Reviewed by: Todd and Belinda
I have to say that The Polynesian Culture Center is my favorite memory about Hawaii. I learned so much with this experience. We adored our Tour Guide "Cousin ViVii" she was very informative and a pleasure to be around. Not only is it my favorite memory of Hawaii, but a favorite memory of my life.
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| Packages: | Super Ambassador Luau Dinner Package & All Day Admission (Private Guided) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/10/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/09 |
Reviewed by: Kristen
After reading so many reviews, we expected this experience to be great; however, we found most of the evening to be okay at best. The prime rib and seafood, "prime" dining, is not good. Much of the hot food was luke-warm, the roast beef...I mean prime rib...although pretty sure it was roast beef, was way overcooked and just gross, and much of the food was slimy and just inedible. There was one hot seafood item which was somewhat hot/somewhat still frozen, and my husband said was disgusting. It was not prime dining. I would suggest skipping dining there altogether.
We had some time to walk around; however, most of the exhibits are just artifacts or movies/shows. The Samoa live show was interesting and entertaining, but the videos were boring and I can't imagine what you could spend an entire day there doing (we went late at 4 PM and had plenty of time). The "Ha, Breathe of Life" show was the best part for sure. The show was entertaining; however, it was very long. We went to another luau and show earlier in our trip, booked through the cruise line, and I would say that show was better. "Ha, Breathe of Life" was very long and had a lot of repetitive dancing. They do a part of the show for each Island, so after awhile the dancing gets repetitive. Some aspects were really neat: fire dancing, a few of the dances with props, etc, but it would have been better if it hadn't been so extremely long and repetitive.
Overall, I can't say that I would recommend this experience. If I did, I would recommend the show, without eating dinner. Additionally, be prepared to pay extra for everything and have things that cost money constantly offered to you (I understand, it is a vacation destination, but for the Polynesian Cultural Center, which doesn't allow tipping and is all about culture, it just seemed weird after awhile). Next time we go to Hawaii, we will try a luau closer to the resort area, and skip the Polynesian Cultural Center.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | [Open Spring 2021] Ambassador Luau Dinner & Premium Show Seating |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/10/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/01 |
Reviewed by: kono
This time, I attended a dinner show for the first time in Waikiki.
It was a standard plan, but I was able to enjoy the dance performances and the food was reasonably delicious.
However, the time between receiving the welcome drink and going to the buffet was too long, which was quite exhausting.
Depending on the seating order, some guests were served a bit earlier, but it would have been better if they could have accommodated us sooner.
Since I had an alcoholic welcome drink, I ended up getting tipsy before going to get the food.
The show itself was very satisfying.
今回ディナーショーはワイキキで初めて行きました。
スタンダードのプランでしたが、
十分にダンスを知覚で見れて料理もそれなりに美味しくいただきました。
ただ、ウェルカムドリンクがきてから、ビュッフェをとりにいくまでの時間が長過ぎてしんどかったです。
席の順番によってはやや早い方もいましたが、もっと早めにたいおうしてもらえると良かったです。
アルコールいりのウェルカムドリンクをいただいたので、料理をとりにいくまでに酔っ払いました。。
ショー自体はとても満足のいくものでした。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | スタンダードシート(2015年12月末まで) |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2014/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/24 |
Reviewed by: Gretchen
The dinner was amazing, the filet was cooked perfectly and the crab legs kept on coming. We got a complimentary mai tai that was actually a very good drink (not that pre-mixed yucky stuff) and also ordered the $40 bottle of champagne. When dinner was finished, they put on a Polynesian show within the cabin that was loads of fun. Unfortunately the sunset was blocked by cloud cover but the show made up for it. The waitress was fantastic and the room supervisor was very attentive. Would definitely do this again! An additional note: they took the usual souvenir photo and charged $27 which we thought was way over the top...but it was framed beautifully (book-bound style) and ended up being the best photo of our entire honeymoon!! Worth every penny!
