All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Hawaii

The location is very clean and organized. We returned to the Polynesian Culter Center because of the fun and knowledge we came away with in our first trip there in 2006. We didn't get to view the complete park our first time do to its size. The weather was a chanllege this time and we saw less of the activites than before. Our tour guide was not up to all the knowledge needed to lead our group, she had been only a tour guide for three weeks. For the price and knowledge you wanted to gather fell far short.

The luau dinner was great and the final show was also a great performance! The effort the culter center puts out to make you feel at home, I would recommended it to anyone.

This time, I participated with my family. We went to Honolulu for 4 nights and 6 days to fully enjoy it. We joined optional tours every day and saw the Polynesian show several times, but the nighttime show at the Polynesian Cultural Center was the best. The number of performers and the production were unparalleled. If you're going to see a show, I think you should join this tour.

I apologize, but the other shows seemed childish in comparison. We participated in the deluxe course this time, and the nighttime buffet (which is referred to as "buffet" locally) was also good. It wasn't just meat; there was plenty of seafood. The tuna sashimi was perfect for Japanese people. The shrimp was delicious too.

In the deluxe course, there was ice cream for sale during the show's intermission (for $5), but it came with a free ticket. It was filled with fruit and very satisfying. There was a lot of fruit in it, and it tasted great.

The nighttime show felt like watching a performance of The Lion King. (I've never actually seen The Lion King, so it's just my imagination, but it was quite an elaborate show and never got boring.)

Although it's located in the northern part, which takes over an hour to reach from Honolulu, there is a shuttle service, so you can go with peace of mind. The guide's explanations made it enjoyable.

There is a longer tunnel along the way, and if you can hold your breath, your wish will come true. Everyone was trying hard to hold their breath.

Until the show starts, you can explore the vast grounds with a Japanese-speaking guide. This time, it seems there is usually one guide per group, but we had two.

During the day, the shows performed by the artists on boats starting at 2:30 were quite impressive. If you go to Oahu, I think you should definitely participate.

The daytime shows in each village are in English, but our guide translated them into Japanese. Even without the Japanese translation, the atmosphere is conveyed, and you can enjoy it to some extent.

If you go to Oahu, please consider participating. I don't think you'll regret it. It's a recommended tour.

　今回は家族で参加しました。　
　ホノルルを満喫してやろうと、４泊６日でホノルルに行って来ました。
　毎日オプションツアーに参加をし、ポリネシアンショーを数回見ましたが、ポリネシアセンターの夜のショーはピカイチでした。
　何せ、演者の人数や、演出は他に類を見ませんでした。どうせ見るなら、このツアーに参加すべきだと思いました。
　申し訳ないが、他のショーは子供騙しに見えてしまいますよー。
　今回は、デラックスコースに参加しましたが、夜のバイキング（現地ではビュッフェと言いますが・・・）も良かったです。　肉ばかりでなく、シーフードが満載でした。　マグロの刺身なんぞ日本人には打って付けでしたよー。　海老も旨かったなー。
　デラックスコースには、ショーの休憩時間に、アイスの販売（５ドル）がありましたが、無料のチケットがついていました。　フルーツ入りで、ボリューム満点。　フルーツがたくさん入っていて旨かったよー。
　夜のショーは、ライオンキングの舞台を見ているようでした。（ライオンキングの舞台を実際みたことはなく、自分のイメージだけなんですが。　相当凝ったショーで飽きることがありませんでした）
　ホノルルからは、片道１時間以上かかる北部にありますが、送迎つきなので安心していけます。ガイドの案内もあり楽しめます。
　途中に長めのトンネルがあり、息を止めていられると願い事が叶うとか。　皆、頑張って息を止めていました。
　ショーの時間までは、日本語ガイドの案内で相当広い園内を見て回れます。　今回は、通常グループに１名のガイドらしいのですが、２名ついていただけましたよー。
　昼間は、２時半からの演者がボートに乗って繰り広げる各地のショーが見ごたえがありました。
　オアフに行ったら、是非参加すべきと思いました。
　昼間の各村のショーは、英語で喋っているのですが、うちのガイドさんは、日本語に訳してくれていました。
　日本語訳がなくても、雰囲気は伝わり、そこそこ楽しめますよー。
　是非、オアフに行くなら参加してみて下さいなー。損はしないと思います。　お勧めツアーです。
　　

There isn't a whole lot of words that can really express the experience of looking face to face with a bautiful shark.. except AMAZING!! the whole activity from begining to end was great, the staff knew what they were talking about and eventhough we were to dumbfounded to really talk a whole lot they covered all our questions...we would recommend this activity to anyone.

