verified traveler reviews for Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great food, great entertainment
Great food, great entertainment
Response from the operator: We’re happy you enjoyed the food and entertainment! Mahalo for spending your day with us.
via Tripadvisor
Pretty nice
Pleasant atmosphere. Food overall was good, especially dessert. Servers are nice and helpful.
Response from the operator: We’re glad you enjoyed the atmosphere, food, and friendly service! Thank you for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Great server, attentative and hospitable - for Jay
Response from the operator: We’re happy Jay provided such attentive and welcoming service! Thank you for recognizing him.
via Tripadvisor
Happy birthday
Fantastic thank you very much
Response from the operator: We’re glad you had a fantastic time celebrating with us! Mahalo for choosing the Polynesian Cultural Center for your special day.
via Tripadvisor
Great
Kent was great delicious food.
Response from the operator: We’re glad Kent helped make your dining experience enjoyable! Thank you for recognizing his service.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $158 to $187
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 400
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.
How much does Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package cost?
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Prices start at $158 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oahu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oahu is not rushed.
Is Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,142 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Oahu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package?
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Around 400 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oahu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oahu and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oahu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oahu?
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On Outty we rank every Oahu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Oahu: Full or Half Day Grand Circle Island Tour, Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling, Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oahu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oahu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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