Oahu
Was the best place to skydive. I got to see Hawaii and I loved every moment of it.
we had a great time, lots of sharks....
Sharks were amazing, staff was amazing, the whole adventure was worth it. Sharks are right in front of your face and I even had a stare down with a shark. He was lucky I needed air our I would've punched him in the gill. Will do again!
We headed out to the shark cage at 7:30 am and sadly no sharks. The crew was as disappointed as we were and let us know that if we didn't have a shark experience they would reschedule us or refund our money. Lucky for us there was a cancellation on a boat later that morning - so we headed out again - and we were not disappointed. 5 - 6 sharks circled the cage the entire time we were on the water. Nothing like looking a shark in the eye! Fabulous time and would recommend it to anyone wanting to have an up close and personal experience with a shark(s).
Until now, I always made sure to include scuba diving wherever I went, but this time I experienced horseback riding in the canyon with my wife. We went from Honolulu to the North Shore with a tour company guide, who was very knowledgeable. They provided detailed explanations of the famous landmarks we saw along the way, making the journey to our destination enjoyable.
Previously, I had only passed by Hawaii's sacred sites, the school where President Obama attended, the hospital where he was born, and other essential facts that one must know to have a conversation. (I wonder if we just got lucky with the guide and tour company?)
As mentioned in the tour description, after the pickup, we stopped at places like Moanalua Gardens, Dole Plantation, Turtle Beach, and explored Haleiwa Town. I thought we might not have enough time, but once I tried horseback riding, it felt like it was worth it.
When we arrived at Happy Trails (the horseback riding ranch?), the owner, who seemed to be in charge, explained how to ride and control the horse with plenty of humor and gestures. (The explanation was all in English, so it might be difficult for those without language skills.) However, the tour guide explained the basic operating methods in Japanese before we arrived, so there was no need to worry at all. Additionally, the guide was there to assist with the owner's explanations, so I felt reassured.
The horses were well-trained, and the owner selected the horses based on compatibility with the riders. (I wonder if that's true?) After we set off, we rode through the woods and up and down the canyon, experiencing just the right amount of stress and thrill.
== It was so much fun!!! == After passing through the canyon, we reached an open area with a breathtaking view of the ocean below, which was a truly moving moment. == It was really enjoyable!!! == My wife is eager to bring our grandchild (who is in fourth grade) next time to let them experience horseback riding as well.
== This tour really helped me relieve my daily stress, and I am filled with gratitude towards the ranch owner and the tour company. ==
今まで、どこに行くのでも必ずスキューバダイビングは外せなかったのですが、今回渓谷乗馬を妻とともに体験しました。
ホノルルからノースショアーへ、ツアー会社のガイドの元行ったのですが、ガイドの人が博学で、途中車窓からの眺められた名所旧跡などの説明を細かく案内してくれ、飽きずに目的地まで着くことができました。
今までは、単に通り過ぎていたハワイの聖地や、現オバマ大統領の出身校、生まれた病院、アメリカ大統領になるための必須条件etc、まさに知識を取り入れておかなくては話せないような事柄を案内してくれたのです。(ガイド・ツアー会社に当たったのですかね?)
このツアーは案内説明にもあるようにピックアップ後、モアナルガーデン、ドールプランテーション、海がめビーチ、ハレイワ・タウン散策など途中で立ち寄ります。参加して、ちょっと時間が足らないかなと思いがちでしたが、乗馬体験をしてみるとしょうがないような気がしました。
ハッピートレイズ(乗馬体験場所の牧場?)に着くとオーナーと思われる人が乗馬のやり方、操り方法をユーモアたっぷりジェスチャーをまじえて説明してくれます。(説明は全て英語です、語学力のない方は無理かな?)・・・・・・・なんて言いません。
現地に着くまでにツアーガイドの人が日本語で最低限度の操作方法を説明してくれますので、まったく心配ありません
さらにオーナーの説明に対してもガイドの方がかたわらで説明してくれるので心配ありませんでした。
馬については調教された馬で、オーナーが乗る人の相性を確かめながら馬を選んでくれているとの事でした。(ほんとかね?)
