All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Oahu

I went to Hanauma Bay with my family and we had a wonderful experience! In the morning, we went to the pickup spot where the shuttle came to pick us up on time and everything went smoothly. The shuttle was very clean and the seats were nice and comfortable. Our shuttle driver was very kind and funny. I liked that she told us more about the island and the streets we were driving on while we were on the way to the bay. While on the bus, we also watched a mandatory and informative video about safety and preserving the bay. When we got to Hanauma Bay, we were greeted by someone from Roberts Hawaii who walked us all the way to where the tram was that took us down to the bay which was very helpful because we didn't have to find it on our own and we didn't have to walk all the way down. We enjoyed our day at the bay swimming and snorkeling and saw so many colorful fish! Then when it was time for pickup, our shuttle came on time and we were on our way back to Waikiki. Everything about the day went smoothly and it was so fun and relaxing. I really appreciated that everyone who helped us was so kind and helpful. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I would gladly go on this shuttle again!

If you're like me, you're doing a deep dive into every luau on the island and reading every review so you can decide what to spend your hard earned money on. Look no further. Kaula Luau in Ko Olina truly delivered an unforgettable experience and I will highlight some of the best parts.

First off, it's a new luau (opened February 2026) and differs greatly from traditional luaus. Will get more into it later.

We got the hotel shuttle transfer and even though it ran a little late, we made it to the luau with a lot of time to spare. The bus was luxurious and very comfortable. We were a small group of 8 but our guide Kanoa (Zeek) was very welcoming, funny and attentive.

The gift shop featured only items sourced and made from locals on the island, nothing imported. A lot of cute bags!

The preshow/dinner activities were fun and we learned a lot. Our favorite was the fire baton twirling, dancing with traditional instruments, and throwing a fishing net. The teachers were very friendly and guided us throughout.

There's no buffet, but small huts that serve dishes. You can get seconds... Thirds... Or more. The poke taro chips, grilled chicken and the Hawaiian roll were delightful. Bottled Jason Mamoa water was provided. The wait staff was quick to remove finished plates too! As with any outdoor luaus, there will be bugs. Use bug spray and maybe bring a hand fan to shoo them away.

The preshow featured live singing and hula dancing. It was a good workout for the food we were gonna eat!

You got plenty of time in between the preshow and main show to take pictures with the gorgeous sunset.

The main show was the highlight. The story telling was immersive, engaging, easy to follow and enjoyable for all ages. Felt like watching a theatre show! The production was top notch. A lot of dancing, live singing and high energy. Ended with a bang: fiery fire dancers, including the first female fire dancer!

Book it. There's a lot of love put into the production and it shows 💖

Diamond Head, which I had always wanted to climb at least once! The ascent was gentle, but it was quite hard. Still, when I saw the view from the top, I thought it was worth coming here!

After that, I got to meet some turtles at a beautiful beach, and I was able to visit Kualoa and Haleiwa, which was a great experience. Our guide, Jonathan, was very kind, thank you!

一度は登ってみたいと思っていたダイヤモンドヘッド！登りはゆるやかでしたが、なかなかハード。それでも頂上からの景色を見たら、来てよかった〜と思いました。
その後の綺麗なビーチで亀に出会ったり、クアロアやハレイワにも行くことができて満喫できました。ガイドのジョナサンとっても親切で、ありがとうございました。

The bus picked us up and we took a short walk to a trolley, which then took us to the beach. Once you're off, you're greeted with a great angle of the sky and surrounded by cliffs that form the wall of the bay. There are areas of the ocean filled with coral for snorkeling, and areas with close to no coral for those who simply enjoy being in the water. Plenty of space to set up camp, featuring grassy areas and sandy ones for whichever you prefer. Either way, any spot will give you a bright shine from the sun, a short walk to the water, and enough space to relax during your trip.

