All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Hawaii

This was definately the highlight of our vacation. The thrill of being so close to the sharks is an awesome experience. Would highly recommend this adventure to everyone!

My wife and I loved the shark encounter! Exhilarating but not dangerous. The staff was knowledgeable and good spirited. We are in our mid 50's - have done lots of stuff and this was truly unique. Besides loads of sharks we also saw a couple whales. Recommend you bring a water proof camera [taking digital videos and pulling frames for desired stills works best], go early because the water is usually calmer, and go on an empty stomach. The time in the cage went too fast me!

We've never been on a glider ride before, and we are so glad that we did. It's crazy to fly without an engine and a propeller! We were a little scared first, but once we were up in the air, we enjoyed the breathtaking views of Mokuleia, Yokohama Bay, North Shore Coastline, etc... It's the best way to enjoy the scenary in the north shore from the sky. Highly recommended!!!

It's a small company, but I was entrusted with organizing the event for our last night in Hawaii, and we participated in the Twilight plan.

Our group was a mix of Hawaii repeat visitors and first-timers, but since no one had been to the Polynesian Cultural Center, we decided on that.

During the day, everyone enjoyed shopping and water activities, and although we only had the show at night, it was very exciting, and everyone was fast asleep on the bus ride back (laughs).

小さな会社なのですが幹事を任されて、ハワイ最後の夜のイベントとして、トワイライトのプランに参加しました。

ハワイリピーターから、はじめての人などバラバラのメンバーでしたが、ポリネシア文化センターは、誰も行ったことがなかったので、決めました。

昼間はショッピングに海遊びで各自遊びまわり、夜からショーだけでしたが、非常に盛り上がり、帰りのバスはみんな熟睡でしたね（笑）

I went with my elementary school son, uncle, aunt, and parents, so we rented a car and drove to the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is located on the opposite side of the island from Waikiki.

My elderly parents found the guided tour interesting, and since it was their first time in a foreign country rather than just Hawaii, the reactions from the staff seemed very fresh to them.

The evening show was also very impressive. I actually thought it would be similar to the shows seen on cruises, but I was completely wrong!

We got to see a fire dance, there were many dancers, and it was full of excitement! I want to go again.

小学生の息子と叔父叔母や両親と、家族での参加だったので、レンタカーを借りてドライブしながら、ワイキキとはちょうど島の反対側にあるポリネシア文化センターに行って来ました。

年取った両親も園内見学ツアーは興味深いものだったらしく、ハワイがというよりも外国がはじめてだった両親には、スタッフの方のリアクションとかがとても新鮮だったようです。

夜のショーも見応えタップリで、実はクルーズで見られるショーと変わらないと思っていたのですが、大間違い！

ファイヤーダンスは見られるし、ダンサーの数が多いし、迫力満点でした！また行きたいと思います。

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!!!

This is my fifth time visiting Hawaii. I was surprised to find such an impressive theme park at the edge of Oahu Island!

I felt the love for their culture from the people of Hawaii, as well as the Polynesians, and their passion for preserving their traditions.

On our first family trip to Hawaii, I brought my high school son with me, and inspired by the energetic international students guiding us around the park, he kept saying, "I want to study abroad in Hawaii!"

Well, if my child studies abroad, it means more opportunities for me to visit Hawaii (laughs).

ハワイ5回目のリピーターです。
あんなオアフ島の島の端に、あんな見応えがあるテーマパークがあることに驚き！

ハワイの人はもとより、ポリネシアの人たちの自分たちへの文化への愛情と言うか伝統を残そうと言う情熱を感じました。

はじめての家族でのハワイ旅行で、高校生の息子を連れて行ったのですが、園内を案内する元気一杯の留学生のお兄さんたちに触発されたのか、｢ハワイに留学したい！｣と言って聞きません。。。

まぁ子供が留学すれば、親がハワイに行く楽しみが、増えますね（笑）

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!!!

Since it was our first time in Hawaii, we asked a knowledgeable friend, and they recommended that we definitely see a Hawaiian show at least once.

Thinking we might as well go for the most extravagant show, we decided to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, which everyone recommended. I heard that the stage and the number of performers are the largest there.

As expected from its high reputation, it was impressive! The Hawaiian girls dancing with big smiles and making cheerful sounds left a strong impression on me.

