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 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.
What‘s Included
Premiere dining experience with live music and an expansive buffet of island inspired dishes.
Self-guided experience through 6 island villages
Polynesian Cultural Center
"HĀ: Breath of Life" evening show
Transportation to/from Polynesian Cultural Center
Tour Guide
Options
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
607 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
226melissaz,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed everything! The countries we visited telling stories through dance, the movie giving history and the luau was over the top enjoyable. The day went quickly.
First time and exceeded expectations!!
melissabQ2025OF,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! Top quality entertainment, people, food, and presentation.
Great experience
jjkeane,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful and fun experience and great buffet food, our server Dinda was a great help as well.
Best Luau on Oahu
N6703YJmichaelb,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing Buffet experience! The show was fantastic! Dave, our server, was exceptionally attentive, friendly and helpful! Mahalo Dave!!!
Enjoyable and informative mini tour of Polynesia
EnjoyTravelling13,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much to do and so little time - a few hours isn'teven enough! Definitely recommend watching the welcome soon after opening. Each of the 6 countries represented. Each island covers activities, displays and performances, so you need to prioritize if you only have the one day. The buffet at the Gateway restaurant was extensive and delicious. The show in the evening was spectacular. All in all, a fantastic day! Highly recommended!
Loved the PCC Staff + Program +Food
Voyager64688142336,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Self-Guided was good for our need to go slow, enjoy a Village as we wished. Buffet and Ha-Breath of Life was excellent.
Lovely day
holsey87,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I spent the day here and it was lovely. The staff were very friendly. The demonstrations were great and learned a lot. Food at the gateway buffet was nice. The show at night was amazing and the best part of the day. Im glad i booked it and worth the money for what you get with ticket.
Gateway buffet/breath of life show
bethanyhU8807GZ,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sky was our server for the Gateway buffet, and he was very friendly & made the experience very enjoyable.
Buffet dinner was a great addition to the day
csm798,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience - so many food choices. Even the kids found great options to eat. Loved the deserts! Dinda, our server, was great! Very personable and great to chat with. Recommended!
Excellent service
justinfA5255MG,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00outstanding service we received during our stay at the Polynesian Gateway Buffet. Kate was exceptional, providing us with warm hospitality and attentive care that truly enhanced our dining experience. It’s rare to encounter such dedication, and we greatly appreciate her efforts.
From US$158.00
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Operated by Polynesian Cultural Center