Reviewed by: Honeymooners
We didn't get any refreshments. And we recommend that you bring your own snorkling gear. Other than that we had an AWESOME time!! This is such an experience. I love sharks and this is as close as you can get with out being eaten...hahaha. We loved that there were so many sharks. We took so many pics and video's. We will be back again to do this!!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/04/22 |
Reviewed by: M & Mrs. M
Complete adrenaline rush!!! Would definitely go again and again!!! This coming from first timers!!! Although the water was very choppy, you felt safe in the cage. Just remember to be on the safe side, keep your feet and hands in the cage. You spend more than enough time with the sharks. The guides were friendly and informative. As we were leaving, a booby bird flew in and decided to hang out on the cage. We were also able to see a school of dolphins swimming by. We never did get anything to drink so, you might want to bring a bottle of water along. They also sell a Shark Encounter T-shirt which is pretty cool to wear and it let's everyone know of your experience. Remember to bring a waterproof camera as you'll want to take up-close pictures of the sharks!!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/04/20 |
Reviewed by: JJK
A very fun time with a nice tour guide and his family. Unique stops on the North SHore that most tour companies just drive by. Highly Recommended!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/04/19 |
Reviewed by: ハワイでは必ず乗馬ファミリー
We are a family that always goes horseback riding in Hawaii. So far, we have ridden in one place on Kauai, three places on Oahu, one place on Molokai, one place on Maui, and one place on the Big Island. This year, we were planning to go horseback riding on Lanai, but we learned that Gunstock Ranch started offering rides last year. Considering the time saved by not having to travel to another island, we quickly booked an afternoon ride online.
After passing through Kahuku from the North Shore, we spotted the sign on the right after about five minutes! We turned right and climbed a bit up the mountain, arriving at a ranch that was completely untouched by tourism. Immediately, friendly dogs and sheep came to greet us. We made our way past the horses that were grazing in the back and found the guides, all of whom were women. After chatting, we learned that they were Mrs. Smith, the ranch owner, her daughter, and a part-time worker from Colorado who came to study at a university in Hawaii.
Although they didn't speak any Japanese, it felt like visiting a neighbor's house for check-in, creating a very homey atmosphere. As we started riding, it felt as if we had chartered the entire experience just for our family. We passed through the rodeo practice area and the training area for the horses, navigating through trees that made us feel like we were in an orchard. While riding, we picked and ate guava, and after climbing for an hour, we reached a viewpoint overlooking the North Shore, Kahuku, and the northeastern sea. We took commemorative photos and videos with this beautiful scenery as our backdrop, watching the sunset behind the mountains as it illuminated the southern part of Kahuku while chatting with our guide on the way back down to the ranch center in 30 minutes.
I wouldn't recommend this for first-time overseas riders, but for those who are tired of touristy horseback riding and can speak a little English, I think this is the best place on Oahu. We were treated to a beautiful sunset that made us forget we were even on Oahu.
ハワイでは必ず乗馬をするファミリー家族です。今までにカウアイ島で1箇所、オアフ島で3箇所、モロカイ島で1箇所、マウイ島で1箇所、ハワイ島で1箇所、今年はラナイ島で乗馬でもしようと計画していたところ、ここガンストック牧場で昨年からやり始めたとの情報を得、わざわざ離島まで行って乗馬することを考えればかなりの時間の節約と考えさっそくネットでアフタヌーン乗馬を予約。ノースからカフクを通り過ぎ約5分ぐらいで右手に看板発見!右折して山側にすこし登るとまったく観光化されていない牧場のたたずまい、早速人懐こいワンちゃんや羊がよって来て歓迎ムード、奥へ放牧されている馬さんたちをよけながら先に進みガイドさん?たちを発見、みなさん女性でお話をしたら牧場主のスミス婦人とそのお嬢さんとコロラド州からハワイの大学へ来たアルバイトのお嬢さんの3人でした。まったく日本語は通じませんがまるでとなりの家へ遊びに行きチェックインも、アットホームな感じ、早速乗馬し我々家族だけのまるでチャーターしたみたいな一行は一路ロデオ練習場や馬を乗馬用になれさせる練習場を通り過ぎ山へ谷へ果樹園と思わせる木々の中を通り過ぎ馬上からグアバをもぎとり食べながら又山へ、1時間も登ると北はノースショアーからカフクそして北東の海海、この景色をバックに記念写真とビデオを撮り、山陰にかくれた太陽の夕日が先のカフクの南を照らすのを見ながらガイドとおしゃべりをしながら牧場中心地へ30分で下山。初めての海外乗馬の方にはお勧め出来ないが、観光乗馬に飽きた方、少し英語がお話できる方にはオアフ島では1番良いところと思います。オアフ島にいる事を忘れてしまいそうなきれいなサンセットを見させていただきました。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/03/15 |
Reviewed by: ErikanMichael
this is definitely not for the faint of heart! Although sharks do NOT like to eat humans (as it is commonly believed)! It is very exhilarating to watch them all around you. We would recommend it to anyone looking to have the experience of their lives!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/03/11 |
Reviewed by: Not to miss!
