All Reviews for Food & Dining Experiences

The captain, crew, boat accommodations were all good - great! But the reason for this excursion was the snorkeling and that was just OK.

First the good: The crew did a fantastic job taking care of us all on the boat. They seamlessly prepped all the food without us realizing they were doing it, and then served it very effectively! It was really good and plenty of it. Gotta be fast to ask for seconds tho as the crew is very efficient cleaning up. The boat ride was also great!

Now the OK: I fully expected the crew would extend their care to the snorkeling adventure and split us up into groups and take us around the coral reef. They did not, and we were left to swim and fend for ourselves not really knowing how to navigate a reef without coming in contact with it, not really knowing what we should be looking for. I "happened" across a turtle that came up from the depths of the coral and almost collided with me... so I saw that one, but not much else because I wasn't sure what I should be looking at.

The window-side seat on the top floor had a great view and the food was delicious. However, the size of the steak was clearly smaller than those at the surrounding tables, which was disappointing. Additionally, they did not bring water to us or other Japanese guests.

I felt a bit sad about various things, but the evening and night views were wonderful, and we could see the fireworks well, so I think it was still a good experience. I believe those who participate can enjoy it if they have a relaxed mindset.

窓際席、一番上の階で景色も良くお料理も美味しかったです。しかし、ステーキの大きさが周りのテーブルより明らかに小さく、残念な気持ちになりました。また、私たちや他の日本人にはお水を持ってきてくれませんでした。
色々悲しい気持ちでしたが、夕景、夜景は素晴らしく花火も良く観れたので良かったのかなとは思います。
参加される方は心にゆとりがあれば楽しめるとは思います。

Last year, we registered our marriage and, being a bit older, we weren't considering a wedding ceremony. However, after researching sunset cruises, we found an option for a vow renewal. We updated our marriage vows for our second anniversary and received a certificate, commemorative photos, and a bottle of champagne for toasting.

We were seated at a couple's table by the window, allowing us to enjoy the view while dining. The sunset and the night view of Honolulu were absolutely wonderful. There were hula dances and various performances, and everyone on the boat had a great time. I chose the one-star meal since I have a small appetite, but the portion was more than enough.

昨年、入籍をし年齢高めで挙式などは考えていませんでしたが、サンセットクルーズをリサーチしてバウリニューアルというのがあったので、入籍２年目の結婚の誓いの更新を行い証明書と記念写真、乾杯のシャンパン1本いただきました。
席は窓際のカップルシート指定で景色を見ながらお食事が出来ます。
サンセット、ホノルルの夜景、とても素敵です。フラダンスや色々なダンス、船内のみんなで盛り上がりました。
少食なので1スターにしましたが、充分な量です。

We participated in mid-October as a couple in our 60s. Among the approximately 20 participants from Japan, everyone except us were newlyweds. There were also couples from Australia who were retired.

Due to the timing, the tide was high, and the white sand was not visible until the tide went out. If you want to walk on the white sand shown in the photos, you'll need to adjust your timing for participation.

However, with the blue sky and sea, the uniquely shaped mountains visible in the distance, and the cheerful hospitality of the crew on board, I felt a sense of liberation. We also saw sea turtles and manta rays. I would like to participate again.

If you're looking for clearer water and a variety of fish while snorkeling, Hanauma Bay might be a better option.

10月中旬に60歳台夫婦で参加。日本から参加された方20名程は、私たち以外新婚さんでした。他にはオーストラリアから来たリタイア後のご夫婦もいた。
時期的に潮が高くて、白い砂が見えるまで潮が引いてはいなかった。写真にある白い砂の上を歩きたければ、参加時期の調整は必要。
でも、青い空と海、視界に見える独特の形をした山、船上クルーの方々の陽気なおもてなしがあり、心が解放された気分になった。ウミガメとマンタも見られた。また参加したい。
シュノーケリング時の海の透明度や見られる魚の豊富さを求めるなら、ハナウマベイの方が良いかも。

This tour includes a sandwich lunch at Tantalus after visiting Manoa Falls. I signed up mainly for the Manoa Falls hike, but the lunch sandwiches and the view from Tantalus were just as great! The guide also took a lot of photos for us, thank you.

For those participating, my advice is that there are many mosquitoes in Manoa, so I recommend bringing insect repellent and, if possible, wearing long sleeves and long pants. Also, since it's a rainy area, the ground can be slippery. Having non-slip shoes would be reassuring.