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/09 |
Reviewed by: Gretchen
This was our first luau experience and it was fantastic. Transportation was included, the bus was on time and comfortable. When we arrived, they took a photo that had a beautiful back drop (amazing scenery with the mountain and the ocean), photo was $10 and quite decent quality. There were fun pre-show activities and drinks available. The buffet was good, we paid for the middle of the road package which was worth it. The emcee was funny and personable and the show was very entertaining, the woman sitting next to us said that they had been to several luaus and this was by far the best fire show they'd seen. We were called onto stage because it was our honeymoon and they gave me a nice flower bouquet. Overall it was really a great experience! The whole staff worked hard to make the night a good one. Worth every penny!
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| Packages: | Paradise Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/05 |
Reviewed by: Candice
When we first booked this tour it was at the recommendation of my parents who had visited a few years previously. My husband and I were originally going to explore the center on our own, however, after spending an hour on the bus with Jermaine (hope I spelled that right) and learning that he was giving the tour, we decided to pay a little extra and join the tour group. Best investment we made on our vacation. Not only was Jermaine knowledgeable, friendly, and seriously hilarious, but he got us to all the shows and we saw more than if we had tried to navigate the center ourselves. Highly recommend this place to everyone, and pay the extra for a guide. Well worth it.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Alii Luau Dinner Buffet Package & All Day Admission (Self-Guided) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Janet
This was the most romantic experience.. Will do again at 50 year anniversary...
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Vow Renewal & Five Star Luxury Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/04 |
Reviewed by: あゆ☆
We had a great time with the whole family after the ceremony! We were able to go up on stage and participate together, and I got to dance with my husband. It became the best memory!
挙式後に家族みんなで利用して楽しい時間を過ごせました!!ステージに上がって一緒に参加できたし、旦那さんとダンスできたし、最高の思い出になりました!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | スタンダードシート(2015年12月末まで) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/24 |
Reviewed by: ぺんぺん
It was my first time in Hawaii, so I wanted to see something like a traditional dance, and after searching around, I chose this one as it seemed convenient. We went in mid-September, just the two of us.
- Food…★★★ It was a buffet style, but we could only go once to get food before the show started, and getting a second helping was nearly impossible (the plates were cleared away quickly). However, the plates were larger compared to Japan, so it wasn't a problem in the end. There was a separate kids' buffet available. The taste was decent.
- Drinks…★★ The ticket included two drink vouchers; one was for a welcome drink (you could choose between juice or one of two cocktails), and the other was for after the meal (you could choose from several cocktails, wine, beer, or soft drinks). The welcome drink was almost forced upon us. The free water was gone by the time we had our meal, so I wished they had included another drink voucher.
- Show content…★★★★ The final fire dance was very impressive. Various traditional dances from places other than Hawaii were also showcased. Each had slightly different costumes, which was quite interesting.
It's not a full-fledged luau with a whole roasted pig, but I think it's good for those who want to see traditional dances in a convenient way. By the way, surprisingly (?), about 30% of the audience was Japanese, with many Westerners present.
初ハワイだったので、一度は伝統舞踊のようなものを見てみたいと思い、色々探してお手軽そうなこれにしました。行ったのは9月中旬、夫と2人です。
・料理…★★★ ビュッフェ形式ですが、ショー開始前に一度取りに行けただけでお代わりはほぼ無理です(お皿が早々に片づけられてしまいました)。ただし、お皿が日本と比べて大きかったので結果問題なし。キッズ用ビュッフェが別に用意されていました。味はまずまずです。
・飲み物…★★ チケットにドリンク券が2枚ついていて、1枚はウェルカムドリンク(ジュースorカクテルの2種から選択)、もう1枚は食後(数種のカクテルかワイン、ビール、ソフトドリンクから選択)に使いました。ウェルカムドリンクはほぼ強制的に回ってきます。無料の水は、食事の時にはなくなっていたので、もう1枚ドリンク券つけてほしかったと思いました。
・ショーの内容…★★★★ 最後のファイヤーダンスが大迫力。ほかはハワイ以外にも様々な伝統舞踊が披露されました。それぞれ衣装も少しずつ異なり、なかなか興味深かったです。
豚丸焼きが出るような本格的なルアウではありませんが、伝統舞踊をお手軽に見たい方にはよいかと思います。ちなみに、日本人は意外に(?)全体の3割くらいで、欧米人が多かったです。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | スタンダードシート(2015年12月末まで) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/21 |
Reviewed by: Fabes
Food ia not that good!! The dinner tables are not that gate
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Pacific Star Dinner Buffet, Polynesian Show & One Cocktail |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/16 |
Reviewed by: Fabes
Awesome experiemce! The food is no that good! Interesting history
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Prime Rib Dining, Premium Show Seating & Guided Park Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/19 |
Reviewed by: ごっさん
I went to see it on the last night of my trip. At first, I felt very lonely being there alone, but I was able to enjoy my meal with the people at my table. The show was amazing, and if you're going to Hawaii, it's definitely something you should experience!
