Polynesian Cultural Center: Gateway Buffet Package
Overview
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Silver level seating at "HĀ: Breath of Life" evening show
Self-guided experience through 6 island villages
Come enjoy a premiere dining experience that includes live music in a relaxed atmosphere with an expansive buffet of island inspired dishes.
Transportation to Polynesian Cultural Center
What To Expect
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. Silver level seating provided.
Options
Gateway Buffet Package
Gateway Buffet: Come enjoy a premiere dining experience that includes live music with an expansive buffet of island inspired dishes.
Reviews
91 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lost event, lost money
George J,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Make sure you double check tour includes pickup. Every other tour picked us up close to our hotel. This one met at the event. Didn’t check till morning of activity, too late to cancel. SHOULD have shown more prominently!!! We trusted tour included everything instead of double checked.
Good day
Aimee C,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We visited this last week, in October. The canoe show in the beginning was very good don’t be late and miss it. The villages were entertaining if you went to each show or activity. The gateway buffet had lots of food choices. But it’s a buffet. The food is ok nothing more. The HA breath of life show is excellent. Lots of performers and very involved. If you e never been it’s a great way to spend a day.
Highly recommended !!!
252guenthers,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This offer is really recommended You get insights into the history of Hawaii and you can save yourself many tours !!! The best day of our holiday
Friendly knowlegable staff. Very interactive in villages. Fantastic night show
LoveTravel728075,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly staff that are very knowledgeable. Lots of interactive activities in the villages. Large buffet. Fantastic night show!! We would highly recommend this place!
Awesome!
Nancy T,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The intensity and energy of the show was impressive. This is the 4th version that I have watched - and I appreciate the focus on positive forgiveness rather than vengeance killing, thumbs up! Entertaining! Totally enjoyed the concept of the show wherein each island was represented with their traditional costumes and dances. The songs and percussions were beautiful and was so interesting, never felt sleepy. Kudos to the cast and crew!
Favorite Hawaiian experience
onatrip10,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I love visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center! The property is beautiful, and it’s truly one of my favorite experiences. It offers a wonderful blend of education and culture, with lots of fun treats and shopping to enjoy. Everyone is so kind and eager to help visitors learn more about Polynesia. A ticket allows for three consecutive days of visiting, which is perfect because there’s always so much I want to do there — one day just isn’t enough!
Spent all day at the...
Brian K,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Spent all day at the center. We were able to see each island display. There are activities at each area to include hands on, performances, artifacts and buildings. You will need more than one day of you plan to see and do everything thing. The buffet has so much food. Bring your appetite and take small samples as there so many choices to try. Breath of life night performance is a do not miss. The performer’s were exceptional.
Loved it
Stephanie S,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Must do in Hawaii had the best time. Lots to do and staff are fabulous. Would recommend to all ages!!
Lots to see and do and taste and hear
548scottg,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You can easily spend half a day here, especially if you are including the luau buffet and show. The is a real aloha spirit here, with all the people being friendly and hospitable. The people from different countries are genuinely proud of their cultures and happy to share information about them, so everything is upbeat and interesting. There is a shopping area (including a Christmas store) for souvenirs. The center is large, safe, clean, family friendly ... We had a buffet at a big place with murals on the walls and live music: good food with plenty of Polynesian choices (and some non-Polynesian choices in case you or your kids are picky eaters). The luau show was in a big amphitheater with a big cast of performers that incorporates different nationalities. It's on a scale of something you'd see on Broadway or in Las Vegas, ending in terrific fire dancing. The visit was enjoyable, educational, and entertaining.
A great experience for us Senior Citizens
Scott G,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A full day, everyone is very very friendly. Lots of helpful BYU students about to offer guidance. A mini version of Busch Gardens more suitable for adults tho kids would enjoy it. No rides except the boat ride. Dinner at gateway buffet was very good, the selections overwhelming. Lots of international foods. The Ha! Show was very nice, not much English spoken but you get the drift that’s it’s about the cycle of life. Downside-they changed buses at the ride home - had to wait in a line only to be moved to a different line. Overall a great experience.
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