Highlight of our trip! Hugo was so informative, super friendly and helpful booking us in without…read moreany reservation. We did a private lesson and it was worth every penny; we wanted to sign up again the next day. Samson, our instructor was so chill and an amazing teacher, as we both got up and rode several waves during our session. We even saw turtles swimming around us and catching their own waves - such an awesome experience all around. So. Much. Fun!! Will be back again!

Haven our instructor did great! We have never surfed before and we all got up…read more Very beginner friendly location

I'M SOARING! A long overdue review…read more.. 5.0+ One morning, as we sat in our Waikiki hotel room, I overheard my husband talking on the phone. Most of the conversation was garbled, but I distinctly heard the words "airport" and "reservations." Knowing my daredevil husband all too well, and remembering that he has skydived in the past, I immediately had to put a stop to whatever crazy adventure he was planning. "I AM NOT JUMPING OUT OF A PLANE TODAY!" I exclaimed. Then, for emphasis, I added, as simply and clearly as possible: "NOT today." He assured me that we were not skydiving. But as we drove farther from Waikiki, heading north, and began seeing signs for the airport, I knew something was up. I took a deep breath and walked into the office of Paradise Air Hawaii, where we met Tom and Denise. They were both so warm, friendly and welcoming. They talked about their many years of experience and the thousands of flights they have conducted in powered hang gliders, also known as trikes; an open-air aircraft that offer an entirely different kind of flying experience. Tom has quite the resume. He is an FAA-certified flight instructor and has more than 6,000 hours of experience flying this type of aircraft. He is also an accomplished skydiver, hang-glider pilot, BASE jumper, aerial photographer and Hollywood stunt professional. Tom was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2019 and has even skydived with former President George H. W. Bush. Needless to say, we felt that we were in very capable hands. After a safety briefing and getting geared up, we were ready to go. Tony flew with Tom, while I flew with Denise. Just as with an airplane, we picked up speed along the runway. As we lifted off, I could feel the excitement building. And then suddenly, we were airborne. The sights we saw as we flew over Oʻahu's North Shore are something that have stayed with me ever since, although they are difficult to put into words. It was the feeling of the air all around me, the sounds and the complete openness of the experience that made it unlike anything I had ever done before. I was soaring. It was AMAZING! We flew over beaches, mountain ranges and fields. At one point, we even saw a 360-degree rainbow, a once-in-a-lifetime sight that I will never forget. There was also a point during the flight when Denise gave me control of the aircraft for a minute or so. Yes, I can officially say that I flew a powered hang glider! Because we were in the air a bit longer than usual, I even accumulated an hour of flight instruction time. I never expected that to happen when I woke up that morning! The landing was just as smooth as the takeoff. But once we were back on the ground, I already missed being up in the sky and feeling that incredible sense of freedom. Sometimes, it's the things we are unsure of, the things that make our hearts pound and send our adrenaline rushing, that make us feel most alive. And sometimes, you just have to trust your daredevil husband.

I've been walking through a pretty unbelievable difficult journey. However, through this painful…read morejourney I've decided to keep living and am focused on checking off my bucket list! Life is a journey. How you choose to live yours is up to you. Do some activities carry risks? Yes. However, in my opinion you risk your life every day if/when you get inside a vehicle and travel anywhere. That's why it's so important to stay close to the Lord! Where ever you are on the island will be a beautiful drive to Durham airfield. There is plenty of room for parking, but still get there early enough you can be relaxed. When you book your reservation, Heidi is pretty thorough on when you need to arrive and what to expect when you get there. I love heights. Always have. As far back as I can remember, I dreamed of being a pilot and also jumping out of a plane. I just didn't realize it would take a dark journey for me to make at least one of these dreams a reality. In 2018 , I discovered North Shore Oahu was one of the top 10 places to skydive in the world. Score ~ booked and jumped! Then in 2021 I discovered hang gliding was also available just a hop skip and a jump down from Skydiving Hawaii on Durham Airfield. It wasn't much of a conversation with myself that morning when I decided to book both hang gliding and my 2nd skydiving jump over the North Shore in the same day. I know, right?! It was epic! Tom and Heidi were amazing. Not only did I enjoy my conversation with each of them, but I enjoyed my 45+ minute flight with Tom. Spectacular views of the island I love. Tom explained how the glider worked. He also allowed me the experience of holding the wings as we flew. Flying free feels like sitting on the back of a motorcycle which I also enjoy doing and still do. The pictures show the beauty below, but they don't share the exhilaration of sitting in the seat flying high! The saddest part was coming back down to reality. Thanks Tom for an amazing memory and one I would and will repeat in a heartbeat!! All rules, and chances of mishaps are reviewed with each and every applicant. This sort of activity is not for everyone, however, each applicant signs a paper indicating their understanding of the risk. It's always incredibly sad to hear when accidents happen. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one who is choosing to experience an activity such as hang gliding. Accidents happen. In the short amount of time I spent with Tom and Heidi never once did I feel they would purposely jeopardize anyone's life while they share their love of hang gliding.