今回は、最終日の夜に見に行きました。はじめは1人でとても心細かったですが、同じテーブルになった人達と楽しみながら食事が出来ました。
ショーもすごくて、ハワイへ行ったならぜひ行くべきです!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 「ゴールデンサークル」プレミアムシート(2015年12月末まで) |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/31 |
Reviewed by: Garrett Low
My girlfriend and I went on a Star of Honolulu dinner cruise one Friday and we had a blast!
We arrived early and had some drinks before boarding the ship and were greeted with a performance of beautiful Hawaiian dancers. They kept dancing all the time while people were boarding, it was so pretty.
On board everybody was very friendly and welcoming, it felt great. They had to manage a lot of people getting on the ship but the staff seemed relaxed and genuinely happy that we were on board. Our server was particularly sweet, she worked so hard all evening. Although she was incredibly busy she even took the time to chat with us (we both share the same name and were joking around about it). The welcome drink was great (Mai Tai)! And dinner as well. It was so much to eat I was totally stuffed at the end. Steak, veggies, mashed potatoes, and crab legs as much as we could eat (warning: you will think you can eat more but it's already so much you cannot!). All finished off with yummy ice cream desert and coffee. The welcome drink was included, additional drinks had to be paid for but the prices were absolutely reasonable for the type of cruise! The route was beautiful and took us out towards Diamond Head. Even though there were a lot of people on board there is enough room to walk around and get a good spot to watch the sunset or take pictures. Later they started an evening show with lots of different costumes which was fun! We sat very close to the performance and they were again beautiful to watch. After the show they even encouraged everybody to stand up and dance! That was so much fun. Some people were shy but the crew had so much energy themselves they danced and danced and got many people up. Time just flew by! It was so beautiful to see the island and Waikiki/Honolulu from the distance, the lights, night setting in. Definitely recommended as a special trip for your vacation or a very romantic special date with your loved one :)
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/22 |
Reviewed by: Nelia Kissoondath
It was an enjoyable, memorable, unforgettable, and breathtaking Dinner Cruise celebrating my 60th birthday on August 31, 2014 with "Three Star Classic Steak & Lobster Dinner" all the way from Toronto, Canada. Me and 13 guests were very pleased from Customer Service (very friendly staff), food and beverages, and atmosphere. I will surely strongly recommend to all Canadians and non-Canadians. The greatest thing... I felt I was the "STAR" of Honolulu Dinner Cruise guest at the time, as I got lots of attention from STAFF and GUESTS greeting me "Happy birthday." In addition, one of the Polynesian dancers, Emmy C. my cousin daughter watching her dancing, added my day celebrating another Milestone. She and all her co-dancers and all the entertainers did a great job! Kudos!
I will also to thank VELTRA tours and activities Company especially my niece Emily Coloma who booked our reservation. I will surely recommend to all my friends, family, relatives and acquaintances globally. Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/31 |
Reviewed by: Take K
We love this luau!! The chef was super funny and he interacted with everyone at the luau. It was really personal and everyone was treated like family. We will def go back again. LOL Mahalo!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/09/01 |
Reviewed by: HIRO
We visited Hawaii for our honeymoon, and I booked this show again for my husband, who was visiting Hawaii for the first time. We were able to watch the show in an open outdoor setting in Waikiki, and it seemed like my husband enjoyed it. The show is wonderful, but just like last time, the buffet (food) isn't particularly delicious, so it's best not to have high expectations (though the meat was good). We might not go for a third time, but I think it's worth seeing once. Also, please note that buses do not stop at the bus stop in front of the Hilton right now!