こちらのツアーはマノアの滝の後に、タンタラスの丘でのサンドイッチランチがついていて、マノアの滝ハイキングメインで申し込みましたが、同じくらいランチのサンドイッチとタンタラスの丘からの景色がとてもよかったです！
ガイドさんもたくさん写真をとってくれたり、ありがとうございました。
参加される方へのアドバイスは、マノアは蚊が多いので、虫よけの持参、できれば長袖、長ズボンをおすすめします。あと、雨が多い地域なので地面が滑ります。滑りにくい靴があると安心です。

Overall, excellent experience. The show was awesome showing the traditional style of dances and performances of the Hawaiian culture. The buffet itself had many selections to choose and eat. The most highlight of the show was the HA breath of life where it was the fire rings twisted by several different men on the show which was pretty cool. We also did the islands of Polynesia 2 hour guided tour where we sat down and peeled bananas and coconut looking like materials with the dressed up villagers on site.

The sunset cruise was absolutely gorgeous and worth of your time. It was our anniversary with my wife and had a wonderful evening with the awesome Hula show and with the friendly crew members on board. Customer service was excellent and we will be coming back shortly. Food was of course great too and my favorite part was the BBQ chicken with the MaiTai cocktail!

From the photos, the cheaper options have a beer garden-like atmosphere. I chose the most expensive one. There were many people celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries, creating a calm yet lively ambiance with live piano and saxophone music.

写真みる限り安いやつは
ビアガーデン的な雰囲気で
1番高いのにしました
ハネムーンかお金持ち
結婚記念日などの人が多く
落ち着いた盛り上がり
ピアノに生歌、サックスなど。

A sunrise hike up diamond head is a must do. The Acai bowl at Bogarts was a perfect refresher after the hike. I would do this again

Booked whilst in Australia, on the night it was easy to locate, the staff were friendly and welcoming. The food and drink were plentiful and more than expected. The entertainment was very good and as whole the night was a fantastic event. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good meal and a show.

[VELTRA Staff Experience]
I had a spectacular experience at the Na Lei Aloha Show! The location is within walking distance from most hotels in Waikiki. The food was the best I've ever had at a luau. The all-you-can-eat buffet at Hyatt Hotel features perfectly cooked prime ribs, short ribs, and pork ribs. It's a seafood lover's paradise! They have high quality snow crab legs, made-to-order sushi, poke station, an incredible variety of salads, hot dishes, and an impressive selection of desserts. It’s hard to pick favorites because every dish was outstanding, I can't wait to go back.

The setting had a lovely intimate atmosphere, and the servers were attentive to every detail. The show was absolutely delightful, highlighting Hawaiian culture and the significance of the Lei, showcasing a wide array of flowers used to create these meaningful flower necklaces. The dancers were incredibly talented, and the storytelling was captivating—I couldn't stop smiling!

It was too long of a day! Our bus left PCC after 9:20pm which meant we got back to Waikīkī almost 11pm. The day was great but the ending with the timing of the bus was a sour note.

(Reviewed by Hawaii Activities Staff)

As we walked in we were greeted with a beautiful cold lei that made us feel welcomed. The location was perfect for Waikiki away from the crowds with stunning views of the ocean/sunset. The food was truly out of this world from just about every thing you could possibly think of. Sushi, meats, a quality salad bar, Korean BBQ, and not to mention the yummy dessert bar. Food for every pallet in the family.

The show was truly engaging, sweet, and wholesome. Based on the history of Waikiki and the importance of flowers being made into leis. Not like any other show i've seen on island. The duration of the activity was perfect, not too long not too short didn't feel rushed to eat or didn't feel like the show was dragging on. Would definitely recommend this for couples and friends looking to celebrate in a unique way.

Dinner show performance
I was overwhelmed by the dynamic fire knife dance. I was surprised to see them putting fire in and out of their mouths!!

The male singer's guitar performance and singing were also great. For people of our age (76 and 83 years old), it was nostalgic to hear Hawaiian songs like "Kaimana Hila," which brought back memories of our youth... and the conversation flowed. Personally, I requested "Aloha 'Oe," but it was a bit disappointing that they said they didn't know it and I couldn't hear it.

