All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Hawaii

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.

This was my first time participating. My high school child, who tends to be lazy about everything, was with me, but they didn't get bored or fall asleep and watched until the end. They were a bit sleepy at the beginning, though...

However, the food at Gateway was not great. I think having too high expectations is not good.

The biggest complaint I had was that it said, "You can participate by handing the voucher to the Japanese staff," but I couldn't find where the Japanese staff were. When I asked someone nearby, they gave a vague explanation, and I ended up wandering around without really understanding, which was exhausting.

By the way, if you go by rental car, the parking fee is $8.

今回初めて参加しました。
何でも面倒くさがる高校生の子供が一緒だったのですが
退屈がることもなく眠ることもなく、最後までみていました。
最初の方は少し眠たかったのですが・・・。

ただ、ゲートウエイの食事がイマイチでした。
期待しすぎは良くないと思います。

1番不満だったのは「バウチャーを日本語スタッフに
渡せば参加できます」とあったのですが
日本語スタッフが何処にいるのかわからず、近くにいた
人に聞くと適当に説明されあまりよくわからないまま
あちこち行く事になり、気疲れしました

ちなみにレンタカーで行く場合は
駐車場料金が8ドルかかります。

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。

I would like to comment on the evening show. At first, I thought it somewhat resembled the story of The Lion King when I saw the pamphlet, but it was completely different. It was an activity to preserve Polynesian culture, and various countries' dances were interwoven, allowing us to see a highly polished show. Next time, I want to see it from the front row.

夜のショーについてコメントします。最初はライオンキングの物語を少しまねた？？とパンフレットを見たときに思いましたが、全然違いました。ポリネシアの文化を守る活動であり、各国のダンスが織り交ぜれており、完成度の高いショーを見ることができました。次回は最前列でみたいです。

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.

About a month ago, I made a reservation, and guess what? I ended up in the middle of the third row!!!! I was able to enjoy the show with incredible intensity, and the ice cream during the break was as amazing as everyone said. Many people couldn't buy it because it sold out, so this ambassador experience is quite a bargain☆

During the day, the weather was almost too nice, and I felt like I might get heatstroke, but our guide, Amy, was cute and kind. She even included a Tahitian village dance experience in the itinerary at my request, which made me really satisfied☆☆ At the end, she added a backstage tour that wasn't included in this tour during our free time!! In the end, I conquered the whole village☆ My friends recommended that I go with the ambassador, and it was truly worth it! Everyone was so nice, and I really felt the ALOHA spirit. I'm glad I went with Alan.

１か月ほど前に予約したら、、、、なんと
３列目のど真ん中！！！！
大迫力でショーを楽しめましたし、休憩中のアイスは
皆さんの書き込みどおりに絶品でした。
売り切れて買えない人も続出でしたので、このアンバサダー
はかなりお得です☆

日中は天気が良すぎるくらいで熱中症になりそうでしたが
ガイドをしてくれたエイミーはかわいいし、親切だし、
私のリクエストでタヒチ村のダンス体験も行程にいれてくれて本当に大満足でした☆☆
最後の空いた時間にこのツアーにはついていないバックステージツアーも付けてくれました！！
結局全村制覇☆
友達にもアンバサダーで行ったほうがいいと推薦されましたが、本当に価値あり！でした。
みんないい人ばっかりで、本当にＡＬＯＨＡな気分になりました。
Ａlanさんで行ってよかったです。

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.

【Entrance】Our group went directly to the venue, but it seemed that most participants arrived by tour bus. The Japanese staff member we first approached didn't seem to know the entry procedures well, which caused a bit of a delay.

【Activities】The show is conducted in English, with a Japanese guide interpreting nearby. However, since our group had over 30 people and only one guide, if you sit far from the guide, you can hardly hear the Japanese translation. If you don't understand the language, it really diminishes the enjoyment, so I recommend that those who are not confident in English sit close to the guide.

By the way, the tour led by the guide ended with options: 1. Visit a Mormon church, 2. Watch a movie at a cinema, or 3. Follow the guide to see a fire-making and coconut-splitting show. We chose option 3, and the performer in the show had a hilarious character. I'm glad we picked this option.

