13 Kids’ Activities for the Whole Family in Hawaii
| Cultures of Polynesia | Hawai'i Travel Tips
For those of you with kids, planning out a vacation can be stressful. We feel you! At the Polynesian Cultural Center, we make sure every member of our ‘ohana (family) is taken care of. Out of the many activities and shows at the Center, we know what’s fun for your keiki (kids). Here are 13 activities that will entertain and educate both adults and little ones:
1. Learn Dancing in Hawaii and Tahiti
If you and your kids are inspired to learn Polynesian dancing, Hawaii and Tahiti have short lessons to help you get started. Hula and Tahitian are the most popular Polynesian dances, featuring graceful hand gestures and hip-swaying movements.
2. Fireknife Practice
If your kids are a bit older, they might enjoy learning how to spin a practice fireknife in the Samoan Village. In Samoa, a warrior’s skill was judged by how well and how fast he could spin a fireknife. Don’t worry, it’s safe! Our practice fireknives have no fire and no blades. Want to see how our warriors do it? Click here to view a video featuring fireknife dancing and a short tour of the Center.
3. Ukulele Lessons
Taking ukulele lessons from our talented teachers is a great family activity. Lessons are available at the Mission Settlement Home and inside the Ukulele Experience store near the village entrance. You can also purchase a ukulele, bag, or lesson book online to continue learning at home.
4. Stick Games and Poi Balls from Aotearoa
In the Aotearoa Village, Maori people teach coordination games with sticks and spinning poi balls. Traditionally, these games helped train warriors. They’re fun for all ages and create lasting family memories.
5. Spear Throwing in Tonga and Tahiti
Learn how to throw a spear in both the Tonga and Tahiti Villages. Hunting boar in Polynesia involved precise spear techniques, and now you can test your skills and even win a prize!
6. Fish Nets in Hawaii
Traditional Hawaiian fishing was done by casting nets into schools of fish. The Polynesian Cultural Center began with hukilau-style fishing at nearby Hukilau Beach. Let your kids try their own hukilau at our Hawaiian fish pond!
7. Fiji Drums
If your kids love making noise, this is the perfect activity! Learn to play the Derua, a traditional Fijian drum. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to release energy.
8. Fishing in Tahiti
Fishing provided a large part of the Tahitian diet. Try your hand at catching real tilapia in our lagoon using a traditional Tahitian fishing pole. It’s a relaxing, hands-on experience for the whole family.
9. Huki (Fishhook) Necklace
In the Carver’s Hut, your children can create their own huki necklace and learn about the meaning of the fishhook. Our artisans will guide them through crafting while sharing stories of the demigod Maui, who used his fishhook to pull islands from the sea.
10. Poi and Coconut Bread Tasting
For young food lovers, try poi tasting in the Hawaii Village and freshly made coconut bread in the Tahiti Village. You may be surprised at how delicious they are!
11. Our Shows Are Family-Friendly
All of our shows are great for kids and most are interactive. For sure-fire favorites full of laughter and excitement, visit the Samoa and Tonga shows. Click here for show schedules.
12. Weave a Fish Headband
In the Tonga and Samoa Villages, you can learn to weave using leaves and take home a beautiful souvenir headband or woven bird. It’s a free, hands-on craft the whole family can enjoy.
13. Canoe Rides – Go Big or Go Small!
Free canoe rides give kids a chance to see the villages from the lagoon. Ride on a 32-passenger canoe guided by one of our strong paddlers, or take a smaller Tongan canoe and learn to paddle yourself. Either way, it’s a must-do experience!
Come On, It’s Time for Adventure!
As you can see, there’s so much to see, hear, and do at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Click here to book your tickets today!
About the Author
Rebecca Sabalones is a published writer and editor from Indiana. She graduated with a B.A. in Cultural Communications from Brigham Young University Hawaii, worked as a multi-media journalist and editor-in-chief for Ke Alaka’i, taught English in Taiwan, and was a copy editor for The Daily Herald. The islands called her back to Hawaii, where she now works in sales and marketing for the Polynesian Cultural Center.