The Best Gluten Free and Vegan Options At The Polynesian Cultural Center

Delicious gluten free, dairy free, and vegan eats & treats at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Oahu!

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Planning a trip to Oahu and looking for allergy-friendly options? Well, I have great news!

You can find amazing gluten free, dairy free, and vegan food options at Polynesian Cultural Center!

The Polynesian Cultural Center is an absolute MUST if you are visiting Oahu. It is one of the most enjoyable things we did during our time on the island. It gives you a real glimpse into the different cultures and histories of the Polynesian Islands.

To get there, plan about an hour and a half to drive yourself from Honolulu to Laie. It is located on the north side of the island. Otherwise, make your life even easier and book yourself a ride!

The Polynesian Cultural Center opens at noon every day and has various luau options available at both 4pm and 6pm.

When we arrived around 12:30pm to start exploring, we were amazed to see a great shopping area out in front of the entrance. There are food trucks, shops, a restaurant, and other places to sit and hang out.

This shopping area is where I was greeted with a variety of delicious food options that were gluten free, dairy free and vegan. What a wonderfully happy surprise!

Curious about all the options available there? Click here to see the descriptions of the various food stands and restaurants.

The best gluten free, dairy free and vegan food at The Polynesian Cultural Center:

The Elephant Shack Hawaii

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan Options

Love Thai food? Then you’ll loooove The Elephant Shack! This is some seriously delicious grub. They make everything fresh and it is apparent in the flavors of their food. It also means they can make your order to your specifications.

I had an excellent Pad Thai with a vegan sauce (no fish sauce people!). It was one of the very best pad thai dishes I have ever eaten. I also asked for it “thai spicy” and they didn’t disappoint! My travel companion asked for “no spice” and was also thrilled with the lack of heat and abundance of flavor.

You’ll find this food truck located out near the bus parking lot when entering the shopping area of The Polynesian Cultural Center.

Dole Whip at Tutu’s Sweet Shop

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan Options

If you’re obsessed with Dole Whip, then you’re in luck – Tutu’s Sweet Shop at The Polynesian Cultural Center has it! If you aren’t familiar with this gluten free and vegan frozen sweet treat, you need to give it a try. They offer it in a cup or as a twist with ice cream. Warning: the twist ice cream is lactose free but not dairy free or vegan. After a long, hot day exploring the villages, Dole Whip will be just what you need to cool down!

Beachside Shave Ice

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan Options

Shave ice is always a great gluten free and vegan treat. It is only made better when spending the day out in the Hawaiian sunshine at The Polynesian Cultural Center. Beachside Shave Ice is light and refreshing. The best part is they allow you to add your own flavors to create a combination as unique as your personality!

Delice Crepes

Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Vegan Options

I will admit, I was actually too full to eat a crepe at Delice Crepes. Yet, when I saw the option I knew I needed to mention it for those of you looking for allergy-friendly options.

Delice Crepes offers gluten free and vegan crepe options! It is conveniently located on your left as you walk toward the entrance to The Polynesian Cultural Center. Just follow the yellow print on the ground and you can’t miss it! If you give them a try, check back and let us know how they were.

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, And Vegan Options at The Polynesian Cultural Center Ali’i Luau:

If you happen to have as many food allergies as I do ( I hope you don’t!) then I do recommend you eat prior to your dinner at the Ali’i Luau buffet. I was able to have a very limited amount of items and it was a little disappointing for the amount I paid. Overall, it was still worth it to attend just for the experience!

If you’re curious, here is the link to the current (September 2019) allergen menu for their Ali’i Luau Buffet.

I also recommend letting your server know immediately when you are seated about your allergies. They have individual cards available for different allergies including gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, etc. explaining what is “safe”. If you have multiple allergies, you can then use the cards to cross-reference what foods you may be able to have on the buffet.

You may also like: The Best Allergy-Friendly Snacks For Traveling

Enjoy your time on Oahu! I know having these gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options at The Polynesian Cultural Center can only make your day better. I hope you can find the perfect allergy-friendly treat to satisfy your craving while you learn about the beautiful Polynesian Islands!

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