【Food】The buffet style was not terrible in taste, but it wasn't exceptionally good either. The atmosphere felt like a cheap buffet. It might be appropriate for the price? That said, there was a good variety of meat dishes and desserts, so I think it's great for those who prioritize quantity over quality. The purple sweet potato dish at the salad bar was quite tasty.

【Evening Show】It was completely different from what I imagined; it was a genuine arena theater. The set was large and impressive. However, since it was in a play format, I found myself dozing off quite a bit during the performance. (Everyone in my group was dozing off too.) Personally, I would have preferred to see a simple, vibrant dance or show.

【Overall】I think it’s a good facility to experience the atmosphere of Polynesia.

【入場】私たちのグループは直接現地まで行きましたが、ツアーバスでの参加の方がほとんどなのか、最初に訪ねた日本人スタッフの方は手続きをよく知らなかったようで入場にちょっと手間取りました。

【アクティビティ】英語でのショーを日本人ガイドがそばで
通訳するというスタイルなのですが、私たちのグループは30数名で一人のガイドなので、ガイドさんから離れた席に座ってしまうと日本語はほとんど聞こえません。
言葉が理解できないと楽しさ半減なので、英語が苦手な方はぜひガイドさんの近くに席を取ることをお勧めします。

ちなみにガイドさんによるツアーの最後は選択性になっていて、1.モルモン教の教会を見る　2.映画館で映画をみる　3.そのままガイドさんについて火起こしとココナツ割りのショーを見る　というものでした。
私たちは3を選択したのですが、このショーのパフォーマーのおかまキャラでとても面白かったです。これを選択して良かったと思ってます。


【料理】ビュッフェ形式で、味はものすごくまずいわけではありませんが、ものすごくおいしいわけでもない。といった感じです。雰囲気も、安いビュッフェという感じ。値段相応かな？
とはいえ、肉料理やデザートも豊富にあるので、質より量を重視の方にはいいと思います。
けっこうおいしかったのがサラダのところにあった紫芋の金時みたいなもの。

【夜のショー】想像とは全然違い、本格的なアリーナ劇場でした。セットも大がかりでびっくり。
ただ、お芝居形式なので途中かなりウトウトしてしまいました。（同行者もみんな途中寝てました＾＾）
私としてはできれば単純に華やかな踊りやショーが見たかったですが・・

【総合】ポリネシアの雰囲気を味わうのにはいい施設だと思います。

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♪

Thank you for your international call regarding the inconvenience with this email. I was a bit anxious about participating with a large group, but I was praised by our guide, Kasumi, for having a very good seat, which made me feel a bit proud.

I felt that the food had also been upgraded compared to before. Everyone was eagerly digging into the crab (myself included).

As for the show, I think the previous one had more impact, but everyone was really happy. Thank you very much!

このたびは、こちらのメールの不都合で国際TELまで頂き有難うございました。大人数での参加で不安もあったけど、とてもいい席で添乗のかすみさんにもほめられてちょっと鼻が高かった
料理も前よりグレードアップしたような気がしました。みんなもくもくとカニにくらいついていました、（私も）
ショーは、前回のほうが迫力があったかなー、
でもみんな大喜び本当に有難うございました

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。

It takes almost a full day, but I was able to spend it efficiently with a well-organized schedule. The content is well done, so for those who haven't participated yet, I highly recommend it at least once. The history of Micronesia is also compactly yet effectively summarized, and I had a fun day (＾＾)

ほぼ丸１日を費やしますが、拍子のスケジュールで無駄なく過ごせました。良くできた内容ですので、まだ参加されてない方、一度はお勧めです。ミクロネシアの歴史もコンパクトながら上手くまとめてあって、楽しい１日を過ごせました（＾＾）

This was my first visit on my eighth trip to Hawaii, and I really wish I had gone earlier. Our guide, Malie, did an amazing job. I think it would be better to slow down the walking pace a bit for the older participants. On the bus ride there, the scenery is wonderful, so I recommend sitting on the right side.

8回目のハワイで初めて訪れましたが、やはりもっと早いうちに行けばよかったと思いました。ガイドのマリイはすごく頑張ってくれました。年配の参加者のために、歩く速度はもう少しゆっくりにしたほうがいいと思うよ。行きのバスは、景色が素晴らしいので、右側の席がおすすめです。

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.