Reviewed by: Joe Randke
My wife and I enjoyed our visit and horseback riding experience at the Gunstock Ranch. We did not want to go to a heavily commercialized facility for horseback riding. There were a lot of animals at the ranch and the scenery was beautiful. The ride trail was nice and rustic which we wanted in our experience. The guide provided us great instruction and information about the ranch, the area and plants along the trail.
Our only improvement suggestions are for the restroom facility's cleaning cycle, grading and packing the access road and a more legible road sign.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/11/15 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Good
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/11/09 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
What an amazing experience!!!! I will be back :-)
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/11/01 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
I have been here before, so this was my second visit. Just as amazing as the first time I was there. The students who run the programs are so friendly and knowledgeable. The day is very busy, but so much fun. Definitely worth having the tour guide. The center is kept spotless and all of the shows are enjoyable. The best place to visit to learn about the culture you are visiting. Would visit here every time I am on the island. Great trip! Luau is fun and upbeat. The night show is the best!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/10/31 |
Reviewed by: Visitor from Kentucky
This was a full day. Prepare to be exhausted by the end of it. BUT it was well worth it. We paid the extra to use our guide for the day (cousin Cissy) which for sure was the best plan since we would not have seen half of the exhibits and demonstrations that he took us to had we gone it alone. Well worth the extra expense. Cousin Cissy was the best guide - he was totally passionate for his culture and very knowledgeable. He genuinely cared that we saw the best of his people. A perfect day out which ended with an amazing show - a must to see. Our only compaint was the food - it was disappointing and bland. But plenty of it so we did not go hungry.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/10/26 |
Reviewed by: Kuppi
It was my first time riding in Western style, and I really enjoyed it. Unlike riding in a riding arena in Japan, I was able to gallop in nature, which was refreshing and very satisfying. I believe even advanced riders can have a great time here. I definitely want to visit again.
ウエスタンスタイルの乗馬は初めてでしたが、とても楽しめました。
日本での馬場での乗馬と異なり、自然の中を駈足出来て、爽快、とても満足です。
上級者にも十分楽しめると思います。
また是非訪れたいと思います。
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2012/10/18 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Everyone was nice almost to the creepy extreme if you are from NY or Chicago. Big BYU influence may have been the reason for the overly dressed female workers. Very child friendly environment. Would defiantly take a young family there.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/10/18 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The Polynesian Culture Center was a great experience. The representations of the countries were great. The canoe ride, the canoe parade, and the activities were very well done. Our guides, Hannah and Saydie were awesome. They really made our tour special, and were very informative. The HA fire show was amazing !
The only thing that was disappointing was the dinner. There wasn't much of a variety. I went back for seconds and there was barely any food left, and no fruit. It seemed that we were rushed throught dinner. I was very disappointed in what I thought would be an "authentic" luau.
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/10/17 |
Reviewed by: ayachan
I went horseback riding for the first time in a year and a half. I took a bus for about two hours and was planning to walk to the ranch from there, but while walking after getting off the bus, I met a kind couple who offered to drive me! Since I arrived much earlier than planned, I took a nap in a hammock. I rode across the vast ranch with a handsome cowboy named Ross, chatting and learning how to ride better. It took me some time to get used to it since it had been a while, but I had a lot of fun! We also took a commemorative photo with the North Shore sea in the background. I had such a great time horseback riding, but I got too carried away and forgot to give a tip... sorry, next time! When I go horseback riding in Hawaii again, I will request this place!
1年半ぶりに乗馬で駈足してきました。
バスに2時間くらい乗り、そこから牧場まで歩きの予定でしたが、バスをおりて歩いていたら親切なご夫婦に出会い車で送って頂きました♪
予定より早くつきすぎたので、ハンモックでお昼寝等してました。
ハンサムなカウボーイのロスさんと、世間話したり上手な乗り方を教わりながら、広大な牧場を乗馬しました。
久しぶりだったので慣れるまで時間がかかりましたが、とても楽しく満喫できました!!
ノースショアの海をバックに記念写真も撮ってもらいました♪
せっかく楽しい乗馬をさせてもらったのに、はしゃぎすぎてチップを渡すのを忘れてしまいました…sorryまた次回!!
またハワイで乗馬する時は、こちらにリクエストします♪
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2012/10/08 |
Reviewed by: B&B
Were entertained by Walter on the road to the Center. Before arriving Walter "strongly" encouraged everyone to purchase the lunch buffet for an additional $15 The buffet was nothing spectacular.
As an "ambassador package group" we were herded around by Elvis. We started out as the first group but somehow ended by late for all the demonstrations. Elvis was in such a rush to get us in place that he provided very little in the way of cultural information. Supposedly the Ambassador group see only the "highlights". The Canoe pageant costumes were first class but the boats looked "tired". Somoa action was well done and very funny. Drumming show in Tonga really energized the audience.