Very interesting learning abouth the other islands. Everyone should make a trip there. Great food at the luau. Great Horizon night show.

Excellent tour guide. Made trip enjoyable and informative while being very helpful.
The PCC itself was very educational with presentations and shows excellent. Not really a luau, but more of a buffet. Food was just OK, with some things excellent and others not so good.

The shark sushi is the best!! I want to participate again next time!!

サメのすりる最高！！
次回も参加したい！！

This was our first time and we really had a good time, the last show was great, the only thing we were not real fond of was the luau dinner, very simple and I wanted to really see how the pig was cooked in the sand. Dinner was not very good. The people there were very very nice to work with. Our driver Chris was also very nice and gave us a lot of information while on the drive.

Would recommend this tour to everyone we had a ball of a time a special thanks to Cousin Leon for making our day special.

I was VERY impressed with our tour to the Polynesian Cultural Center. From the pick up in Waikiki, lunch, tour of the 5 island groups, dinner, the evening show and the return to Waikiki, all was done perfectly. This tour is definitely a MUST to learn more about the Polynesian Culture!!!

This was our second time to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and we still found it highly entertaining and informative.

This is my second time participating. Last time, I was a bit anxious since it was my first experience, but I wanted to feel that refreshing sensation again, so I signed up once more. The staff's response was good, and I am satisfied. If I have the opportunity to go to Hawaii again, I will definitely sign up.

２回目の参加です。前回は初めてだったので不安もありましたが、あの爽快感をもう一度体験したくまた申し込んでしまいました。スタッフの対応もよく満足しております。また、ハワイに行く機会があれば申し込むでしょう・・・。

I took the biking tour through North Shore. Justin was a very good guide and showed us the ins and outs of the North Shore community. Justin showed me the best routes to take with my mountain bike. The tour was right on time and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour as it is a great value. It was a nice touch that water and snacks were provided on board.

I participated this time with three children aged 7, 5, and 3. I searched for various options to let the kids try horseback riding, but most places required participants to be over 10 years old. However, I found one that offered "Keiki (children) horseback riding" and decided to join.

At first, I thought they would be riding small ponies, but in reality, they rode regular horses. The three of them had some experience with ponies, but this was their first time on regular horses.

Two staff members from the ranch accompanied us with three horses, holding the reins as we enjoyed horseback riding for over 30 minutes across the vast ranch.

We didn't just go around in circles; we also climbed up a hill to see other horses in the pasture and even spotted a newborn foal, making for a fun time.

The kids seemed to have a great time and expressed their desire to ride again.

I understand that regular horseback riding tours are for ages 7 and up, so I would like to participate in a tour again in a few years.

Although Japanese is not spoken, I think participating itself is not an issue.

今回７才５才３才の３人の子供連れで参加しました。
子供たちに乗馬をさせてやりたいと色々と探しましたが、だいたいのところは１０歳以上という中で唯一「ケイキ(子供)乗馬」というのを見つけて、参加しました。

最初はポニーのような小さい馬かなと思っていましたが、実際は普通の馬で、３人ともポニーは何度か経験がありましたが、普通の馬は初めてでした。

３頭の馬に牧場のスタッフが二人付いてくれて、手綱をもって広大な牧場を３０分以上にわたって乗馬を楽しみました。

サークルの中をグルグル回るだけでなく、けっこう岡の上まで上って他の馬の放牧場を見たり生まれたばかりの子馬を見たりと楽しい時間でした。

子供たちもまた乗馬をしたいと、大変楽しかったようです。

普通の乗馬ツアーは７歳以上とのことでしたので、また数年後にツアーに参加したいと思います。

日本語は通じませんが、参加自体は問題ないと思います。

I have been visiting Hawaii every year since 1991, but this was my second time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. I found out about this tour online and decided to participate. The guide's skillful and humorous storytelling made everyone feel friendly and relaxed, as if we were old friends, and we truly had a wonderful time. I believe this tour offers great cost performance. Additionally, I would like to thank the local office staff for their polite assistance in Japanese during my phone inquiries.

