In this paper, a hybrid/mixed nonlinear shell element is developed in polar coordinate system based on Hellinger/Reissner variational principle and the large-deflection theory of plate. A numerical solution scheme is formulated using the hybrid/mixed finite element method (HMFEM), in which the nodal values of bending moments and the deflection are the unknown discrete parameters. Stability of the present element is studied. The large-deflection analyses are performed for simple supported and clamped circular plates under uniformly distributed and concentrated loads using HMFEM and the traditional displacement finite element method. A parametric study is also conducted in the research. The accuracy of the shell element is investigated using numerical computations. Comparisons of numerical solutions are made with theoretical results, finite element analysis and the available numerical results. Excellent agreements are shown.