Oahu Ocean Edventures offers a different kind of Hawaii experience -- an educational one…read more I worked with Don Isaacs, the CEO of the company, to develop a course for my wife who is intimidated by the minute-by-minute unpredictability of the ocean. He was not only receptive, but motivated and appreciative to work with her, as he is concerned by the number of people who live here who lack a sufficient ocean education. This gets to his vision for his company and for the island population -- to educate people on water safety though experiencing the water! This isn't just some tourist surf instructor, you work with highly experienced, highly educated people who are passionate about educating people on how the ocean works, why it does what it does, and how to have fun without compromising safety. I booked my wife for a two-hour course, one hour classroom-type education, and one-hour practical in the water. Don's passion for the topic actually resulted in a three-hour course, equally split between water and 'classroom' work. She loved it. The course met exactly what she was looking for, and delivered with the expertise expected of an experienced professional. We will absolutely use them again for future recreational or educational needs!

Don is a wonderful and patient swimming instructor. My kids always look forward to seeing him for…read moretheir weekly swimming lesson. We have been through a couple other swim instructors through other referrals but Don makes swimming enjoyable and is very encouraging. Thanks Don!

A hidden treasure in the mountains above Sharks Cove...Camp Pupukea! I was fortunate to be a part…read moreof my son's boy scout troop. Going up there for Winter Summit during the week of New Year's Eve was was an experience I'll never forget. Hearing from others who have been there told me it's cold, rainy and wet. Well it I true! The weather forecast predicted rain and wind. Good thing we came prepared. You wouldn't think you're in Hawaii being up there. It kind of reminds me of Lanai...lots of eucalyptus trees. They have multiple campsites throughout the property. We stayed at Po'o Huku which is probably the farthest from the dining hall and parking lot. However, it had the best drainage compared to other sites that got flooded out and were super muddy. Each site has a pair of portable toilets and sink with potable water. Showers and flushable toilets were nearby like a 2 minute walk. At least the showers have hot water! If you have a child who will be attending Camp Pupukea for the first time, make sure they bring the following... Rain jacket, warm clothing, trash bag to keep clothes dry just in case the tent leaks, mosquito repellent, good water proof or water resistant shoes.

Beautiful and fun. Hope they can open again soon, like so may places closed by Covidread more

Aloha everyone out there. I hope you are doing well. For those who are looking to take on a new…read morehobby for you or your keiki I believe horseback riding lessons is a great suggestion. Here, they do offer horse back rides along the beach or their ranch where you can stop by a lake but she offers lessons for those who want to become professionals! I inquired by phone and left a message and got a call back later on the same day. Family-owned and operated this horsemanship business is something you can seek beyond the "touristy" options. Give them a call...they can discuss price options for what you're looking for. They also can see if they have horses who can handle the rider. She accepts children as young as five years old! Other than that be safe and stay vigilant in ending covid-19.

Really great with kids and patient with teaching a rider proper technique and respect to a horse…read more Giulia is fun, bubbly and personable. She shares how she rode horses her whole life and this is her biggest passion in life. Her lessons will allow you to bond with the horses and overtime, see how quickly you progress as a rider. Pricing is very reasonable and located in a beautiful location.

Located at the old waialua sugar mill complex in the back by Pyzel Surfboards a few doors down (no…read moresignage so tricky to find). Steve is the best, super knowledgeable and talked me into the right fin based on what I said I was looking for and the type of break I typically surf. 100% will be back or order online when I'm in the market for new fins.

Keep this simple. Best fins PERIOD!!! Island fin design has the best fins and I use them all from…read more4.5" to 10". Handmade in Hawaii.

I called Tropical Kayak Rentals after not having any luck getting in touch with another rental…read morecompany. Alec was responsive and a pleasure to work with. He delivered two inflatable Sups to us near Pokai Bay and picked up from us the next day at Pokai Bay. I'm glad to have found reliable rentals serving the Leeward side of Oahu. Highly recommend for your next water adventure! Mahalo Alec

amazing and awesome experience, very professional!!!! definitely can check that off my bucket…read morelist!!

Booked through Klook. Unfortunately, it did not show on SkyDiveHI's end. BUT! With a quick glance…read moreat my reservation sheet, the pleasant staff had me off signing waivers, watching instructional videos and on a plane for my first jump! The process from check-in to landing was quick. Wes was professional and helped me have a blast doing flips and turns in the air. He gave me clear instructions and the jump went smooth. Paired with the best camera guy ever, I couldn't have asked for a better first jump! Might have to do it again!