After the beach, there is a small gift shop and a food court. The gift shop is pretty generic, but features Hanauma trinkets and accessories. The food court has enough food options to keep you full until you get back. I recommend getting the chicken tenders, but ask them to sub out the regular fries with garlic fries. That seemed to be the most popular item there and I saw most people eating that.

Overall, fun beach to visit with a great view of the ocean for pictures.

This tour offers more than just what is on the pamphlet. First of all, the trip to the Dole Plantation provided different attractions that are relaxing and self paced with beautiful backgrounds for pictures. There was a large gift shop for those who enjoy a little vacation shopping with a food court where everyone should try at least one of the special pineapple menu items. Secondly, the stop to Haleiwa was a short distance from Dole, and there's so many shops to visit just by walking in a straight line. If you keep moving, you're bound to find something you that interests you, like the shaved ice, surf shops, and snoopy store. For each stop, the tour provides about an hour or two for you to explore yourselves, which is plenty, so you won't have the feeling have being rushed.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the two main stops of the tour, but what made the trip so memorable is the staff and driver of your bus. Our driver was Marlon, and he made it his second priority to make sure everyone in our group knew what options they had before reaching each stop so that we could plan accordingly once we arrive. Of course his first priority was ensuring our safety and comfort, making the tour easier for us to kick back and enjoy. During the extra free time, he even took us to a nearby coffee shop that grows and grinds their own beans. That's something he added to the tour himself since we had free time, but also because he wanted to show us more of the island. He has an excellent sense of humor, and everyone in our group felt comfortable approaching him. He even speaks multiple languages for the passengers that may not be fully fluent in English. During the stops, I noticed him walking around offering to take family photos, starting conversations with people about the places we visited, and answering any questions they had. He is an amazing driver, awesome tour guide, and overall just a friendly person you'd want to have with you when visiting new places.

I have been to Hawaii more than ten times, and this was my first visit to Hanauma Bay. It's a bit difficult to go on your own because you need a rental car and there are limits on the number of people, but this tour was great! The round trip was on a large bus, and the timing was precise! We also watched a video about environmental conservation on the bus, so we were able to head straight to the beach upon arrival, making for a very smooth experience.

10回以上ハワイに来ていて今回初めてハナウマ湾に行きました。
個人で行くにはレンタカーが必要だったり人数制限があったりして行きづらいですが、このツアーは行き帰りは大型バスでしかも時間は正確！バスの中で環境保全のビデオも見るので着いてすぐにビーチに行けてとてもスムーズな体験ができました。

There is about 2 hours of playtime on-site, which is plenty of time to enjoy. The ratio of Japanese participants is around 30%. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is nice. I was able to see a lot of fish while snorkeling. However, hitting the coral can be painful and can cause scrapes, so be careful. I participated during a low tide according to the tide chart, but the water level was about knee-deep, and it wasn't the sandbar I had imagined.

現地での遊ぶ時間は約2時間あり、十分楽しめます。日本人の比率は3割くらい。スタッフも気さくで雰囲気もいいです。シュノーケリングで魚もたくさん見ることができました。珊瑚に当たると痛いし擦り傷になります。注意です。潮見表で潮位の低い時間帯に参加しましたが、水位は膝くらいで想像していたサンドバーにはなっていませんでした。

After checking in, I received a fresh flower lei. It was very cute.

Then, I was guided to my dining seat, but the groups were separated based on the purchased tickets. With the VIP ticket, I was able to go to the buffet first and enjoyed various privileges, which was convenient.

The food was very delicious. I especially found the Mai Tai to be very easy to drink, and I had two cups. During the meal, there was also live music and hula dancing, which added to the enjoyment.

Afterward, I moved to a seat to watch the show, and the VIP seats were in the first and second rows in the center, allowing me to enjoy the show from a very close distance. The VIP seats included two complimentary drinks, and I was able to enjoy the second drink while watching the show.