ハワイは平成３年から毎年訪れていますが、ポリネシア文化センターへは２度目となりました。このツアーについてはＷｅｂで拝見し参加させて頂きましたが、ガイドさんの巧みなそしてユーモラスな話術に、参加された皆さんも和気藹々となり、一度に旧知の仲のように打ち解けて本当に楽しく過させていただきました。コストパフォーマンスも大変お値打ちなツアーだと思います。また、現地での事務所スタッフの方も電話での問い合わせに日本語で丁寧に応対して頂きありがとうございました。

Great time had by all. Tour guide Milo was terrific and upbeat. Very knowledgeable about the Islands and cultures. Food was delicious and thank goodness for the children's buffet since we were with a very picky eater. Thank you for a great memory.

too many tour groups

It was the best experience.
I have ridden most of the thrill rides in the country, but the excitement I felt during skydiving surpasses anything I've experienced in the past.
The "fear" at the moment of jumping from 4,000 meters, the "excitement" while falling, and the "view" after the parachute opens are beyond words.
Before you jump, you have to sign a waiver that means "everything is at your own risk," but if you have even 1% interest in skydiving, you should definitely try it. Even with 99% anxiety and fear, the friendly and skilled staff will make it enjoyable.
If you have a partner or friends, please do it together; I think it will create unforgettable memories.
Unfortunately, my partner was too scared to jump from a 5-meter cliff, so they ran away, and I couldn't share the excitement with them. Also, I was embarrassed by my face in the video recording.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to all the staff who took care of us and say, "Thank you!" and "Skydiving is the best!!!"

最高の体験でした。
　私は、国内の殆どの絶叫系ライドを乗っていますが、その時の興奮は過去のものであり、今後スカイダイビングで経験した「興奮」を上回るものはないと思います。
　上空４０００メートルから、飛び出す瞬間の「恐怖」、落ちていく途中の「興奮」、パラシュートが開いた後の「景色」は、言葉では言い表せません。
　飛ぶ前に「全ては自己責任」という意味合いの「承諾書」にサインしないといけませんが、スカイダイビングに１％でも興味のある方は、是非やってください。９９％の不安と恐怖があっても、優しくて優秀なスタッフが楽しませてくれます。
　カップルや友達がいる人は、是非一緒にやってください、一生の思い出作りになると思います。
　今回、残念だったのは、私の相方が５メートルの崖から飛び降りれないほどのビビリさんであったので、逃げ出してしまい、興奮を分かち合えなかった事とビデオ撮影して頂いた自分の顔があまりにイタかった事です。
　最後に、今回お世話になったスタッフの皆さんに「ありがとう」の言葉と「スカイダイビング最高！！！」の言葉を贈りたいです。

　

The whole evening was very imformative. From finding out that the very program itself helps educates our young to learning about other places around the world. I have no doubt that the program has and will continue to offer a very unique learning experience for those that are at BYU and to those that attend the Polynesian Cultural Center for entertainment. All the work that was put into the shows to make them both unique and entertaining comes out in every aspect of the center itself. As we will be living here for at least the next 3 years, when we have guests it will be one of the features of Oahu that I recommend.

I participated in the All Day Deluxe tour. It was a slightly larger group of about 20 people, but the voice of our international student guide, Mamoru, was clear, and I didn't feel too inconvenienced.

After watching the canoe show, we could do whatever we liked in the villages, but since it was my first time and I didn't know my way around, I was taken to recommended spots. We toured each village and got to experience hula, tattoos, poi balls, and even taste taro. The shows included a drumming performance from Tonga Village and a cooking show from Samoa Village, and I laughed so much that I cried. I highly recommend it!!!

