Reviewed by: Remy
First time taking the Surf Bus. Driver was on time. He was knowledgeable. Didn't like his attitude at first because he had a way of making you feel foolish but at the end, he turned out to be a nice guide. My family and I did the waterfall hike and kayaking. The waterfall hike was timed for three hours. It was a beautiful hike through Waimea Valley seeing tropical plants and birds. To my surprise, the waterfall was smaller than I thought. There were too many people swimming already and it was only 10am. My kids did not want to swim because of the amount of people in the water. Even after the hike, and the waterfall and even ate lunch at the cafe, three hours was too much. It could've been spent doing other activities. We went kayaking in the afternoon. My family enjoyed that even though we didn't see any turtles. We were disappointed that we couldn't walk to town and get shaved ice because the line was too long. All in all, my family had a decent time.
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/07/01 |
Reviewed by: Holly Westog
It started out with the driver arriving more than an hour late. He had to use the bathroom upon arrival which delayed us by another 15 mins. We had to rush through everything g. There was no swimming at the waterfall. We walked up to it turned around and walked back. Got to Dole in time for whip to jump back in the van to air in traffic for 1.5+ hours. There was no air conditioning and the speakers didn’t work. We were HOT with no tour/history lesson. HORRIBLE!!
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Packages: | Waikiki Hotels & Honolulu Cruise Ship Pier Departure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/06/24 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
Reviewed by: Christy
This was so much fun! We got to see part of the island. I got to SUP for the first time. Learned a lot while on the bus. The driver was telling us about the scenery and where certain movies were filmed.
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Packages: | Premium Package - 3 Fun Activities |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/06/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/05/23 |
Reviewed by: Monique
I can not recommend this enough!! If you are on Oahu it is worth the trip to Waimea Valley. This was my family & I's absolute favorite thing we did in Hawaii! It was incredibly personable, authentic, and overall an amazing luau. They were all very nice and made a point to come to every table and talk with all of the guests. They even went above and beyond by helping the table next to us and walking their baby around in the stroller so that they could eat their dinner. Everyone was in awe at how amazing the crew made this experience for everyone. They were truly enjoying teaching everyone about the Polynesian culture from the Polynesian Islands, and it made the experience that much better. Can not recommend enough! GO GO GO!
Aloha and mahalo Monique for this review! We are so thankful and glad to hear that you had a great time with us and enjoyed the luau, we want to make you feel welcomed and well accommodated and get the chance to enjoy every bit of the luau. We appreciate you guys for coming and hoping we'd see you guys again soon if you ever get to visit the island again!
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Silver Package: Standard Seating + One Drink |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/06/08 |
Activity Date: | 2021/05/03 |
Reviewed by: Lisa P
Beautiful hike to a Waimea Falls. The botanical gardens were beautiful and.full of history too. Easy hike for my kids Got to swim in the lagoon under the falls at the top. I love that they provided life jackets. Once we came down and changed it was off to the luau. We had a great time participating in some of the cultural activities and learning the Polynesian history and culture. Dancing was amazing and food phenomenal. My family really enjoyed it -especially my 11 year old and 15 year old. Highly recommend!!
Aloha, and mahalo for your review! We are especially delighted to know your children had fun at the luau, and we really hope to see you again when you're back in Oahu. God bless you and yours!
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Silver Package: Standard Seating + One Drink |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/05/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/04/07 |
Reviewed by: eniigotcha@yahoo.com
fun interactive luau experience. cousin Billy was the funniest ever, we enjoyed our first luau with very friendly staff and night full of culture experiences.
Aloha and mahalo for your review! We'll be sure to tell Cousin Billy you left him a review - we find him to be engaging and hilarious too! ^_^
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Silver Package: Standard Seating + One Drink |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/05/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/03/12 |
Reviewed by: Roy Barnes
Kevin made the entire trip outstanding. He was funny, on time, very knowledgeable, even though I've been to north shore before, this was the first time I felt like it was not only fun but informative. He was very accommodating. I am telling my friends and family to put this on their list . Thanks Uncle Kevin!!