新婚旅行でハワイを訪れ、初ハワイの旦那さんのため、以前参加したこちらのショーを申込みしました。
ワイキキで、そして屋外という開放的な場所でショーを見られ、旦那さんも楽しんでいたようです。
ショーは素敵なのですが、前回同様ブッフェ(食事)は美味しいというわけではありませんので、あまり期待はしない方がいいです。(お肉は美味しかったようです)。
3回目はないかもしれませんが、一度観るには良いと思います。
あと今はヒルトン前のバス停にバスが止まらないので要注意です!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | スタンダードシート(2015年12月末まで) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/09/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/26 |
Reviewed by: みづか
During my first visit to Hawaii, I signed up for this tour. First, we visited Hanauma Bay. The weather was nice, and the view from above was very beautiful! Next, we went to the Moanalua Gardens to see the "This is the Tree" tree. I had always wanted to see it, and when I finally stood in front of the tree, it was breathtaking! Although the sun was strong, it felt cool under the tree, and it was so comfortable that I could have stayed there for hours.
The Polynesian Cultural Center offered various cultural experiences, all of which were fresh and enjoyable. For the evening show, I had already heard the story in Japanese from our guide, so even though I didn't understand the language, I was able to enjoy it. The final fire dance was breathtaking and spectacular. This tour is definitely worth experiencing at least once!
初めて訪れたハワイで、こちらのツアーに申し込みました。
まずはハナウマ湾を見学。天気が良かった事もあり、上から見た眺めはとても美しかったです!
次に、この~木なんの木♪のモアナルアガーデンへ。一度は見てみたいと思っていたので、いざ木を目の前にした時は圧巻でした!日差しが強かったですが、木の下に入ると涼しく感じ、何時間でも居れるような心地よさでした。
またポリネシアカルチャーセンターは、様々な民族の体験ができ、どれも新鮮で楽しむことができました。
夜のショーは、あらかじめガイドさんから日本語でストーリーを一通り聞いていた為、言語はわからずとも楽しむことができました。最後のファイアーダンスは息を飲むような迫力で素晴らしかったです。一度は体験してみる価値があるツアーでした!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | デラックス(2016年3月31日まで) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/27 |
Reviewed by: Cindy McCracken
We opted to have dinner as well as the show. We had a great dinner along with a pre-show of hula dancers. After dinner, we were escorted to the show room. These performers were the best. At one point, I had to remind myself that these were impersonators. We saw Elvis, who was one of the best that we had ever seen. Lady Gaga was fantastic and Michael Jackson would have given the real Michael Jackson a run for his money on the moon walk. If you are in Waikiki, don't miss this show. Well worth it!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Lanai Buffet Dinner & Show |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/26 |
Reviewed by: Cindy McCracken
Was everything that we expected and much more. Good food, great entertainment and a lot of fun. My husband and I went on this fabulous cruise not only for dinner and entertainment but for the beautiful sunset that occurs off the shores of Oahu. Would highly recommend this for everyone...couples, families, and singles!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Pacific Star Dinner Buffet, Polynesian Show & One Cocktail |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/28 |
Reviewed by: Lisa WS
The bus tour guide was great but quite disappointed in the Center. Did not seem authentic Polynesian at all. The best time was the fire dance part of the show. The rest I could've skipped. Didn't feel like I learned anything real about the different cultures which was disappointing.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Ambassador Luau: Premium Show Seating & Guided Park Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Tony
Great boat, Great food we had the steak and lobster. Beautiful dancing and entertainment.If your in the area I recommend this for any one.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/22 |
Reviewed by: ----------RHO----
As you check in and arrive to the pier, you will be entertained with a Hula performance. You will then be directed with a pleasantly helpful staff to seat you with your tossed salad ready to be consumed. Also you will then receive a welcome Mai Tai which is very addicting and may cause you to purchase more. I had 4 of them. The all you can eat crab legs, steak, and macadamia nut ice cream was amazing. As the sun started to set, I found myself in a very relaxing area of the top deck. I was taking in the views of the ocean, land, and skies as I was just about ready to call it a night. Until we just about to reach the dock, all their employees started a party and danced like crazy. My date is not much of a dancer, but she enjoyed watching me entertain everyone. This night was a night to remember especially the service provided the staff on board. They will make sure you are always satisfied.