The semi-open-air dining venue was full of a sense of freedom, and enjoying delicious food while being close to live music and dance, along with the beautiful natural scenery, made it even more enjoyable. I want to come again.

ディナーショーパーフォーマンス
ダイナミックなファイア.ナイフ.ダンスに圧倒された。
火を口の中に入れたり出したりしたのにはビックリ !!

男性歌手のギターの演奏と歌もよかった。
私達の年代(76歳と83歳)の者にとってはカイマナヒラ
などの懐かしいハワイアンソングも聴けて我が青春をおもいだし....話が弾む。個人的には"アロハ・オエ"をリクエストしたが知らないと言う事で聴けなかったのがチョッピリ残念。

半ばオープンエアーの食事会場は解放感いっぱい、生の音楽、ダンスを間近に接し美しい自然の景色を見ながらの食事は美味しさ倍増でした。
又、来たい。

My husband and I had a fantastic day at the polynesian culture centre.
We went to many of the activities and to the Gateway dinner. We felt it was excellent and a beautiful display plus we learnt a lot.
Thank you all so very much...
I was particularly wishing to go to a Luau and that was what I thought I booked from Australia before we went.....however discovered while there that I had booked the Gateway dinner. Bit disappointed but the dinner was lovely and the whole experience fantastic!!! Thank you all so much...
Shirley and David Husted
Australia...

During Dinner Everyone So Kind and Nice !! We had our baby and a stroller and they went above and beyond to help us feel welcome. They were extra kind to our little one. A good family vibe.

Celebrating my wife's birthday on the Star of Honolulu! It was organized from the time we were picked up at our hotel by bus to being seated at our reserved table. The ship is divided by what package you purchase (excellent idea). We got a chance to watch fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel beach. But was wonderful was the breezes off the ocean in addition to the wonderful sunset while you have your meal. Your meal is brought to your table by the fantastic wait staff. Live music is performed while dining. Later, there is a hula/chaka show. Before you know it, the night is over. My wife received a special birthday cake that was light as a feather and delicious. We ended our stay in Oahu with this dinner cruise. Best time spent. Would do it again just for the sunsets.

I made some wonderful memories in Hawaii. When I arrived at the venue, I was given a lei, and I took photos with the beautiful ocean in the background and made a ti leaf bracelet.

When dinner started, the hula dance show began as well, and I was glad to enjoy a fun dinner. The menu included appetizers, salad, main courses, and desserts, all of which were beautifully presented and delicious, featuring Hawaiian cuisine that left me very satisfied.

The fire dance was impressive, with the fire being spun vigorously, and it looked even cooler as the sun set during the performance.

I was also happy to take photos with the hula and fire dancers.

ハワイでのとてもいい思い出になりました。
会場へ着くとレイをかけてもらって、きれいな海を背景に写真を撮ったり、ティーリーフのブレスレットを作ったりしました。

食事が始まると、フラダンスショーも始まり、楽しくディナーをとることができてよかったです。メニューは、前菜、サラダ、メイン、デザートとどれもきれいで美味しく、ハワイらしい料理もあり、大満足でした。
ファイアーダンスは、火を激しく回して、日が暮れた後のパフォーマンスだったので一層カッコよく見えました。

フラとファイアーダンスのダンサーの方々とも写真を撮ってもらえてよかったです。

The tour with our guide Susumu and driver Mahia was bright and fun! The meeting time was strictly adhered to, and we never experienced any delays in departure. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the sea turtles due to nature's unpredictability, which was disappointing. Nevertheless, it was a gourmet-filled tour from the moment we got on the bus until we got off! We enjoyed a day's worth of Hawaiian cuisine! For those considering participating, please join without having breakfast. There are various reviews out there, but in my personal opinion, the tour's success depends not just on the guide but also on the participants finding joy in the experience, which can lead to a wonderful journey!

ガイドのススムさん､ドライバーのマヒア？さん､お二人共明るくて楽しいツアーでした❗️集合時間も時間厳守されて出発が遅れる事は一度もありませんでした❗️ただ自然には逆らえず海ガメには会えず残念でした❗️とにかくバスに乗ってから降りるまでグルメ三昧のツアーでした❗️１日でハワイの食事を頂きました❗️参加をご検討される方は朝ごはん抜きで参加されて下さい色々口コミもありますが私の個人的な意見ですがツアーはガイドさん次第ではなく参加する方々が参加する楽しみを見つけられると素晴らしい旅になると思います❗️

We purchased tickets for the show only but walked past the all-you-can-eat buffet and I must say, it looked very good.
The show was very entertaining and well worth the money. I'd recommend this to anyone.