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Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2021/04/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/04/16 |
Reviewed by: Kellie
Sam was our tour guide and did a great job. It was the perfect balance between plenty to do and downtime. We did the falls and then paddle boarding up the river, where we saw sea turtles. The entire day was perfect. I would highly recommend it.
Aloha Kellie, we're super stoked that you had a great time with Sam! He is truly a cool and informative tour guide! Mahalo and a Hui ho!
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Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/04/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/04/11 |
Reviewed by: Heidi
We were initially skeptical of going to any Luau after a previous experience we had on Maui. We were concerned it would feel like a crowded dinner show instead of an authentic experience. We live on Oahu and had guests who really wanted to go. Tao Luau appealed to us because Waimea Falls is a beautiful setting away from resorts, and it has way less occupancy for the event then the others (200 compared to up to 800!). We were pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome, hands on experience, delicious dinner, and stunning show. We have visitors coming in a week, and more in the summer, and have already booked for two more times!
Aloha Heidi, and mahalo for your review! We are pleased to know you had a great experience at the luau, which was initially not what you thought it was. We are glad we have changed your mind about activities like ours. We have planned everything about the luau having one goal - make it a great experience for everybody. Come see us again when you can :-) Mahalo!
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] VIP Package: Front Row Seating + Three Drinks |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/04/03 |
Activity Date: | 2021/03/10 |
Reviewed by: erkerk10
I lived on Oahu, and have attended many of the popular, industrial, Luaus on the island. Due to Covid, most were closed, so we went with Waimea Valley Toa Luau. I can say it was by far the most intermate, and authentic luau I've ever been to. The "cheaper" tickets still have a great, elevated view. The members/staff/performers are all family and the demonstrations they have are authentic to their history. With the admission to Waimea valley included, you can easily make an entire day of exploring the valley and concluding with the Luau. It truly felt like a family cookout (which is the true spirit of a luau) and not an assembly line of people and mediocre food (as most other industrial luaus are). Homemade coco drink, and no less than 5 fire throwers at once, put Waimea Valley Toa Luau over the top for me. Also, not a coconut bra in sight...
Aloha and mahalo for your review! We are very glad to know you had a marvelous time at the luau! We hope to see you again ^_^
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Silver Package: Standard Seating + One Drink |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/01/05 |
Activity Date: | 2020/12/26 |
Reviewed by: Denisse
Had a wonderful time w uncle Kevin!! He showed us a lot of places and haves the background story! Very knowledgeable and happy to share his experience and love for his Hawaiian culture.
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Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2020/12/17 |
Activity Date: | 2020/12/15 |
Reviewed by: Kate
Uncle Kevin was truely an amazing bus driver/tour guide! Made the day feel as though you were a local :). Amazing commentary and local facts. A whole range of activities to choose from and by far was the best taking a surf lesson on the north shore!
Aloha Kate, yes we are truly blessed to have uncle Kevin as part of our ohana! Hope to see you again on the Original North shore tour!
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Packages: | North Shore Tour from Waikiki with Surf Lesson + One Fun Activity |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2020/02/25 |
Activity Date: | 2020/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Rick
It was great. Very informative and professional tour guide. They were filming the movie Jumanji while we were at the falls.
Thank you so much for your kind comments, we will be sure to forward them to your guide... : )))
Mahalo Nui Loa
Cecilia
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Packages: | Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Valley & Lunch |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2020/01/29 |
Activity Date: | 2019/04/03 |
Reviewed by: Dassh
I had fun hiking to the waterfall and going swimming but the water was freeeezing!! I felt like the first time I did this activity we had a lot more time. I was able to snorkel, eat, stand up paddle and walk the town. This time I felt like going to the nut farm wasted a lot of time to do the activities. That part should be taken out and the time should go towards the actual activities. But all in all is was fun.