The buffet featured delicious purple bread with taro. Since we only had about an hour, the food started to dwindle as the show time approached, so I think it's best to be quick in getting your food.

The show was powerful and wonderful! I could see the dancers' expressions clearly and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since I opted for the deluxe package, I thought our seats would be decent, but surprisingly, we were in the fourth row right in the center of the circular theater—an amazing spot! Thank you, Alan Wan, for the arrangements!!

If I had to mention something difficult, it seems we had to stop at a souvenir shop for about 45 minutes during the transfer, so if you don't need anything and have your own transportation, it might be better to meet on-site. Also, don't forget to confirm your reservation with a phone call after arriving in Hawaii! My hotel name wasn't communicated, and I wasn't on the pickup list.

If I have the chance to come to Hawaii again, I definitely want to go again and enjoy the villages I didn't get to see much of this time!!

オールデイデラックスで参加しました。
20名程度の少し多めのグループでしたが、留学生ガイドのマモルさんの声もよく通っていて、あまり不自由は感じませんでした。

カヌーショーを見た後は、好きな村で好きなことができますが、初めてで右も左も分からなかったので、おすすめに連れて行ってもらいました。各村を一通り巡り、フラ体験や刺青やポイボールやタロイモ試食などもできました。
ショーは、トンガ村の太鼓ショーとサモア村の料理ショーを見ることができましたが、笑いすぎて涙が出ました。おすすめです!!!

バイキングはタロイモの入った紫のパンが美味しかったです。時間が１時間程度しかなく、ショーの時間が迫ってくるとものも減ってくるので、てきぱきと持ってくると良いと思います。

ショーは迫力があって素晴らしいです！ダンサーのかたの表情もよく見え、満喫できました。
デラックスにしたので、席はまずまずの所だろうと思っていたのですが、何と円形劇場ど真ん中の前から４列目という最高の席でした！アランワンさん、お手配ありがとうございます!!

言いにくいことを挙げるなら、移動の際に45分程度お土産屋さんに寄らざるを得ないようなので、入用でなく交通手段のあるかたは現地集合のほうがよいかもしれません。
また、ハワイ入り後の予約再確認の電話をお忘れなく!私は宿泊ホテル名が伝わっておらず、ピックアップリストに載っていませんでした。

次回ハワイに来ることがあったらまたぜひ行って、今回あまり見られなかった村を楽しみたいです!!

this is definitely the activity for you. The staff aboard the boat are very friendly and knowledgeable (thanks Jeremy and Phillip!), and there WILL be sharks. I've actually been on a dive with sharks without a cage, so this wasn't as breathtaking for me, but if you've never seen sharks in the wild, I highly recommend this activitiy.

The transportation was on time, and the staff were Japanese. They provided a simple sightseeing guide until we arrived at the PCC. For first-timers, it might feel like a great deal. We had the Twilight Deluxe, and surprisingly, our seats were in the second row from the front in the center. It was the best location for a deluxe experience. The show closely followed Polynesian culture, and I think it's worth seeing. It was a family outing, and the kids (middle school and elementary school) were engaged until the very end. The deluxe package includes ice cream service during the show, but there’s quite a lot, so you might not be able to finish it. For this type of experience, I think it can be considered the best in Hawaii.

送迎は時間通りで、スタッフは日本人でした。ＰＣＣに付くまでは簡単な観光ガイドをしていただけました。始めての方には得した気分かも。トワイライトデラックスでしたが、なんと、席は真ん中の前から２列目。デラックスとしては最高の場所でしょう。ショーもポリネシアの文化をきっちり踏襲したもので、見る価値ありと思います。ファミリー参加でしたが、最後まで子供（中学・小学生）達も飽きずに見ていました。デラックスはショーの途中でアイスクリームのサービスがありますが、かなり量が多くて食べきれないかも。この手のショートしてはハワイベストといっても良いのではないでしょうか。

This activity is exceptional & absolutely delivers!
As a group of three we boarded the North Shore boat in various stages of hangover from an international conference. One mate was viciously seasick, another repeatedly seasick and I was moderately seasick (only had to hang my head over the boat once). It is a testament to this excursion that although we all felt absolutely awful we thought it was AMAZING and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Do not pass up the opportunity to see these incredible animals in crystal clear deep waters. Be sure to have something for motion sickness as it is a bumpy ride on the boat and in the cage.