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/24 |
Reviewed by: みんみん
I was able to easily experience a luau in Waikiki.
The show was very entertaining and authentic.
It became a wonderful memory for the whole family.
ワイキキで気軽にルアウを体験できました。
ショーはとてもおもしろく、本格的でした。
家族みんなのとてもいい思い出になりました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | スタンダードシート(2015年12月末まで) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Lonnie Boaz
Despite the ship having to return to port because of rough water we had a wonderful time. The drinks were good and the food was delicious. The lobsters were delicious and the steak was about the most tender and tasty steak I have ever had. The music and show were great.I was very appreciative that one of the dancers took a picture with me after the show. The staff was eapecialy helpfull and particularly your assitant manager.The Star of Honolulu was the highlight of our trip to Hawaii. We would definitely do it again. Highly recommended.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/07 |
Reviewed by: The Mann Family
We love the dancers and the stories! It was awesome!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/08 |
Reviewed by: Donald & Amanda
Very fun. Dinner was amazing. Show was amazing, crew was amazing. Very fun and I will do this again when I come back to Oahu.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Pacific Star Dinner Buffet, Polynesian Show & One Cocktail |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Donald & Amanda
This is a must do. Very fun, SOOO much stuff to do. You will not be able to do everything so look through your map and do the stuff you want to do. They do allow you to go back to the park for free for the next 3 days (just don't get to watch the show or eat) to do the other activities if you have time.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Alii Luau Dinner Buffet Package & All Day Admission (Self-Guided) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/08/04 |
Reviewed by: kina
In the morning, I was guided to the main tourist spots in Oahu and enjoyed the breathtaking views. The Dole pineapple soft serve was also very delicious.
In the afternoon, we had lunch at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was a buffet, but the taste was... well, it was just something to fill the stomach. After lunch, we toured the center with a Japanese guide, but the breaks were short, and there were few shaded areas and benches, so families with small children should be cautious. I was really thirsty.
However, I thought it was great to experience various attractions like making Hawaiian leis and riding a canoe. For dinner, the buffet had more variety and tasted a bit better than lunch. We moved to the show venue and were impressed by the performance, which exceeded our expectations. I didn't understand any English, but I could somewhat grasp the story. The final fire show is a must-see.
After that, we returned to Waikiki by bus, arriving after 10 PM. For those visiting Waikiki for the first time, this might be a tour worth participating in.
午前中はオアフの主要観光スポットを案内してもらい絶景を楽しむ事ができました。
ドールのパイナップルソフトもとても美味しかったです。
そして午後はポリネシア文化センターにてまず昼食。
ビュッフェ形式ですが、味は???取りあえずお腹に入れるという感じです。
ランチ後センター内を日本語ガイドと共に回るのですが
休憩も短く、日陰やベンチが少ないので小さい子供さん連れはご注意を。
とにかく喉が渇きました。
ただ、ハワイアンローズを作成したり、カヌーに乗ったりと
いろいろなアトラクションを経験出来たのは良かったと思います。
そして夕飯のビュッフェ。昼よりは種類も多く味も少し良かったかも。
ショー施設に移動し噂以上のパフォーマンスに感激。
英語が全く分かりませんでしたがストーリーはなんとなくわかりました。
最後のファイアーショーは必見。
その後再びバスにてワイキキへ戻ります。
帰りは22時過ぎでした。ワイキキが初めての方には一度は参加してもいいツアーかもしれません。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | スタンダード(2016年3月31日まで) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/07/28 |
Reviewed by: ハワイ大好き人間
I have been to Hawaii many times, but the chief's talk in this show was very interesting, and I would like to participate again.
ハワイには何回も来ていますが、このショーのチーフのトークがたいへん面白くてまた参加したいと思いました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | スタンダードプラン(~2013年11月26日) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2014/08/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2013/09/01 |
Reviewed by: Lisa
We all loved our ride with Cammie. She was a great guide and we can't wait to go back for another ride.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Picnic Ride & Lunch [2 hours] |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2014/07/26 |
| Activity Date: | 2014/07/05 |
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