Day 5 – Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and Macadamia Nut Farm (Tropical Farms) and China Man’s Hat
Chinaman’s Hat
On the way to the PCC from Waikiki, take Kam Highway which is a small highway right along the ocean. You’ll pass valleys where Jurassic Park and other iconic movies were filmed. You will also pass by the landmark Chinaman’s Hat Island or Mokoli’i Island. It’s fun to point out that the further away you are the bigger the island looks and as you get closer, it begins to look smaller. An interesting trick of the eye. You can either stop off and check out the beach or just notice it as you drive by but if you are ever on the island without small children, hiking Chinaman’s Hat is one of the absolute highlights. At the top, there is a view of the lush, windward side of Oahu with its majestic, jagged cliffs. It’s remarkable. And the other side of Chinaman’s hat is a secret gem all it’s own! You’ll need kayaks or paddleboards, tennis shoes and a camera. But this is a can’t miss for the most ambitious adventurers.
Tropical Farms (stop off for 30 minutes max)
On Kam Highway you’ll arrive at Tropical Farms(website) where you can sample all the local coffees and macadamia nut treats. It’s a small little store on the farm with souvenirs and samples. There are so many local, delicious treats to bring back home to loved ones, although I doubt they will last that long. There’s an addictive quality to these exotic snacks. The dried coconut and the cinnamon glazed or plain salted macadamia nuts are our family favorites. And the kids go crazy for the caramel popcorn with macadamia nuts.
You can choose to go on a tour of the farm or just shop and sample til your hearts content. But one fun little activity for the kids is behind the store you can try to crack open a macadamia nut all on your own. It’s a unique challenge but then you get the added bonus of eating the little treasure you worked so hard for. Map Website
Ali’i Tour of the farm
If you are interested in the Ali’i Tour of the farm it is a real treat. It is located in the back of the store but it is run by a different company. They are closed on Sundays and pretty aloha style so you should call to check on tour times if you are interested. I would choose to either do this tour or go to the PCC and do all the activities there since they are both very similar, but not both. This tour is much more affordable, still very entertaining and hands on. There are really funny Samoan tour guides, and they take you out on a boat, do a little fire dance, show you how to crack open a coconut, teach you all about different hawaiian plants and many more little cultural activities. It’s a great tour for $20 per adult and $10 for a child. Website
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