The Luau dinner food was nothing to write home about.
The Pacific show was outstanding but could eliminate the pineapple delight - too much - too messy for such a large audience,,,left trash everywhere in theatre. At a minimum you should end intermission with going through the aisles with tr
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2012/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The customer rep contacted me for reminder over a phone a day before our planned trip. Since I did not have printed paper of confirmation Hawaiian Activities faxed our confirmation to ticket desk and tickets were ready for us at cultural center desk. The seats for Ha Breath show were at center and had a good show coverage.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/09/05 |
Reviewed by: Pratik
Everyone says that PCC is the #1 place to go when you're on Oahu, but I don't get it.
Yes, there are a lot of things to do there but it's mostly walking around and looking at different artifacts and recreations. It wasn't a big deal to me, especially since most people file all that information under M for "meh" after they leave the place.
One thing that really rubbed me the wrong way was that they kept pushing their $5 "Island Deelite" ice cream bowls on everyone, but only after forcing people to sit in 90-degree weather with no shade.
There wasn't enough of a gap in between lunch and dinner for me... you can't give people a buffet lunch and then expect them to dive into a buffet dinner less than five hours later, with Island Deelite ice cream in between of course. The after-dinner show was pretty good, but kind of cliche for me and had more of the "meh" factor from before.
The main thing that rubs me the wrong way is that the PCC is run by a church, so they don't really co
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/09/01 |
Reviewed by: yukako
It wasn't like running through a grassland; it felt more like going through a Western-style wilderness.
It was refreshing to add this to the activities that were mostly by the sea. The horses were calm and cute. They followed the horse in front of them in a line, so it was easy even if you didn't have to control them. It might be a bit unsatisfying for those who want to run fast.
There is no shuttle service, so you have to get there on your own. The landmarks are not very big, so it's necessary to inform the bus driver that you want to get off. Also, for the return trip, it's wise to check the bus schedule since there is only one bus per hour and wait at the ranch.
草原を走るようなイメージではなく、ウエスタンのような荒野を行く感じでした。
海ばかりのアクティビティにプラスするには、新鮮でよかったです。馬もおとなしくてかわいかったです。自分で操作しなくても一列になって前の馬について行ってくれるので、楽でした。早く走りたいかたには物足りないかもしれません。
送迎なしなので、現地まで自分たちで行かなければなりません。目印がそこまで大きくないので、バスの運転手さんに降りる旨を伝えておく必要があります。また、帰りは一時間に一本のバスに乗るため時間を調べておいて、牧場で待つほうが賢明です。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/08/21 |
Reviewed by: 匿名希望
We participated in a 1.5-hour tour with three family members. First, the location of the ranch was hard to find (it turned out that if you drive from Honolulu, you can only see the entrance sign from the opposite direction), and I think we were able to navigate the narrow mountain road during the daytime. We showed our voucher at a small hut marked "office" to check in. After receiving instructions on how to ride the horse (which can mostly be understood through gestures), we were off.
Since it all depends on the horse's mood, if you fall behind the line, you might be urged to hurry along. Sometimes, the horses can suddenly start running as if they are being charged. This adds a thrill, but it can also be a bit scary. Overall, it was a fun experience, but the bumpy paths with ups and downs might feel a bit hard for beginners.
家族3人で1.5時間のツアーに参加しました。
まず、牧場の位置がわかりづらく(ホノルルから車で行くと入り口の看板が逆方向からしかわからないと判明しました)且つ山道のような一本道を信じて進んでいくのは昼間なのでできたかと思います。
officeと書かれた小屋で受付のバウチャーを見せて完了。馬の乗り方の説明を受けて(ほとんどゼスチャーでわかります。)いざ出発です。
何せ馬のご機嫌次第ですので列から離れて遅れると急げとばかりに走らされます。馬的にはチャージさせられていきなり走ることもあります。ここでスリルがありますが怖いといえば怖いかもです。
全体には楽しく過ごせますが、でこぼこ道が大半でアップダウンですので初心者には少しハードかなと感じました。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/08/21 |
Reviewed by: Mika
If you get tired of the beach, I thought activities like this would be nice. However, since all conversations are in English, I think those who understand English will enjoy it more.
海にあきたらこんなアクティビティもいいなぁと思いました。ただし、会話は全て英語の為、英語が理解できる方が楽しめると思います。
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2012/08/18 |
Reviewed by: 匿名希望
Thank you, Ross!!!
I had an incredibly fun RUN experience.
I will definitely visit again.
ロスさん、ありがとう!!!