チェックインをした後、生花のレイをいただきました。とても可愛かったです。
その後食事の席に案内をされましたが、購入した座席によって、グループが分かれていました。VIPチケットの場合、ブッフェを先に取りに行けたり、何かと優遇されていて便利でした。

料理はとても美味しかったです。とくにマイタイがとても飲みやすく2杯飲みました。食事中にも楽器の演奏をしていただいたり、フラダンスが観れて楽しめました。

その後ショーを観るため座席を移動しましたが、VIP席は真ん中の一列目から2列までで、かなり近い席でショーを楽しむことができました。
VIP席は2杯分のドリンクがサービスでついており、2杯目はショーを観ながら飲むことができました。

I went to see a night show with a mini tour included. The buffet had a wide variety of options, and I was satisfied with the free drinks. The show was very impressive and enjoyable. Next time, I want to spend a whole day doing various activities. The only disappointing thing was that there was no guidance from the staff, and I couldn't get a commemorative photo at the entrance.

ミニツアー付き、夜のショーを見に行きました。
ビュッフェも沢山品揃えがあり、フリードリンクで満足でした。
ショーは、とても迫力があり、楽しめました。
次回はまる1日かけて色んなアクティビティをやりたいです
ただ１つ残念だったのは、スタッフから案内がなくて入り口で記念写真がもらえなかったことでした。

まわりが明るすぎて　期待はずれでした。
前にハワイ島のマウナケアでサンセットと
星空鑑賞をしたので　比べてしまいました。

I am a 58-year-old woman with acrophobia. What does it feel like to jump from above the clouds? I was interested in experiencing something extraordinary, and I thought there might be times in the future when I would want to try it but wouldn't have the physical strength. This led me to experience it with my husband.

When jumping from the Cessna, fear definitely took over, but I realized that my acrophobia didn't matter at all. The instructor communicated with me through reassuring words and gestures, which made me feel at ease and not anxious.

The only trouble I had was with filling out the waiver, as everything was in English. It took some time using my smartphone's translation app, but I managed to get through it without any issues.

One disappointing point was the transportation. While the pickup was at a designated location, I was dropped off at a completely different place. If I had known in advance, I could have prepared for it, but it felt like I was suddenly told to get off here! (There was someone who translated for me, so I understood the situation.) Since it was only the second day after arriving, I was in a "Where am I?" state. Thankfully, I had Google Maps, but it would have been nice to receive prior notice if the drop-off location was going to change.

Aside from the transportation issue, it was a valuable experience, and it was amazing!

高所恐怖症の58歳(女性)です。
雲の上から飛び降りる感覚とは？
非日常を体験したい興味、今後やってみたいと思った時に体力が伴わない場合もあるのでは？と思ったのがきっかけで主人と2人で体験させてもらいました。
セスナから飛び降りる時は、さすがに恐怖が勝ちましたが高所恐怖症は全く関係ないな。と思いました。インストラクターの方が安心できるように声掛けとジェスチャーでコミュニケーションをとって下さったので不安は感じませんでした。
困ったのは誓約書などの入力、全て英語なので大変でしたがスマホの翻訳機を使い時間はかかりましたが問題なくできました。

残念な点は、送迎…迎えは指定された場所なのに、降ろされた場所は全く違う所だったこと。
事前に分かっていれば対応できたのですが、急にここで降りて！！みたいな感じで降ろされました。(通訳してくださった方が居たので理解できた状況)
着いて2日目だったこともあり、ここ何処？？状態です。Googleマップがあったのでなんとかなるものの、送迎の場所が変わるのであれば事前にお知らせがあると良かったなと思いました。
送迎の事以外は貴重な経験が出来てサイコーです。

The entrance to the store is a bit hard to find. Go left where the sign is, and it's on the second floor after going up the stairs. The meal was a course with a limited selection, but I was full. It seems there are also various à la carte options. The server did not understand Japanese at all.

お店の入り口が少しわかりにくいです。
看板があるところを左手に進み、階段を進んだ2階です。
食事は品数は少ないコースでしたが、お腹はいっぱいになりました。単品メニューも色々あるようです。
サーバーには日本語が全く通じませんでした。

As expected from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. The performers' skills were amazing, and I was on the edge of my seat. There were moments when audience members were brought up on stage, which added to the fun.