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Packages: | Premium Package - 3 Fun Activities |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/12/17 |
Activity Date: | 2019/11/23 |
Reviewed by: neeti
this was my first visit to oahu and the i had booked an introductory tour. it was a perfect start. our tour guide was really lovely with a good sense of humour . he was also knowledgeable about the local history and little areas of interest being a local interest.
there were lots of visits to some beautiful beaches and enough time at the waimea botanical gardens to go for a wander. the lunch was delicious. topped at the end a visit to the dole plantation.
i wish we had more time at the plantation to actually go out on the train to be amongst the growing pineapples which would have added to the experience
Aloha Neeti,
Thanks for your kind review. We have many places to go on the tour and have to return to Waikiki on time so we only can stay at Dole 30-45 minutes.
Aloha,
Michael
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Packages: | Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Valley & Lunch |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2019/11/24 |
Activity Date: | 2019/11/02 |
Reviewed by: obongo
Our tourguide Leo C. was outstanding--we went on Veteran's day and we couldn't go to the Temple and so he tried to make it up to us by taking us to other sites. It was a great way to see Oahu and learn about the island and indigenous Hawaiian culture
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Packages: | Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/11/15 |
Activity Date: | 2019/11/11 |
Reviewed by: Brian & Jen
Very interactive - they do a wonderful job of showing you how things were done back then. You get to help cook some foods (I wish we could have eaten) and get a good look at how they lived! Cousin Billy was funny and very informative, even during our ride from Waikiki to Waimea Valley. The food and drinks did not disappoint either! After dinner the entertainment is second to none - they put on one heck of a show!
We booked VIP and loved sitting up close, but there is not a bad seat in the pavilion.
Our only complaint is that the Toa Luau ruined our other Luau. We attended Toa on Monday and then went to Diamond Head Luau on Thursday and it wasn't even close!!!
Thank you Toa Luau for one of our most memorable experiences while in Hawaii!!
Aloha Jen, and mahalo for your review. We are so glad to hear that you had fun at the luau, but at the same time very sorry for ruining your other luau. LOL Your Toa Luau Ohana though wishes that you come see us again when you're back to visit. Again, thank you very much, and see you again, hopefully soon!
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] VIP Package: Front Row Seating + Three Drinks |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/11/10 |
Activity Date: | 2019/11/04 |
Reviewed by: Mike
We had a wonderful time! Not the typical luau where you basically eat, then watch a show. It’s very interactive, we are able to do things. Staff were so friendly and it really felt like a big family celebration. Highly recommended! Plus the free admission to the fall was breathtaking
Mahalo for the wonderful review! We at Toa Luau are doing our very best to make sure the experience is fun and memorable, and we are glad to have been able to share this with you! Your Toa Luau ohana wishes to see you again on your next visit. :-)
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Silver Package: Standard Seating + One Drink |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/09/05 |
Activity Date: | 2019/09/02 |
Reviewed by: Karen
This was our first time in Hawaii so we wanted to see as much of Oahu as we could and this tour was a great way to do it. Our driver/tour guide/waiter Steve was excellent; filling us in with fun facts about Waikiki and the places we passed along the way, recommendations for activities and places to eat and restroom breaks along the way! Highlights were the chilli garlic shrimp lunch and the green sea turtle we saw sun-baking on the beach and the ones bobbing up and down in the sea! We would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to see the North Shore and get out of Waikiki.
Hi Karen,
Thanks! for your 5 star review of Steve, your great recommendation and our adventure!
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Michael
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Packages: | Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Valley & Lunch |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/08/26 |
Activity Date: | 2019/08/21 |
Reviewed by: jfkratz
My wife, myself and a busload of Honolulu visitors had a wonderful time seeing all the interesting and exciting sights on Oahu!
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Packages: | Standard Package with Lunch & Tram ride [Available until 12/14/2023 ONLY] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/08/08 |
Activity Date: | 2019/08/03 |
Reviewed by: Lisa H
This is our 2nd time on the surf bus. Cousin Kevin was great! He catered to all families. Gave us great info on what to look at and eat. I like this tour because I can relax and enjoy rather than driving and having to find parking, buy tickets, and do all the work that I usually have to do!