It became a wonderful memory for both of us. Even though it's Hawaii, I heard it can get chilly at night, so I brought a jacket!

ハワイはじめての私たちだったので、友達の詳しい人に聞いて、やっぱり一度はハワイアンショーを見るように薦められました。

どうせなら1番豪華なショーをと思い、みんなが薦めるポリネシア文化センターに行きました。舞台もパフォーマーの数も最大と聞きました。

評判が高いだけあって、迫力がありました！
奇声を発し、笑顔で踊るハワイアンの女の子達が印象的でした。

ふたりの良い思い出になりました。
夜はハワイといえど、冷えると聞いたので、上着を持っていきました！

Whenever we go as a couple, we usually spend our time at the beach and shopping, but this time, with our children and parents, we thought it would be a great opportunity to create some Hawaiian memories.

The large-scale facility, which is like a theme park, recreates an entire village, making it feel like a different world, and it's really wonderful. Even if you go to Waikiki now, you can't imagine the traces of the past or the way of life back then.

My parents were delighted with the enthusiastic staff in the park. The children were a bit scared, though...

The night show had a large number of performers and was very impressive. The kids were thrilled with the fire dance. I thought it was the perfect place to spend a day that feels like Hawaii. Thank you!!

いつも夫婦で行く時にはビーチと買い物に明け暮れるのですが、今回は子供と両親がいるので、せっかくだしハワイらしい思い出をと思って行ってきました。

いかにもテーマパークな大規模な施設は、村ごと再現されている別世界なので、とても良いです。今のワイキキに行っても、当時の面影や生活風景って想像つかないですもんね。

両親はサービス精神旺盛な園内のスタッフに喜んで喜んで。子供は少し怖がってましたが。。。

夜のショーも人数が多いし、迫力満点でした。子供もファイアーダンスにとっても喜んでました。ハワイらしい1日を過ごすには最高の場所と思いました。ありがとうございます！！

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!

I was told this was the most authentic luau on Oahu. The actually dinner was a bit crowded and the stage show was too loud and pretty boring. The buffet offered a variety of dishes but I had to eat from the kids side because that menu only offered the vegetarian option that actually had nutritional value.
When booking this trip it would have been nice to know up front that the cultural center was run by mormons so therefore there was no alcohol or caffeine available. The night show was worth seeing...very well done...just as good as a play in NYC.
Our driver picked us up 15 minutes late then proceeded to wait another 20 for 2 people who were on the list and were not there yet. Because of this we were unable to get the tour of the center that we paid for and they would not issue us tickets to come again some other day. If I could do it all over again I would go the full day, pack food and see the evening show. Probably rent a car and take a break down the street on the beach.

As a repeat visitor to Hawaii, I heard that the evening shows are impressive, so I attended one for the first time.

I participated in a package that included a daytime tour of the park and the evening show, and it was a great deal!

The park guide provided interesting insights into the lifestyles, culture, and history of each village, making me realize that Hawaii is more than just shopping and beaches—it's a bit embarrassing to admit that (laughs).

The staff throughout the park were all friendly and had smiles, which was very pleasant.

The evening show was as high-quality as I expected, with a large number of performers, creating a powerful experience. The performances directed by professionals are truly different!

I was also glad to see the classic fire dance☆

ハワイリピーターなのですが、夜のショーは見応えがあると聞いて、はじめて行ってきました。

お昼からの園内ツアーと夜のショーのパッケージに参加したのですが、お買い得です！

園内ガイドの方は各村の生活様式や文化、歴史に至るまで面白く案内してくれ、買い物とビーチだけのハワイじゃないんだなぁなんて少し恥ずかしくなりました（笑）

園内のスタッフ皆さんが笑顔と言うか、フレンドリーなのも好感が持てます。

夜のショーは、期待してた通り、レベルも高く、演じての人数が多いので迫力がありました。やっぱり、プロが演出している舞台のパフォーマンスは違いますね～

べたにファイヤーダンスも見れて、よかったです☆

I was surprised to find such a large-scale place that recreates the Polynesian islands all the way out there on the island!

Not only the houses, but even the costumes of the staff in the village add to the fun atmosphere.

I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the guide staff. It was enjoyable to immerse myself in that world all day long, right up until the evening show (＾＾).

