Islands of Polynesia experience
Hello,
Would anyone be able to confirm if the Islands of Polynesia tour/experience is wheelchair accessible?
I see the Breath of Life show has wheelchair accessible seating, but there isn't any accessibility info on the Islands of Polynesia experience.
Thank you in advance
Hi — great question. Yes, the Islands of Polynesia experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is generally wheelchair accessible, but there are some important caveats and things to plan for. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s known, plus practical tips.
Accessibility at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC):
- The PCC explicitly states that it “makes specific accommodations for guests with disabilities, including mobility … disabilities.”
- All major areas of the center — including village exhibits, dining venues, and the Hukilau Marketplace — are wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis through a partner (Hawaiʻi Scooters).
- There is accessible parking near the entrance.
- Accessible restrooms are distributed throughout the center.
Shows / Seating:
- For the Hā: Breath of Life evening show, there is a dedicated wheelchair seating area.
- PCC recommends that guests using wheelchairs arrive several minutes early for village presentations to secure appropriate seating, because some presentation areas have grass or gravel terrain.
Canoe Ride:
- The canoe (“voyaging canoe”) tours are not fully wheelchair-boardable in the sense that you must transfer out of your wheelchair to a seat in the canoe.
- Your wheelchair or scooter can be folded and stored during the canoe ride.
General Navigation & Mobility:
The pathways between villages are wide, paved, and include ramps, making it manageable with a wheelchair or scooter.
There is no service to push wheelchairs — you or your companion will need to move independently or with your own support.
How to Prepare / Tips:
- When booking tickets, call or email ahead to discuss your specific accessibility needs: Customer Care at 800-367-7060 or customercare@polynesia.com.
- If you need a wheelchair or scooter, reserve one in advance if possible (via the PCC or their rental partner) — availability can be limited.
- Plan to arrive early for presentations / shows so you can get to accessible seating without stress.
- If you're considering the canoe tour and have limited mobility, ask staff about how the transfer works ahead of time.
Bottom Line:
Yes — the Islands of Polynesia experience is largely wheelchair accessible, including village areas, dining, and seating for the evening show. Canoe rides are possible with a transfer. With some planning (especially for mobility device rental and show seating), you should be able to enjoy the full experience comfortably.
Hope that helps — have a wonderful time at PCC!
More Oahu Travel Questions