Since there are performances that take place high above from the ceiling, I think sitting in the back where you can see the entire stage is perfectly fine. If you're in the front seats, you'll have to look up a lot, which might get a bit tiring. You can purchase beers and other drinks at the bar counter near the entrance and bring them in.

さすがは世界のシルクドソレイユです。
演者の技術も素晴らしく、ハラハラドキドキさせられました。お客様をステージに上げる場面もあり、楽しめました。
天井からの高さのあるパフォーマンスもあるため、ステージ全体が見える後ろでも全然いいと思います。
前の席だと見上げる形になるので少し疲れると思います。入り口付近にあるバーカウンターでビールなどを購入して持ち込めます。

I had a super fun and enjoyable time riding the buggy!! It's a shame that we couldn't stop at the photo spot where they filmed Jurassic Park.

めっちゃ楽しく気持ちよくバギーできました！！ジュラシックパークの撮影現場で使われてたとこが写真スポットとして止まってくれなかったのでそれが残念です。

The bus arrived on time at 8:30 to pick us up. They efficiently checked the guest list and quickly got us on the bus, providing a fun English guide along the way to Hanauma Bay. We also watched a pre-visit video about Hanauma Bay on the bus, so we were able to enter directly upon arrival. After confirming the return time and location, we were off to Hanauma Bay! We laid out a small leisure sheet on the grass under the observation tower, left our belongings except for valuables, and enjoyed snorkeling. We could see fish even at the shoreline, but there were many more around the coral. We had chosen a return time of 12:30, which was just right. We were blessed with good weather, and it truly turned out to be a fulfilling day.

バスは時間通り8時半に迎えに来てくれました。手際よく名簿をチェックし直ぐにバスに乗せてくれ、ハナウマ湾までの道中も英語で楽しくガイドいただきました。バスの中でハナウマ湾の事前学習ビデオも視聴するので、現地では直接入場させてもらいました。帰りの時間と場所も再確認してから、いざハナウマ湾へ！監視塔下の芝生の上に小さなレジャーシートを敷き、貴重品以外の荷物を置き、シュノーケリングを楽しみました。お魚は波打ち際でも見れましたが珊瑚の辺りに多く見れました。帰りの時間は12時半を選択してましたが、丁度良かったです。お天気にも恵まれ、本当に充実した日になりました。

I had been looking forward to Hanauma Bay for a long time. The view from the high point before descending to the beach was truly breathtaking. The water felt like a natural aquarium! I was able to swim with colorful tropical fish while snorkeling, and it was an extraordinary experience. I also appreciated Hawaii's commitment to protecting the ocean, which was highlighted by the environmental protection video we watched beforehand.

ずっと楽しみにしていたハナウマ湾。ビーチに降りる前の高台からの景色はまさに絶景でした。水の中はまるで天然の水族館！シュノーケリングで色とりどりの熱帯魚と一緒に泳げて、非日常な時間を過ごせました。事前の環境保護ビデオの視聴も含めて、海を大切にするハワイの姿勢も素敵だなと感じました。

I experienced snorkeling for the first time at Hanauma Bay. The water was incredibly clear, and I was truly moved to see colorful fish swimming right nearby. At first, I was a bit nervous, but the waves were relatively calm, allowing me to enjoy it with peace of mind. I also felt that this place is well-preserved by nature, making it a very precious experience. It became a memorable time, a beautiful memory of Hawaii's stunning ocean.

ハナウマ湾で初めてシュノーケリングを体験しました。海の透明度がとても高く、色とりどりの魚たちがすぐ近くを泳いでいる様子を見ることができて、本当に感動しました。最初は少し緊張しましたが、波も比較的穏やかで、安心して楽しむことができました。自然が大切に守られている場所だということも実感でき、とても貴重な体験になりました。ハワイの美しい海の思い出として、心に残る時間となりました。

The atmosphere of the town felt unchanged, but I was surprised to hear for the first time about the incidents of the stolen Ohtani rock and signs. There were various new shops, but I was able to spend a peaceful time.