The first major activity my friends and I did during our 4 day stay on Oahu and I have to say it was an amazing time, and definitely worth the experience.
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2008/03/11 |
Reviewed by: John H
My sister and I had a great time and would love to do it again in the future. There were more sharks than we thought and they were great to look at, thanks
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/03/11 |
Reviewed by: Terry
This was our first trip to Hawaii, and we wanted to make sure that we don't miss North Shore, but didn't want to take a typical sightseeing tour on a huge bus with 50 other people. This tour turns out to be a great one with a lot of personal touch. We were able to enjoy a full day on Waimea Bay, just relaxing, snorkeling, swimming, etc. A perfect day on the north shore. We were also able to check out the Haleiwa Town to do some shopping. There are a lot of artists living there to sell their beautiful arts. Highly recommended!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/03/04 |
Reviewed by: Dan n Claire
Saw lots of sharks, and very close. Guides were informative and fun. Great experience.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/02/28 |
Reviewed by: John Simonsen SLC UT
This one of the biggest thrills I have ever experienced, and there has been alot, we have traveled all over the world and this is most definately in the top 5 for us. To have a shark 8-12 feet long inches from your face, let alone 15-20 of them within 20 feet of you is extreme, then add in some good sized swells to add to the excitement, I wouldn't miss it again, ever, a must for anyone who needs a thrill.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/01/09 |
Reviewed by: Jose
This adventure delivers on exactly what it offers. If you've seen the shark specials on the discovery channel this will be very similar except for the fact that YOU are up close and personal with the sharks. Bring waterproof camera for great shots. I didn't have one but I brought my live action camera and filmed some great footage from on the boat.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2008/01/07 |
Reviewed by: Rob
This experience was the best thing I have ever done in my short time on this earth! Even though I was seasick I still had the time of my life. The captain made sure everything was as safe and controlled. These sharks were not aquarium sharks! These beautiful creatures were enormus, full of spledor and power. I was amazed to see in real life. If or when I return to the island I will do this adventure again. Don't miss the opportunity to get in the cage you only live once, Seize the Day!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Ambre
My 9-year old and I went horseback riding and we had a blast. She is a little horse lover. The guide was a lot of fun and was very knowledgeable about the somewhat historic ranch. The view from the top of the mountain was beautiful. I would definitely do it again!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2007/11/22 |
Reviewed by: George
I did this with my 23 year old daughter and we both felt that this was an outstanding activity! The ride was great - some hills, windy trails, spectacular views, just the right length - 90 minutes. The staff was super - Darleena couldn't have been better - so knowledgeable, friendly and patient! The horses were very calm and perfect for this type of ride. We both agree that this is one of the best things we've done on Oahu. We've already recommended Gunstock Ranch to other family members that are planning to visit Hawaii. (I'll send photos later)
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2007/11/12 |
Reviewed by: H.Ikeda
For those who find sightseeing horseback riding insufficient, I think you'll enjoy it as they can adjust the pace to your level, allowing for faster trots and gallops.
観光乗馬では物足りない方には、レベルに合わせて早足や駈けさせてくれるので、楽しめると思います。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Dr Bob (From the UK)
Great trip, with a very knowledgeable captain and crew.
Bring your underwater camera for some pictures of a lifetime,,,, so you think!
You will be back to enjoy this again.
Visibility was well over 50 feet and the water was a crystal clear deep blue.
When you are in the cage you are totally protected and safe, yet as the sharks come so close you feel as if you are out there with them.
The only bad thing for me were the pretty high waves, which made it difficult to hold the camera still. (As seen from the pictures)
This experience is on the 'To Do on the next trip' list.