最高に楽しいRUNを経験させていただきました。
また必ずお伺いいたします。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/08/16 |
Reviewed by: Wanda K
This is the second year in a row that we attended the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Alii Luau. The show is great and the food is probably the best we have had at a Luau. This is probably because the focus is on doing everything possible so that the guest is entertained with a wonderful show and feed all the delicious food you want to eat instead of trying to get you to spend your money on alcohol and then getting you to act foolish like they do at many of the other luaus on Oahu.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/08/08 |
Reviewed by: Pat
Overall, the show and activities were really good. However, we feel that there could have been some improvements in other areas.
First, the people who paid extra to sit next to the stage had to climb a great many steps which had no hand rails, to reach the food, drinks and to use the restrooms. There should be an area for the food and drinks to be closer for those people seated near the stage who paid more money for their tickets.
Secondly, after the first time that the our server came to help me with our order, she returned to see if we needed more food, but did not return after that to see if we wanted any dessert or coffee. The dessert and coffee were on another section of the upper level.
Third, since I was in a wheelchair, when the show started, I was wheeled in through the back of the stage to my seat. My wife was told that she could not come with me or exit the way I came in, causing a big problem at the end of the show. She was told to go to the customer relations des
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/07/27 |
Reviewed by: Ann S. St. Paul, MN
My husband and I had a great time on our ride at Gunstock Ranch. Ross, our trail guide, was the best. I haven't been on a horse in years and it was my husband's first time riding. Ross matched us with great horses and took us on a great ride. We helped herd cows, went into the brush and up a mountain for views that were just amazing. This ride was truly one of the highlights of our most amazing trip to O'ahu. Thank you!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/07/17 |
Reviewed by: Richard Baker
Took the family for the full day package. It was fun and interesting to see the different dances and learn about the different cultures. The food was really good and the show was excellent. Everyone should go at least once and you may need to go back to see what you missed the first time.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/07/17 |
Reviewed by: 雷太
I experienced horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch twice before, but this time I wanted to see a different view, so I tried the sunset horseback riding at this ranch. It was a small, privately-owned place, which made it easy to talk to the staff. The female guide spoke only English, but she was very kind, and the horses were well-trained, allowing us to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. There were also privately owned horses at the ranch, and one of the horses we encountered while riding was quite mischievous and fell right in front of us, leaving us in shock. Our guide, who also had a nursing qualification, provided emergency assistance and called an ambulance, while we waited anxiously. I realized that dealing with wild animals comes with such risks.
According to our guide, if the horse's personality doesn't match the rider's skill level, accidents can happen more easily. However, the horses at this ranch were well-behaved and properly trained, so we were able to enjoy the ride without worry until the end. We took in the magnificent scenery and sunset, treating the incident as a lesson, and it turned out to be a fun hour and a half of horseback riding.
乗馬はクアロア牧場で2度程体験しましたが、別の景色を見たいと今回こちらの牧場のサンセット乗馬を体験しました。
個人経営でこじんまりしていたので、話やすかったです。ガイドしてくれた女性は英語しかできませんが、とても優しく、馬もよく慣れていて安心して楽しめました。そこの牧場には個人所有の馬もおり、私たちが乗馬中に出会った馬がやんちゃで、目の前で落馬してしまい、唖然としました。私たちのガイドさんは看護師の資格ももっているとのことで、緊急対応し、救急車を呼んだのですが、その間私たちは緊張の面持ちで待機していました。自然の動物を相手にするのはこういったリスクも伴うものだというのを痛感しました。
ガイドさん曰く、馬の性格と乗り手の技量があっていないと、事故も起きやすいとのこと。しかしここの牧場の馬は、性格もよく、きちんと調教されているとのことで、最後まで安心して楽しめました。雄大な景色とサンセットを見て、アクシデントのことは教訓とし、楽しい1時間半の乗馬でした。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/07/12 |
Reviewed by: sugarman
On the left side, just past the Polynesian Cultural Center, there is a sprawling ranch. It feels more like Arizona than Hawaii, with mostly white people around. There happened to be families with small children gathered there since school was out, but most were just doing short horseback riding experiences. We set off under the guidance of Amanda, who moved here from New York about a year and a half ago. The exhilaration of galloping through the hills and forests is something hard to experience in Japan. I quit the Crane Riding Club out of frustration and have been riding at the Aso Dream Land Club for about three years, but that place has a lot of hills. Here, the flat terrain makes for the best galloping. Our 30-minute private lunch included a gigantic sandwich, juice, water, a mountain of fruit, and a box of macadamia chocolates, which was way too much to finish. I took the chocolates as a souvenir. I was a bit worried about not speaking English. If you're a beginner, they won't let you ride on a course that includes galloping. It's self-reported, but you'll need to sign a waiver, so you're responsible in case of an accident.