街の雰囲気は変わってない感じでしたが、大谷岩や看板が盗まれた事件などは初めて聞いてびっくりでした。ショップは色々増えていましたがのどかな時間を過ごせました。

Very chill evening. The crew was very laid back. We hada clear view of the fireworks, all while enjoying the a few adult beverages and making new friends and memories.

It was a small boat, which made it quite impressive and enjoyable. The cruise lasted just the right amount of time (a little under an hour). The free drinks were also highly rated. The staff were all friendly, which added to the fun.

The engine is used during departure and arrival, but once offshore, they sail using the sails. I think it's a highlight to see the staff raising and lowering the sails and steering the boat.

小さな船だったこともあり迫力があり楽しめました。またちょうど良い時間（1時間弱）のクルーズでした。フリードリンクも好評価。スタッフも気さくな方ばかりだったので楽しめました。
出航帰港の時はエンジンを使いますが、沖合では帆を操って航行。スタッフが帆を張ったり畳んだり船の方向を操作するのも見どころかと思います。

I had a great time being together with people from abroad. The guide seemed to understand a little Japanese, which made communication enjoyable. Above all, I think it's happy to share the time of enjoying the beautiful starry sky with those who love stars in Hawaii.

外国の方とも一緒になれて楽しかったです。ガイドの方は日本語も少しわかるようで楽しくコミュニケーションが取れました。何より、Hawaiiで星が好きな方々と綺麗な星空を見て楽しむという時間を共有できることがhappyだと思います。

On the day of the event, we started under dark clouds. The rain gradually intensified, but since it was an activity we were prepared to get dirty for, we ended up soaking wet. However, guided by a fantastic guide, it turned into an unforgettable and amazing buggy experience. Next time, I want to have a revenge under clear skies.

当日、暗雲立ちこめる中のスタート。
次第に雨は強まっていったが、もとは汚れることは覚悟のアクティビティ、ずぶ濡れになったが、素晴らしいガイドに導かれ思い出に残る最高のバギー体験となった。
次回は晴天の下のリベンジをしたい。

It was a sandbar experience in light rain, but when we arrived, the tide was low, allowing us to finally set foot on it. After playing with stand-up paddleboards and powerful water guns, we went snorkeling. I was thrilled to see many fish and the honu (sea turtles) hiding among the rocks. The most moving moment was when a honu gracefully swam right underneath me, turning around just below me, allowing me to see its impressive size for a long time.

The staff were all friendly, and there were even some who spoke Japanese, which made me feel comfortable participating.

小雨の中でのサンドバーでしたが到着時刻に潮が引いていて念願の上陸ができました。SUPやすごい威力の水鉄砲で遊んだりした後にシュノーケリング。たくさんの魚や岩陰にいるホヌに喜んでいたのですが、一番の感動はホヌが優雅に泳いできて触ってしまうのではというくらいのすぐ真下でUターンしてくれて長い時間すごい大きさで見れたことです。
スタッフの皆さんも楽しくて日本語を話される方もいらしたので安心して参加できました。

ビュッフェスタイルの料理はおいしくて、おなか一杯食べてしまいました。
食事中にフラダンスやウクレレ演奏での歌などがあり楽しく過ごせました。
十分時間をとってからのショー会場への移動。
フラダンスや歌唱ショーなどあっという間の時間に感じるくらいの楽しさでした。
レイをいただいたのですが生花だったので自宅まで持って帰れなかったのが残念でした。

Segway, which I wanted to experience at least once since I saw it on TV a few years ago! This time, I participated with my family of four. It was fun to ride along the coast while receiving the gazes and smiles of many people. Remi Hirano's talk was also fantastic! We took a lot of photos (my phone that I handed over was left with only 2% battery, haha). I would love to join again when I go to Hawaii!

