We Tried It: Hawai‘i Polo Club in Waialua

What:  The “sport of kings” featuring local and international elite polo players

Who:  A great outing for the whole family, even little ones. Our group included two families with three six-year-old buddies.

Where:  Hawai‘i Polo Club’s field on the North Shore

When: Sunday afternoon

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Summer means polo season on O‘ahu with both Hawai‘i Polo Club and Honolulu Polo Club offering opportunities to introduce local families to the historic sport. Sure, my husband, son and I had heard of the game before, but we had never seen it played in person. Our friends, polo fans and regular spectators, invited us “out to the country” in Waialua to show us the ropes and spend an afternoon of laid-back tailgating.

We had reserved two tailgate parking stalls side-by-side along the field’s mauka sideline, in addition to purchasing our adult general admission tickets (kids are free!) online in advance. Both the mauka and makai sidelines have great views—of the ocean or mountains—and plenty of space to set up a pop-up tent, chairs and cooler. Or if you prefer a more posh experience, VIP tickets with reserved seating and table service in the Clubhouse are available.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

We arrived around 1:30 p.m. and set up our tailgate equipment while the boys played a round of soccer on the lawn. The gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the matches start at 2 p.m., so there is plenty of time to relax, picnic, and take a dip in the ocean before the action starts. A family next to us said they played a game of football on the field before we arrived.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

SEE ALSO: Where to Take Your Kids for a Horseback or Pony Ride on O‘ahu

The first match featured young co-ed players from local teams Paniolo Bar and PAC. I was amazed at how fast the horses, called “polo ponies,” raced to the ball and how far the players had to lean over to hit the ball with their long mallets. My son and his friends watched for a few minutes before losing interest and started a game of bean bag toss.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

During a break in the action, a young female polo player stopped by our sideline on the way to the stables. She introduced us to her blonde horse named Scotch, who made an immediate connection with our three blonde boys. The trio petted the large, powerful, yet calm, animal. It was a special moment for the boys to get a close look at the saddle, mallet, and polo helmet. I was in awe of Scotch’s beautiful, intricate braids.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

The second match was a round-robin competition between three elite groups, Hawai‘i Polo Club’s home team Equus Hotel, the local Waialua team Lazy L Ranch, and the all-star Team Maui. I immediately noticed a difference from the first match with faster, more aggressive movements, older players, and all-male teams. The ball came over toward our sideline a few times for a thrilling, slightly nerve-racking, up-close experience.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Towards the end of the match, we walked over to the makai sideline and beach to explore the shoreline. The boys played with driftwood sticks and managed to get sand everywhere. Note to self: wear swimsuits next time. There were a couple of kids swimming in the shallow, yet rough-ish, water close to shore with their mom supervising. Just use your judgement on water conditions for your keiki.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

After a day of fun in the sun, we were ready to leave after the second match; however, many families stayed longer to enjoy the live music which starts around 5 p.m. We noticed an on-site food truck serving all the favorite plate lunch options, which tempted us to stay for a Sunday sunset dinner. Alas, it was time to get home for bath, books, and bed. Until next time!

SEE ALSO: We Tried It: Horseback Riding at North Shore Stables

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Our Tips

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Brush up on the basics. Do you know what a “chukka” means? If you are polo novices like us, watch this introductory video before you go.
               
            2. Pack tailgate essentials. Unless you purchase a VIP Clubhouse ticket, you’ll need snacks, drinks, a pop-up tent for shade and chairs or a picnic blanket. Bonus: bring activities to keep the kids entertained, such as a soccer ball and bean bag toss game.
               
            3. Bring Fido. Yes! The polo matches are dog friendly as long as they stay on a leash at all times and don’t wander onto the field.
            4. Spectate and swim. Reserve a tailgating ticket along the makai sideline for easy access to the ocean and dips between matches. To better hear the play-by-play announcer, parking stalls near the center are preferred.
            5. Stay close. Don’t stroll down the beach too far toward Hale‘iwa, as there is a rumored swimsuit-optional area.
            6. Prepare for Porta Potties. Yup, now you’ve been warned.
            7. Take a lesson. Want to learn to play? Keiki ages 8 and up can register for a 1-hour lesson on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays at 4pm.

Hawai‘i Polo Club hosts matches every Sunday afternoon now through September 3. Tailgating tickets range from $15 to $18 for General Admission, plus $25-$40 for parking. VIP Admission with Clubhouse seating is available starting at $45/person. Kids 12 and under are free. 68-411 Farrington Hwy., Waialua. (808) 220-5153. hawaii-polo.org, @hawaiipolo