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Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/07/26 |
Activity Date: | 2019/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Tim
Entertaining evening enjoyed by whole family. Plus bonus swim in waterfall during the day. Hard to beat.
Aloha Tim, and mahalo nui for your review. I'm glad that you had the chance to swim in the falls too. We hope to see you again when you come back to visit the island!
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Silver Package: Standard Seating + One Drink |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2019/07/15 |
Reviewed by: cawesome
The luau itself was amazing. My family and I enjoyed participating in the pre show activities while learning about true polynesian culture and traditions. It's a smaller luau with only about 200 guests but with the smaller number of patrons you really get to interact and learn from everyone involved.
The host for the activities, Uncle Bob, has a great sense of humor as do the men that do the "cooking" and food prep demonstrations. These men are no joke, they even climbed up the coconut trees. They teach you about a traditional tribe welcoming and uses the guests to act as the tribes while explaining the rituals associated with welcoming guests to their community.
Not a huge selection of foods to sample but everything there was delicious. Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, macaroni salad, green salad with macadamia nuts, rice, rolls, chantilly cake from Teds Bakery and a coconut type of jello dessert.
The family band that played music during dinner was Amazing. Those kids can really sing! The dancing was very traditional, not just girls in coconut bras and hula skirts, but real polynesian dancing showcasing dances from a variety of the polynesian islands. I was a VIP guest and we were right at eye level with the stage but it looked like most people would have quite a good view of the stage. We also got to go to the buffet first and got great souvenirs. My husband and I got hand fans, my son got a wooden Maui-type hook necklace and my daughter got a wood beaded bracelet that said Hawaii with hibiscus flowers printed on it. After dinner and show on your way out you were able to speak more with the staff and dancers and take pictures with them.
If it was your birthday we all sang happy birthday and you got an extra piece of cake, if it was your anniversary or honeymoon they brought you onstage for a slow dance and gave you a nut lei.
All this plus you get entry into the Waimea valley where you can swim in a waterfall and see beautiful trees and foliage!
Aloha, and mahalo mui for your review. We are review. We are pleased to know that you had the best time at the luau. It is with delight that we read your review of your luau, which we have planned to be an Interactive one. I by the way also hope the band played and sang Blue Bayou. That song, sang by an of the kids is a real tear jerker.
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] VIP Package: Front Row Seating + Three Drinks |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2019/07/09 |
Activity Date: | 2019/07/03 |
Reviewed by: NVP
The Toa Luau was a great first luau for our family (30 to 60 year olds). Waimea Valley itself is beautiful; definitely come at least 2 hours early to be able to walk to the waterfall and enjoy the scenery. The pre-luau activities like weaving grass head bands, husking coconuts etc were fun. The show itself was fantastic too - they performed authentic ceremonies and dances from different Polynesian islands. The host was hilarious! Only slight downside was the food was only mediocre. We are all vegetarian and our main entree was bland quinoa; but we were happy there was even a vegetarian option (you have to request ahead of time though). Overall this luau is definitely worth it and we will recommend it to all of our family and friends!!
Aloha, and mahalo for your review! We are glad you had fun at the luau although it looks like we need to work on our menu. When you come back to do the luau please let us know beforehand so we could make preparations for you to have a better meal. We hope to see you soon!