Thanks everyone involved
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2007/09/26 |
Reviewed by: Derek Anderson - So Cal
I have done this shark encounter twice now and it does not disappoint!!! Ever come face to face with a tiger shark? Here is your chance. Do it and you will not regret it. Besides, it gets you out of the hectic city of waikiki/honolulu, and the best bragging rights ever with your friends!!!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/09/21 |
Reviewed by: Lorely
Great activity!! We saw so many sharks ranging from 4-15 feet long. We were lucky enough to be in Hawaii at the right time to see tiger sharks.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/09/17 |
Reviewed by: Sandi
I cannot stress enough how fun and exciting this activity was! I went on the early morning boat out to see sharks on a rainy, gray morning and was THRILLED to see sharks from the boat before ever getting in the water. BIG ones. SCARY ones. But I got in the cage anyway and was then floated out behind the boat with other shark fans. The sharks swam all around the cage the entire time - so close I could reach out and touch them if I dared. I took all my underwater pictures with my disposable camera in about 3 minutes! This was just an incredible experience, which I would love to do again. It was nice to be underwater with them (snorkeling) where you could watch them so closely, although you don't have to get in the cage if you don't want to - you can see them from the boat. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2007/08/03 |
Reviewed by: D. Peters
I booked the lunch ride for myself and Daughter in June of 2007. I have to commend the Gunstock Ranch, we had such a wonderful time with our 2 tour guides and saw the beautiful sights of Oahu from the bottom to the top. Were we found seashells on the very top of the mountain and mongoose along the path to get there. The Lunch and the company the tour forward will last us forever until we can get back again to do it all over, I would not hesitate to recommend this extremely enjoyable activity. If you ever need a recommendation please let me know.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2007/07/06 |
Reviewed by: Udo Cook
Very good for first time event. Would do it next time we are back in hawaii. I did tell a few people at the hotel, who did book and take the same event. Got some very good pictures.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2007/06/16 |
Reviewed by: Paul Jones
Absolutley fantastic!! We couldn't believe just how close you get to the sharks. An amazing experience
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/06/09 |
Reviewed by: UnderwaterAdventurer
It is unfortunate that sharks have gotten the label of being mindless eating machines that attack anything that twitches in the water. I was able to experience first hand just how wrong this stereotype actually is.
The moment we arrived, sharks began to make there way to us. The regulars, the Sandbar Sharks, are attracted to the sound of the boat engine and quickly swam up to say hi!, but then an unexpected visitor decided to drop by. My jaw literally dropped when I saw a HUGE tiger shark circling the boat. Then another came by...then ANOTHER! We were lucky since Tiger Sharks are fairly rare.
As the first four made there way into the shark cage, the remaining four, including me, waited on board and watched the sharks from the surface. These creatures just circled the cage and boat and at times a Tiger Shark would pop his head out of the water to munch on some fish. This shark could have easily bitten the crew member, but all he (she?) did was nibble and go.
If anything, it
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/05/10 |
Reviewed by: Garry & Tracey
Wow, wow and wow!!!! This was a truely amazing experience. To be that close to sharks in the water, to look them in the eye and feel their distain...... what a feeling. For anyone thinking of doing this trip, I seriously recommend doing the 7am dive, especially if you're going while the Tradewinds are still blowing. It was a little rough when we were out there and it would have been much worse later in the day. Also, if you've never snorkelled before, buy yourself a mask and practice for a couple of days beforehand, its not at easy as it looks. You'll get much more out of it if you know what you're doing with your mask and snorkel.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/04/29 |
Reviewed by: satosalty
Date of participation: March 19, 2007 (Monday). We participated as a couple. Gunstock Ranch is about an hour and a half by car from Waikiki, located beyond the Polynesian Cultural Center. The area is lush and green, quite different from the rocky terrain of the Big Island, making it suitable for horseback riding. We gathered at 8:30 in the morning. It was just the two of us participating. After the rain, the greenery and rainbow were beautiful. We signed some documents, learned the basics of horseback riding, and mounted our horses. We proceeded with three horses into the greenery. Along the way, the female guide asked, "RUN?" and when I answered "YES," we started to gallop. The horse I rode was well-trained and very responsive. Since it was a horse that wanted to run, I hardly had to kick it at all. We mostly galloped except for the climbs and descents to the hill and some slippery red dirt areas. The trees on both sides formed an arch, and we moved through it at a comfortable speed. The guide picked guava fruit for us, which was sour and delicious. When we reached the top of the hill, we had a 360-degree view. We could see the ocean as well. The wind felt nice, and the view was amazing. The hour flew by. It was a lot of fun.
P.S. To Alan1: Please create a farm stay tour at this ranch.
参加日: 2007/03/19(月) 夫婦2人で参加しました。
ガンストック牧場はワイキキから車で約1時間半、ポリネシアカルチュアルセンターの先にあります。緑が一面に広がっていて、ハワイ島のゴツゴツした地面とは違い、乗馬に適していました。朝、8時半に集合。参加は私たち夫婦2人のみ。雨上がりで緑と虹がとてもきれいです。書類にサインをし、乗馬の基本を教えてもらい騎乗。緑の中へ3頭で進んでいきます。途中、女性のガイドさんから「RUN?」と言われたので「YES」と答えると駆け足開始。乗った馬は良く調教されていてとてもよく言うことを聞きます。走りたがりの馬だったのでほとんど蹴らずにすみました。丘までの上り下りや、赤土むき出しで滑りやすい場所以外はほとんど駆け足です。両側の木がアーチになっていて、その下を心地よいスピードで進みます。ガイドさんがグァバの実を採ってくれます。すっぱくておいしい。丘のてっぺんに上ると、そこからは360度の視界が開けます。海も見えます。風も気持ちよく最高の眺めです。あっという間の1時間でした。とても楽しかったです。
追伸:Alan1ちゃんへ この牧場のファームスティツアーをぜひ作ってください。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/03/25 |
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