出発した後、馬とともに林の中や渓谷を上ったり降りたり適度なストレスとスリルを味わいながら乗馬したのです。
==とっても楽しいよ!!!==
途中渓谷を抜けると開けた場所で、眼下に海を望み感動の一場面を得ました。==本当に楽しいよ!!!==
妻は今度は孫(小4)も連れて来てこの乗馬体験をさせるのだと張りきっています。
==本当に日ごろのストレスを発散させてもらったツアーで、牧場のオーナーやツアー会社に感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです。==
That really was great, so many sharks swimming around you.
Enele was a great driver and full of knowledge. He also became our tour guide once we arrived at the cultural center. He took us around and explained the different cultures and his own culture (Samoa) in great detail. The food at the luau was great with the Kalua pork and Lomi Lomi being my favorite. Poi was actually not bad after all the bad things I heard about it. The entertainment during dinner was great. We even got on stage for a little dance. The show was incredible, portraying the AH of life. The fire dancers were awesome. Overall was a great experience and would recommend to everyone.
It was a very enjoyable experience for me. Wouldn't have done it anywhere else and their expertise has really given me confidence and comfort about the whole experience.
I participated this time because I wanted to experience horseback riding.
For beginners, there might be some anxieties like, "Will I be able to ride by myself?" or "What if I can't ride well and disturb others?!"
However, the horses used for this activity are well-trained for polo, and even someone like me, who is a beginner and not very confident in my athletic abilities, was able to enjoy it immensely.
All the necessary precautions regarding horseback riding are explained clearly in Japanese by the guide, so even those who are anxious about their English can participate with peace of mind.
Additionally, during the ride, the ranch staff provide fun support in very simple English, making the hour feel very short and giving a great sense of security.
The great thing about the mountain course is that you can enjoy the ups and downs of a course that you wouldn't typically find in Japan while feeling a pleasant breeze. Also, the view of the North Shore from the top of the mountain was fantastic.
Beyond the horseback riding experience, I think the guiding skills of this activity are worth experiencing. They make sure you enjoy everything on the way to and from the ranch, including Dole Plantation, turtle watching at Turtle Beach, and lunch at a non-frozen shrimp stand. Moreover, they can drop you off at your desired shopping area (DFS, Ala Moana) on the way back, allowing you to make the most of your day.
I participated alone this time and had some anxieties, but the guide provided excellent follow-up, so I was able to enjoy it very much.
今回は乗馬の体験をしたくて参加しました。
乗馬初心者の方は、
”自分一人で乗れるだろうか?”
”上手く乗れなくて他の方に迷惑をかけてしまうのではないか?!”
などの不安を多少なりともお持ちかと思います。
しかし、このアクティビティで使用される馬はポロ用にしっかり調教されており、初心者でかつあまり運動神経に自信がない私でも非常に楽しむことが出来ました。
乗馬に関する各注意事項は、ガイドの方がしっかり日本語で説明してくださるので、英語に不安を覚える方でも安心して参加することが出来ます。
また、乗馬中は牧場の方が非常に簡単な英語で楽しくフォローしてくれるので一時間がとても短く感じますし、安心感も非常にありました。
山コースの良いところは、日本では考えられないアップダウンがあるコースを気持ちがいい風を浴びながら楽しめるところです。
また、山の上からノースショアを一望できて最高でした。
乗馬体験以外にも、このアクティビティのガイド力は一度体験してみる価値はあると思います。
ドールプランテーション、亀海岸での亀ウォッチング、冷凍ではないシュリンプ屋台での昼食等、牧場までの行き帰り全てを無駄なく満喫させてくれます。
また、帰りは希望のショッピングエリア(DFS、アラモアナ)で車を下してもらうという希望にもこたえて頂けるので一日を無駄なく満喫することができます。
今回は一人参加で不安もありましたが、ガイドの方がしっかりフォローアップしてくれるので非常に楽しむことができました。
Horseback riding was amazing. I was able to ride for a long time, and instead of flat terrain, we went up and down mountains, which was a rare experience that I can't have in Japan.
At the turtle beach, I didn't see any turtles basking on the shore that day, but I discovered some turtles in the water! My excitement shot up instantly.
The shrimp I had for lunch was delicious. My sister, who was with me, said it was "the best" during her stay in Hawaii.
