Top 10 Favorite Attractions on Oahu – #7: Polo at Mokuleia on the North Shore

Last Sunday I attended the first polo event of the season at Mokuleia Polo Farm on the North Shore of Oahu. Talk about getting away from it all!

Mokuleia Polo Field

The polo field is about an hour’s drive from Waikiki via the H-1 and H-2. We got there at about 1:00, and the game started at 2:00. Forget all the Pretty Woman-influenced preconceptions you have about polo being exclusionary and haughty; like so many things in Hawaii, polo is different here than on the mainland. At Hawaii Polo it’s more like an afternoon-long tailgate party. People back their vehicles right up to the field, break out the grills, lawn chairs and beverages, and enjoy a lovely day in the sun with fabulous entertainment. And it’s affordable! Admission is $8 ($5 for military and students) and kids under 16 get in free.

These guys make it look easy

Festivities started with a short game featuring some beginner-level players (the “Junior Varsity squad”, as it was explained to me). Then the “varsity” players came out – Team Equus vs. Team Mokuleia – and you can see why this is one of the most dangerous sports in the world. It’s tempting to think “Oh, I could do that. How hard could it be?” But simultaneously trying to hit a little ball with a mallet, avoid contact with other players, and put together a strategy to win the game while, you know, riding a HORSE, is not easy!

To celebrate opening day, 10 skydivers from Skydive Hawaii landed on the field during halftime.

Incoming!

Between chukkah

Mike Dailey led Team Equus to a 3-2 win over Team Mokuleia

We cheered for Team Equus, as team member Mike Dailey is also the owner of The Equus, an Aqua Boutique hotel. This equestrian-themed hotel is located near Ala Moana Shopping Center and the Hawaii Convention Center. Not only are the rates affordable, but guests receive free polo tickets during polo season!

Tip: Make a day of it: head to Haleiwa in the morning, visit shops and walk around, grab some burritos or Thai food, then drive 20 minutes to Mokuleia and enjoy a picnic and an afternoon polo match. Moluleia Polo Farm also offers oceanfront trail rides.

I slacked on my photography that day, as there was too much going on. Many cool photos, the complete schedule, directions, history of polo in Hawaii and more at HawaiiPolo.com.

Hawaii Polo Club

Mokuleia Polo Farm

Games 2:00 PM every Sunday through August 16

Admission: $8 per adult ($5 military & student), kids under 16 free