ポリネシアンカルチャーセンターを過ぎてまもなくの左側に牧場の敷地が広がっている。白人ばかりで、ハワイというよりアリゾナあたりの感じ。たまたま学校が休みで小さな子供連れの家族が群れていたが、ほとんどは短い体験乗馬。NYから1.5年前にやってきたAmandaの案内でいざ出発。丘陵を林を思いっきり駆け抜ける爽快さは日本では味わいにくい。クレイン乗馬クラブを欲求不満でやめ、阿蘇夢大地のクラブで3年ほど乗っているが、あそこは坂が多い。当地は敷地が平坦ゆえ駈足が最高。30分の僕らだけのランチには、特大のサンドイッチ、ジュース、水、山盛りフルーツ、マカデミアチョコ1箱がついていて、到底食べきれない。チョコはおみやげにもらいました。英語ができないとちょっと心配。乗馬未経験者なら駈足なしのコースじゃないと受けてくれません。自己申告だけど免責書類にサインしますから、事故があっても自己責任ね。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/07/02 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
I took my Granddaughter and we both had a great time. She loved the show at the end, but did not like the luau.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/06/14 |
Reviewed by: Courtney
I HIGHLY recommend this tour to all!!!
I took this tour with my family about a year ago, and my brother and I told ourselves we must come back with our friends to enjoy it again!
Our tour guide, Mr. (Insert Several Incredibly Long Names Here) Polamalu was incredible! Personable, hilarious, engaging, knowledgeable...pure awesome-ness!! He made the tour so much fun, and on behalf of my group I'd like to say "MAHALO" to him for his service! Side Note: During the Circle Island Tour, I recommend everyone try Dole Whip Ice Cream at the Dole Plantation stop. It is truly some of the best ice cream I've ever had.
The second leg of our tour included an activity-filled rollick through the Polynesian Culture Center! The Center is so clean, everyone is so accommodating and nice, and the activities were very enjoyable! I loved watching the coconut slicing and juicing presentation! It was so informative...and very funny, I might add! Every student and staff member working there is a physica
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2012/06/14 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
My wife and I visited the Polynesian Cultural Center for the first time and enjoyed it immensely. The "Ha, Breath of Life" show was as spectacular as we were told and read about. Our kudo's to our escort Summer. She did a very commendable job.
The Engs
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/05/31 |
Reviewed by: アイーダ
I imagined a ranch like a grassland, but it turned out to be a wilder course with a bit of a mountain path. At the top, I could see the ocean, making it a fun experience. The horses taken care of by the cowgirls were well-trained, and I felt completely at ease riding them. The duration was just right, and I definitely want to come back.
草原のような牧場をイメージしていましたが、ちょっとした山道を登っていく思ったよりワイルドなコースで、頂上では海も見え、楽しい経験となりました。
カウガールたちの世話している馬たちは、よく調教されていて乗っていて全然不安を感じません。
時間の長さもちょうど良く、ぜひまた来たいと思います。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/05/04 |
Reviewed by: MARK
THE DRIVER/GUIDE WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE AND KEPT US ENTERTAINING FOR THE MOST PARTS. HE GAVE US CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS AND WAS A GREAT ASSET TO HAVE IN THIS TOUR.
WE COULD HAVE SPENT MORE TIME ON THE ISLAND TOUR INSTEAD OF THE CULTURAL CENTER.
FINALLY THE NIGHT SHOW WAS WELL DONE. SUPRISED TO SEE HOW STUDENTS COULD PUT UP A PROFESSIONAL SHOW LIKE THIS. SOMETIMES I WONDER WHETHER THEY COME HERE TO STUDY FOR A CAREER OR ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2012/04/30 |
Reviewed by: Warren
Tour was great and the driver and his narration made it all the better. He should be rewarded - sorry I did not get his name other than, possibly, Mr. Polomalu?
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/04/26 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
This is a great way to see the island. The driver was very knowledgeable, and we visited some beautiful areas. We had about 15 min. at each stop, which was fine, except at the Dole plantation. Honestly, I dont know why they bother. In 15 min we had time to get our ice cream, and that was it. No time to browse the gift shop at all, or browse the grounds at all. Either allow more time at Dole, or skip it altogether. The driver could use a bell of some sort. We often had to wait for people who didnt return when they were supposed to. I dont know if those delays made much difference, we still got to the Polynesian Cultural Center around 1pm, which was plenty of time. The evening show after the luau was fantastic.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2012/04/07 |
Reviewed by: Aimee
Great value for a great price. The only negative is that you definitely need more than ~1 hour to get an adequate feeling of the entire Center. This is a great package if you're just looking for a luau (buffet style with entertainment) and an excellent evening show. Will definitely go back for an entire day trip!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/03/31 |
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