乗馬は最高でした。長時間乗れて、歩くのも平地ではなく山の登り降りがあり、日本では体験できない様な貴重な経験が出来ました。
海がめのビーチではこの日は甲羅干しをしているカメは見られませんでしたが、海の中にいるカメを発見!テンションが一気にあがりました。
お昼に食べた海老は美味しかった。一緒にいった妹はハワイ滞在中で『一番だった』と言ってました。
This was a very unique place. It was beautiful. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgable. The night show was the best show I have ever seen. My recommendation is to get the ambassodor package so that you have a guide. It is very crowded and somewhat hard to navigate around so having a guide is definitely worth the extra money. Food wasn't that great but was the same as other luaus in the area. Overall it's a must see!
and i did! it was great, met my expectations and more. the crew was great and made sure i came back in one piece! i would definitely do this again
I sank a cage offshore and jumped in... At first, I was anxious, but if you try, you can do it! It was September, but the water temperature was a bit low. Also, since the waves were rough offshore, it might be better not to eat too much before participating. Two out of six people got seasick.
Still, it was an invaluable experience. After returning home, my PC crashed, and I lost the photos of the sharks, which made me weep. I want to participate again.
沖合に檻を沈めてそこにどぼん、、、最初は不安でしたがなせばなる!9月でしたが水温は若干低め。あと沖合で波が荒いので、参加する前にはあまりものを食べすぎない方がいいかも。酔ってはいた人2人/6人。
それでも得難い経験です。帰国後PCがクラッシュして、サメの写真が消えてしまいむせび泣きました。また参加したい。
This was the most fun we had on Oahu. Captain Dave and Crewman Chris are very professional, knowledgeable and entertaining. We felt safe in their capable hands...which was especially important, given the fact that this is an incredibly thrilling activity! Sooooo scary....being in the water, surrounded by numerous sharks of varying size (basically bigger than you, and much faster too!) certainly makes the adrenaline pump!
We bought the DVD of our experience, and we appreciate the fact that it is your choice to have your experience taped or not, and is therefore more personal and not 'pushed' at you for purchase. Just got home last night, and immediately watched it!
We recommend this activity to all but the faint of heart!
We would recommend the Polynesian cultural center for many reasons. The staff are very welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. It was great fun to be so immersed in the cultures presented...dancing in Tahiti, singing and playing music in Fiji to name just a couple. The luau was a great opportunity to see the many different forms of hula dancing, and the food was great and plentiful.
In short, the Polynesian Cultural Center should not be missed!
I think overall the package was the best and most unique experience I have ever enjoyed but I think the Dinner timings werent quite right and could be delayed a bit and also the staff were kinda urgent towards the end of buffet timings that we really couldnt enjoy the Dinner all the way till dessert. That kinda impacted me not to give 5 Star for it. And believe me you need the whole full day to cover PCC and half day wont do justice for this unique experience.
We had a good time, only downside is there isnt enough water fountains around the center because it got really hot.Dinner was really good except we didnt get to see the pig come out of the oven. the Night show was good. I probably wont come back here next time I visit hawaii. It seemed kinda too touristy.
Amazing!! My husband and my teenage daughter had a great sky diving adventure. If you just pay for the jump it is reasonable but if you want pictures or DVD it is quite a lot more. The staff was great, very professional! Would definitely do this again, but it is a little cheaper if you just book through them because they do offer daily specials. But felt the price through this site was reasonable.
I thought I was going to be scared, but they made sure I was at ease. We go in a little deep, and the reality hits you when you see the cage. It was windy that day, and we got some waves. Once you get into the cage, and you get up close with these sharks, you see how amazing they are. I would highly recommend this to everyone!! Very cool!!!!
A long day, but well worth it! Even the bus ride was good. This was the best luau experience we had, easily beating out the one offered by NCL on Kaua'i, which was very good. It was a hot day, and the line for shaved ice was long, but that is the only negative. All of the cultural shows we saw were excellent and there were even pre-shows for those who arrived early. The food was good (along with another show), and the main show at the end (Ha, Breath of Life) was outstanding.
If you are looking for an intimate on-the-beach luau, this is not it. The PCC provides a first-rate experience for thousands of people, and does so with minimal delays and great views from any seating location. I am so glad we went. This was one of the highlights of our entire trip.
What an outstanding adventure! My wife and I had a great time. Captain JR and Chris created one of the best overall experiences we had in Hawai'i. They were funny, and knowledgeable about what we saw off the North Shore. Compared to other trips we took around O'ahu, they were the most reasonably priced as well. We're glad we bought the DVD to show how many sharks we saw, and the pictures impressed all our family... Highly recommended.