We really had a great time at the center and learned a great deal. You really need to get a guide to get the most information on each village and so you don't end up going in circles or getting lost in the center. The guide keeps you on track and know when the shows are scheduled and the best places to sit. The food was exceptional. Our seats were in the sun and we wish we could have sat in the shade....that was our only complaint. The sun didn't stay up long and we soon forgot about it. Overall we had a really great time and would do it again!

Cousin Henry (our driver and guide) was fantastic! He made the trip. Very informative, and spoke from experience. Food was good, not amazing, but plentiful. Evening show took awhile to get interesting, but then look out! Fire show was incredible. Don't miss the demonstrations before the luau!! We thought the cost was a little pricy, but the experience was just wonderful.

I participated in the advanced course at Gunstock Ranch with my sister. If you're coming from Waikiki, I think it's easy to aim for the Polynesian Cultural Center as a landmark.

We were asked how much experience we had riding horses, and after doing some trotting in the circle, we set off. After walking along the mountain path, we suddenly broke into a canter through the woods. When the lead horse, Sara, started running, my horse quickly followed suit, and my sister's horse behind me joined in as well.

We ran quite a bit. It was my first time cantering in Western style, and I was a bit worried, but it turned out to be quite easy even with the long stirrups. It felt really good.

While observing the condition of the trail, we then trotted up and down the hills. At the top, Sara picked some guava fruit for us and took some pictures. The descent offered beautiful scenery, so we leisurely walked.

The weather was great, and it was a very fulfilling hour. If I have the chance, I would love to visit Gunstock Ranch again.

ガンストック牧場上級者コースに妹と参加してきました。
　ワイキキから行く場合、とりあえずポリネシアカルチャーセンターを目指して行くとわかりやすいと思います。
　どれくらい馬に乗っているかを尋ねられ、サークル内で速歩などをして、いざ出発。
　山道をてくてく進んだ後、木立の中をいきなり駈歩です。
　先頭のサラが走ると、私の馬もすぐに駈歩。私の後ろの妹の馬も一緒に走ります。
　結構走りました。ウエスタンの駈歩は初めてで、少し心配しましたが、長い鐙でも走りやすいものなんですね。すごく気持ちよかったです。
　道の状態を見ながら、後は速歩で坂道を上ったり下ったり。
　頂上では、サラがグアバの実を取ってくれて、写真も撮ってくれました。
　下りは景色がいいので、のんびり常歩です。
　お天気も良く、とても充実した1時間でした。また機会があれば、もう一度ガンストック牧場を訪れたいです。　

Unforgettable. Amazing. Incredible. Awesome. Those are just a few! This was truly an adventure of a lifetime. Enjoyed every second on that boat.

I would definately recommend the twilight package. Some of the villages are closed and there is not enough time to do EVERYTHING there is to do, but I could not see staying there all day. The best part is the Horizon's night show; this is FANTASTIC and definately worth it. I feel that the cost is a little high, but it's vacation and this an experience you won't get elsewhere.

Great place to visit! I recommend mapping out your desitnations, so that you don't miss anything...we saw just about everything in the 5 hours we were there (didn't do the night dinner/ show...felt it would be too exhausting after a whole day of show-watching at the center.) Get there early! Enjoy! P.S. If you drive, there are some scenic spots and great beaches in the area.

This was a great trip and exceeded our expectations. Seeing sharks circling up from the deep to come and feed in close attendence with Trumpetfish and a random Tuna was a sight I will never forget. The water was so blue and clear that it was like watching on film. If there is one thing that you do when you go to Hawaii then this should be it. With the correct balance between ecology, safety and fun this must be the best activity by a mile and it still leaves time for surfing in the afternoon! Brilliant.

This was our second time and again thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Food was good. Staff/students were quite helpful and the performers were certainly talented. Our driver was prompt, knowledgeable and went out of his way to be attentive. We definitely recommend this to families of all ages.