ポリネシア諸島を村ごと、再現したあんな大規模な場所が島のあんな遠いところにあるなんて、ビックリしました！

家屋などはもちろんそうですが、村内にいるスタッフの衣装まで雰囲気が楽しいです。

案内スタッフの方の熱心さにも感心。そのまま夜のショーまで一日中、世界に浸れて楽しかったです（＾＾）

I participated in the package that only included the night show. The fire dance was incredibly powerful. The hula and dances from Polynesian countries were distinctly different and very captivating.

It was completely different from the image I had of hula dancing, and I was moved by the dynamic nature of the show!

Since it was my first time, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the park seemed very large and it appeared to realistically recreate a Polynesian village.

It seems that with the daytime package, I could have enjoyed the park as well, so I think I will go during the day next time.

夜のショーだけ見るパッケージで参加しました。
ファイアーダンスは迫力満点。フラやポリネシア諸国のダンスも特徴がハッキリと分かれており、魅力的でした。

今まで思っていたフラダンスのイメージとは全く違い、躍動感があるショーに感動です！

はじめてなので、どんなところかわからなかったですが、園内はとっても大きいようで、かなりリアルにポリネシアの村を再現しているようでした。

昼間のパッケージなら園内も楽しめたみたいなので、今度は昼から行こうと思います。

I thought it was the best entertainment facility in Hawaii! I've been to Hawaii many times, but for some reason, I never had the opportunity to visit until now.

Since my parents wanted to see the largest Hawaiian show on Oahu, we chose the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the tour of the grounds was also very good.

There was a student, possibly an exchange student from Japan, who guided us around while sharing stories about life in Hawaii. Their passion, likely due to their youth, left a very good impression on me.

The evening show, with its large cast, was truly impressive. I realized just how different it is from the free shows in Waikiki (laughs).

I highly recommend it!

ハワイ1番のエンターテインメント施設と思いました！ハワイは何度も行っているのですが、なぜか今まで行く機会がありませんでした。

両親がどうせ見るならオアフ島で最大規模のハワイアンショーをということで、ポリネシア文化センターを選びましたが、園内ツアーも非常に良かったです。

日本からの留学生の方かな、学生さんが園内をハワイでの生活なんかの話も交えながら案内してくれ、若さゆえか情熱を感じてとても好印象。

夜のショーは最大規模のキャストというだけあって、迫力満点。ワイキキ内の無料のショーとは全然ちがうんだと今さら気づきました（笑）

お薦めです！

Good!

This was my first visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, even though it's my fifth time in Hawaii. Last time, my family had a fever, and we had to cancel. So, I was really looking forward to this tour. It was my first time using Alan Net, and I was a bit worried if everything would be alright, but as soon as I made the reservation, the confirmation ticket arrived immediately. Since we don't have a printer at home, I was wondering what to do, but I found out that they also accept fax, which made me feel that this company is reliable.

The cultural center provided interesting and well-explained information in Japanese about the history of Hawaii and the surrounding islands, greetings, buildings, and daily life. The hula lessons, games, dances, music, and the final show were powerful and wonderful. While there are tours that leave early from the cultural center, I highly recommend staying until the end for those who have the time, except for those with small children. My high school kids were also very satisfied. They provided us with great seats, and even adjusted the price to match other cheaper tours, which made for a truly memorable experience.

ハワイは５回目だというのに、ポリネシアン文化センター訪問は、初めて。前回は、家族が熱を出し、キャンセル。だから、今回のツアーはとても楽しみでした。アランネットを利用させていただいたのは、初めてでしたので、失礼ながら、本当に大丈夫か心配でしたが、申し込みと同時に、すぐに予約券は来るし、ウチはプリンターがないから、どうしようとと考えていたら、ＦＡＸも有り、この会社は信頼出来ると思いました。文化センターは、日本語で面白く、上手に説明してくれるし、ハワイや、周辺の島の歴史、挨拶、建物、暮らしもわかり、フラレッスンや、ゲーム、ダンスや音楽、そして、最後のショーは、踊りがパワプルで、素晴らしかったです。文化センターの参加は、早く帰るツアーもありますが、時間のない人や、小さいお子さんがいる人以外の方は、是非最後までの参加が楽しいですよ。我が家の中、高生の子供達も大満足でした。席もイイ席を用意してもらい、他のツアーが安いと合わせていただき、本当に良い思いでとなりました。

During a family trip, I participated alone on April 2nd. My family (husband, mother-in-law, and son) joined a private tour on-site and explored from start to finish. After finishing diving around 10 AM, I was able to join my family for a private tour around Oahu.