As experienced horseback riders, this was our first time riding by the seaside, and it was refreshing and a lot of fun! However, unlike in the canyon, the ride was only 45 minutes, which was a bit disappointing. If I could wish for anything, I would have liked to enjoy it a bit longer. The guide was a local Japanese person who shared a lot of detailed information about Hawaii. I think this is a recommended plan for beginners!
乗馬経験者の私たちでしたが、海辺での乗馬は初めてでしたので、新鮮で大変楽しめました♪
ただし、渓谷と違い、45分と短い時間だったのが残念です。欲を言えば、もう少し堪能したかったです。
ガイドの方は現地の日本人の方で、ハワイについてとても詳しく話してくれました。
初心者の方にはお薦めのプランだと思いますよ♪
I am someone who is afraid of heights and even hesitates to ride roller coasters. I felt anxious and nervous after arriving at the airport with the rental car, and I was still fidgeting on the plane. The moment of takeoff was a bit scary, but during the free fall, I felt completely fine and it was just exhilarating. Once the parachute opened and the descent speed decreased, I actually felt a thrill as I was spun around in right and left turns, which was a bit frightening. If I could handle it, then those who are afraid of heights will definitely be fine too! It's a rural area, so both the sea and mountains offer stunning views, and there are Japanese staff on site, which is reassuring. I would love to go again.
私は高所恐怖症でジェットコースターすら乗るのに躊躇う
人です、レンタカーで飛行場に着いてからソワソワして
ビビッていました、飛行機に乗って尚ソワソワ・・・
飛び出しの瞬間だけは一瞬怖かったのですが、フリーフォールの間もまったく怖くは無く気持ちいいの一言でした。
パラシュートが開いて降下速度が落ちてからのほうがむしろ
右旋回・左旋回と怖がらせるようにクルクル回されるので
スリルがあった気がします。
私でも全然大丈夫だったので高所恐怖症の方でも絶対大丈夫ですよ~
ど田舎地域ですので海も山も絶景です、現地に日本人のスタッフもいるので安心です。
又行きたいと思います。
I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our ride. We were a group of five, Joe Shonkwiler (wife Donna), Charlie Johnson, Jeff Goorsky and myself. Sarah and Heidi were our guides. We had an awesome time!!! The ride was fantastic, the views great, the lunch delicious, the horses perfect, Sarah and Heidi outstanding! It couldn't get any better than that. The girls got a kick out of my husband since he had never ridden before as well as being allergic to horses. He did great! Just enough breeze was blowing to keep the allergies at bay and his horse was the perfect babysitter. Thank you again!
Gunstock Ranch is terrific in every way. The scenery is spectacular and the trail guides are fantastic.
excellent loved it.
Myself and a close friend were visiting Oahu for 5 days, and she decided that we should take the time to go 'swimming with sharks.'
Now, keep in mind that I have a tremendous fear of drowning and also am not too keen on the idea of swimming with sharks, but I was convinced to 'live a little,' and I signed us up for the North Shore Shark Adventure- and I am SO GLAD that I did.
The staff were EXTREMELY helpful, witty, and sarcastic in the right places. They put everyone's fears to rest at the beginning of the tour, and were extremely knowledgeable about everything regarding the tour and more. (Who knew that specific sharks will just bump you with their noses and then leave you alone because they have taste buds on the outside of their bodies?)
For our tour, the wind was really picking up and the seas were a bit choppy, so there was a little bit more salt water swallowed than I care for and 1/2 our party got seasick..* (they recommend buying dramamine at the beginning of the to
Dan was extremely friendly and showed us a great ride. The entire staff was wonderful and we will certainly recommend this place to all our friends.
Mary was awesome!
Thank you for such a fantastic trail ride! Our guide, Brittany was great and it was so nice to have options for canter. Out of all the holiday riding experiences we have had, this has been the best by far. I can definitely say that if it wasn't for the 21 hour flight from the UK, we would be there every weekend!
The Beach on the North Shore tour was beautiful, very clean, and a refreshing change from Waikiki Beach. The waves were much stronger and had great surfing beaches along the way for those interested in that. Really enjoyed watching folks on that diving rock there. The ride was long, but the driver was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and relayed lots of information about Hawaii. The stroll through the small, older town with shops and eateries was unique. Loved the music provided by that musical family that lives there and entertains the tourists. A relief to see more enjoyable aspects of Oahu without the hassle of driving.