何年か前にTVで観てから一度は体験してみたかったセグウェイ！今回は家族４人での参加でした。たくさんの人の視線と笑顔を受けながら海岸沿いを走るのは楽しかったです。ハワイの平野レミさんのトークも最高！写真もいっぱい(預けた携帯の充電が残り2%笑)撮っていただきました。またハワイに行ったら参加したいですね。

I was truly moved to see natural fish and coral reefs right nearby while swimming. However, the sea was cold at 7 AM in January, so I couldn't stay in for long... I think it would be enjoyable around 10 AM when the sun is fully up.

泳いでいるすぐ近くを天然の魚や珊瑚礁を見ることができ、本当に感動しました。
ただ、1月の朝7時の海は寒くて、長時間は入っていられませんでした…。
日が登りきった10時ごろなら楽しめると思います。

I participated in the 3-hour course. The 2-hour course seemed to have many participants, but the 3-hour course had only three groups, allowing us to listen to detailed explanations at stunning viewpoints and movie filming locations while having plenty of time to take photos. Every spot felt like a rare opportunity to see such breathtaking scenery, making it an incredible experience!

3時間のコースに参加しました。
2時間コースは参加者が多そうでしたが、3時間コースは参加が３組で、絶景や映画の撮影ポイントで詳しく説明を聞きながら、たくさん写真を撮る時間がありました。
こんな絶景なかなか見られないと感じるところばかりで、最高の時間になりました！

The shuttle service was wonderful. People were very friendly. The snorkeling was awesome. Everything went very smooth. Would use this company again and would recommend.

Thank you for your courteous response to the sudden reservation change. Despite the unfortunate weather, I appreciate the support you provided for my husband, who uses a wheelchair, with boarding and disembarking from the boat, as well as your encouragement. I felt at ease and enjoyed the experience thanks to the interpretation from the guide who spoke Japanese. I believe it would have been even more beautiful if the weather had been nice. I would love to participate again if the opportunity arises.

突然の予約変更に対しても丁寧な対応ありがとうございました。
アクティビティはあいにくの天候の中でも、車椅子使用の主人に船の乗降や声掛けなどサポートありがとうございました。
日本語のできるガイドさんの通訳で安心して楽しめました。
天気がいいともっと綺麗だったと思います。
また機会があれば参加したいです。

I was fitted with a harness by the instructor, while other instructors were taking photos in front of the sign and communicating. However, when they realized I was Japanese and couldn't speak much English, they quickly went behind the scenes and didn't come out again.

As others moved, we headed to the waiting area before boarding the plane. The instructor arrived late and took photos in front of the outdoor sign. After that, we waited for boarding, during which a GoPro was recording, resulting in 1,659 images sent to us that were mostly irrelevant. Two-thirds of the total images were just random shots taken without permission.

I understand that the energy levels vary among instructors, but if the images are just for counting, I don't need them. The data was downloaded without consent.

At the reception, there was a Japanese woman who was reassuring and attentive, which made me feel at ease.

Overall, it was a valuable experience that is hard to come by.

インストラクターにハーネスを着けてもらい、他のインストラクターは、看板前で撮影等して、コミュニケーションをしていたが、日本人で英語がそれぼど話せないと分かると、すぐ裏へ帰り出て来ない。
他の人達が移動するので飛行機搭乗前の待機場へ移動すると、遅れてインストラクターが来て、外の看板前で撮影。その後、飛行機搭乗まで待機しているが、その間GoPro回っていて、送られた画像1659枚がその時のどうでもいい画像。トータル三分のニの画像が、無断な数合わせの画像でした。
インストラクターによって、テンションが違うのは、分かるが数合わせの画像なら、いらない。データダウンロードの無断です。

受け付けには、日本人女性がいらっしゃて、安心、親身に対応して、いただきました。

体験としては、なかなか体験出来ない貴重な体験をさせていただきました。