It was my first time, and when I initially signed the waiver, I thought, "Should I back out...?" But I'm glad I took the plunge. As the plane ascended, we broke through the clouds, and I felt like saying, "Are we still going up?" However, from the dive point, there was no hesitation as we jumped one after another. Thanks to our instructor, Mike, I was able to enjoy the thrill of skydiving while feeling secure. Once the parachute opened, we descended slowly and leisurely. The coastline on the north side of Oahu was beautifully visible, and I was amazed to see my feet floating at such a high altitude, adding to the thrill.

After landing, I high-fived Mike! It was a truly precious and wonderful experience. Next time I go to Hawaii, I will definitely participate again. Thank you, Mike and all the staff!

家族での旅行中、４／２に私だけ参加しました。家族（夫・義母・息子）はプライベートツアーで現地で合流し、最初から最後まで見学してました。１０時過ぎにはダイビングが終了したので、そのままオアフ島周遊のプライベートツアーに家族と参加できましたよ。

私自身初めてで、最初に承諾書にサインする際に「やめようかな・・・」とも思いましたが、思い切って飛んでよかったです。
飛行機で上空へ上がるのに雲も突き抜け「まだ上がるの~？」といった気分でしたが、ダイブポイントからは躊躇する間もなく、次々と落ちていきます。インストラクターのマイクさんのおかげでスリルを味わいながらも安心してスカイダイビングできました。パラシュートが開いてからはゆっくりのんびりと落ちてきます。オアフ島北側の海岸線がきれいに見えて感動し、足元をみるとあまりにも高いところに浮かんでいる自分の足が見え、更なるスリルを味わいます。
着地後は、マイクさんとハイタッチ！とても貴重で素晴らしい体験ができました。次回ハワイへ行ったら必ず参加します。
マイクさん、スタッフの皆さん、ありがとうございました。

Nice activity for all ages.

We arrived at the hotel in Waikiki in the morning and set off for the center after 4 PM, arriving in just over an hour. Along the way, we were guided to various sightseeing spots. After arriving, we had dinner right away, but the economy and deluxe courses had different buildings. The buffet for the deluxe course was quite good compared to others we had on different days. The show was exotic and impressive. Most of the guests were Americans, which added a different kind of excitement. If I had to wish for something, I would have liked an additional 30 minutes for the meal.

ワイキキのホテルに朝到着、午後4時過ぎにセンターへ向かって出発、1時間少々で到着する。通りすがりに色々な観光場所をガイドしてくれます。到着後すぐに夕食ですが、エコノミーとデラックスコースでは建物が異なります。デラックスコースのバイキングでしたが、後日の他と比べてもなかなか良かったと思います。ショーはエキゾチックで迫力の有る素敵なものでした。お客さんは米国人がほとんどでこちらも別の意味で迫力が有りました。欲を言えば食事の時間が後30分欲しいところでした。

This is definately educational for the kids. We had a great time...the show was great.

This experience was wonderful and educational. Our tour guide Mon was fantastic and very informative. He took extra time with my 7 year old and encouraged her to participate in activities. The Horizon show was spectacular. I can't wait to go back to Hawaii to visit the center again.

Great activity for the family. Entertained the kids (7 and 10) as well as the adults.

Exceeded our expectations. Never a dull moment from twelve noon to the end of the show. Be sure you get a guide. The guest-participation activities were a particular treat -- spear-throwing, poi ball twirling, drums, it was all great fun. And the evening show was truly spectacular. This was well worth the money and well worth the trip to the North side of the island.

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ｶﾞｲﾄﾞさん？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ﾄﾞ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。

This was an awesome experience. You can't get any closer than this to live sharkes in the oceans. I could have reached out and touch them - but highly discouraged to do so.

This is an awesome experience and a great way to view sharks in thier own natural environment. Very graceful and peaceful to watch.

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!

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.

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