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] Gold Package: Premium Seating + Two Drinks |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2019/07/05 |
Activity Date: | 2019/07/01 |
Reviewed by: Guy
Great tour to do if you are not familiar with Oahu. Our driver, tour guide, lunch server etc. was outstanding. Very informative and patient. I highly recommend Oahu Nature Tour. Our tour guide was Monique in case you have a choice. We attended this tour on 28 May 2019. Lunch was included at Fumi's Shrimp Shack
Hi Guy,
THANK YOU! for your 5 star review:)
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Michael
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Packages: | Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Valley & Lunch |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/31 |
Activity Date: | 2019/05/28 |
Reviewed by: Kathy
This was our first time in Oahu and first time at a Luau. Highly recommend Toa
Luau. We arrived a few hours early since ticket includes admission to the Waimea Valley Gardens and Falls. Bring swimsuits and take a dip into the waterfalls at the end of the valley! We walked back to the Luau in time for the fun activities and 'pre-Luau' events includes crafts. We attended as a couple but this would be wonderful for families. The Luau then began with an amazing show complete with dancing and fire! Cousin Billy our host was entertaining and hospitable--the entire experience has a 'family' welcoming vibe. The food was good with a variety of choices. Because we were on our honeymoon Cousin Bill called up all the anniversaries/honeymoon couples for a special gift and blessing which was so special to us. We would definitely return this time with our family! Great job Toa Luau we'll be back!
Aloha, and mahalo for your review! Your Toa Luau Ohana is looking forward to seeing you again :-)
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/26 |
Reviewed by: JJ and Che
We had a great tour with (creepy) Uncle Kevin today on the North Shore of Oahu! We've been touring all around the world and can seriously rank Uncle Kevin as one of the best tour guides. The Surf Bus has the right equipment, the right itinerary and an excellent attitude. The bus was on time at every stage and Kevin had good solid connections at every stage. He took the time to work with each group on tour to insure they had the right experience. Some of the stops had multiple options and he was able to call ahead to report those options to the vendor. Kevin recommended great food and knew how important this is to an all day tour. One unmistakable clue that Kevin really knows what he is doing is that he knew so many of the other folks involved with the tour on a personal level. He's a local. He knew all of the answers because he grew up here.
Great attention to detail makes for a great tour. Uncle Kevin obviously knows what he is doing and we look forward to going on another Oahu tour with him soon. Also, kudos to the bus company. They had the right equipment and marketing to make Kevin's expertise shine.
Thanks to my creepy uncle Kevin from Oahu. Mahalo!
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/17 |
Reviewed by: Lucinda
Our tour guide and bus driver were both very knowledgeable and were easy to understand. We were given ample time at each stop to be able to see sights and take pictures. Lunch was very tasty. This is definitely one tour that I would recommend to friends and family.
Hi Lucinda,
THANKS! for your 5 star review:) Everyone at Oahu Nature Tours is very grateful.
All the Best,
Michael
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Packages: | Ultimate Circle Island Adventure with Waimea Valley & Lunch |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/05/03 |
Activity Date: | 2019/05/01 |
Reviewed by: Veronica Biles
Everything was fantastic from beginning to end. The people, the experience, the venue. I would highly recommend.
Thank you for your review! We are glad to hear you had a wonderful time at the luau, and we are looking forward to seeing you again.
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Packages: | [5:00 PM Show] VIP Package: Front Row Seating + Three Drinks |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/04/04 |
Activity Date: | 2019/04/01 |
Reviewed by: Abigail
This was a great tour! The driver was very good & had a lot of knowledge about the island! We stopped at a Macadamia nut farm & we didn’t even know that it was a scheduled stop! It was pretty cool! We snorkeled & went kayaking as well! They were all exciting activities! You definitely don’t want to rush the experience!
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Packages: | [From Waikiki] North Shore Tour + Two Fun Adventures |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2019/04/04 |
Activity Date: | 2019/04/03 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
An unexpected error has occurred. Please go back to the previous page and try again, or wait a few minutes and try once again.
Dear Holly,
Your complaint is very concerning to us. We understand your disappointment and hope you will accept our sincerest apologies. It’s important to us that our guests are more than satisfied and we wanted to let you know that although this reply is late, we did go ahead and resolve the air conditioning and speaker issue immediately.
We spoke to the driver and he was provided with the necessary corrective steps to ensure this will not happen again.
Thank you for your honest feedback as we were very grateful that you joined us. We hope we have a future opportunity to show you our improvements. Until then, please stay well.
Mahalo!