I capped off our 20th wedding anniversary with this Sunset Cruise. My wife and I were tremendously pleased with everything from start to finish. From the greetings to fireworks everything was on point. The food was delicious and the wait staff was impeccable. The live jazz music was great. I recommend you get the luxury experience with all the options. We enjoyed the 5 star treatment. It was classy and sophisticated. This will be a very memorable experience.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a “must have adventure” that we would highly recommend from couples to families. We spent a day and enjoyed every second of it. We celebrated our wedding anniversary and kept it quiet but loved the experience of the Tahitian wedding ceremony where we renewed our promise. The food experience was outstanding, we tried a lot of food that we never tried before. The raw tuna was our favourite. 1 day was not enough to have the time to have some art workshop to do and sadly we couldn’t go back to have an Okulele session.
Thank you for the experience of our lifetime. Tia and Zoltan from Ireland

The tour guide was kind, and even though I forgot my insect repellent spray, they lent me one. The path wasn't as muddy as I thought, so my shoes didn't get too dirty. We were also blessed with good weather. The lunch at Tantalus Lookout, along with the scenery and breeze, was perfect.

ツアーガイドさんも親切、虫よけスプレー忘れていきましたが、貸してくれました。思ったほど道はぬかるみなどなく、そこまで靴も汚れませんでした。お天気にも恵まれました。タンタラスの丘での昼食、景色　風、申し分なかったです。

I went on the first day of our arrival in Hawaii with my mom! It was so much fun! I'm glad we went on the first day, feeling like "We made it to Hawaii!"

お母さんと2人でハワイ到着日に行きました！
楽しかったー！ハワイきました！って感じで初日に行って良かったです！

The experience was very nice as far as the show however the food was not great at all very low budget set up and selection of food for the price as well as the fruit punch and water were in igloos

[VELTRA Staff Experience]
The Hula Garden at Kahalu'u Pond was truly magical! I've attended many Polynesian shows and luaus in Hawaii over the past 10 years, but this one stands out as the most stunning location. It's not your typical luau. It offers a sophisticated dining experience with breathtaking views of Kaneohe Bay and the Kualua Ranch mountain range. The intimate setting sets the stage for an elevated experience: fine dining amidst lush greenery and an ancient fishpond. I'd say it's one of Oahu's best-kept secrets, a hidden gem that only a few people know about. 

The food was exceptional, featuring a 4-course dinner freshly prepared by the renowned Michel's Restaurant. Starting with the chilled roasted tomato bisque, tofu poke, and salad was a treat! The main course of steak, abalone & garlic shrimp was absolutely delicious. The mango mousse cake for dessert was light and refreshing. What I loved most about this evening was the lack of a crowded, touristy luau feel. The entertainment was delightful, featuring a lively band, singer, and dancers performing at various spots throughout the venue. The grand finale featuring a skilled fire knife dancer was truly impressive.

Tips:
- I suggest booking with transportation; it's complimentary. Parking is limited and comes at an additional cost.
- If you're seeking a big luau production, this may not be the one for you. But if you want a distinctive, less crowded, out-of-the-ordinary experience, this is the perfect fit.
- If food quality is important to you, then this dinner show is what you're looking for! The food quality exceeded my expectations, it's restaurant quality! And the menu offers completely different options compared to traditional luau buffets.
- I think this dining show is recommended for all types of travelers and local residents alike, even if you've been to a luau previously.
- This is a fantastic choice for marking a special occasion and a truly romantic experience.

The Sunset Dinner Cruise, a luxurious 5-star experience, has upgraded its seating options to include window-side choices. The piano performance and live show were dreamy. The optional wine was so good that I wanted to have more, and the time flew by.

サンセット・ディナークルーズ豪華5スターは、更にシートもバージョンアップし窓際をオプション選択ピアノ演奏と生のライブショーは、夢心地でした。
オプションのワインもお替りをしたいぐらいで、あっという間のひと時でした。

Small and intimate luau with a lot of Hawaiian history coursing through the show!

It was a really great ground, but you will be tired after exploring PCC.

The kids had a lot of fun, we think we would skip next but its worth it one time!