Susan Redstone says 'Aloha' to Hawaii in time for horses, Hollywood and the intoxicating mix of surf, turf and tucker that this polo paradise offers.

 

Hollywood actor, Guy Wilson, is perfecting his newly learned polo swing under the guidance of one of Hawaii Polo’s pro players. After fixing his wrist grip, pivoting his shoulder and upper body position, he adjusts the reins.  But, there's one thing missing - the actor is not sitting on a horse, at least not yet. He’s sitting on a seat, about to be pulled around a polo field on a customised ATV with a cameraman strapped on tight, ready for shoulder-up close ups. The 26-year old is best known for TV appearances on NCIS and is guest starring on Hawaii Five O, playing the character of ‘Jake Madsen’, the 19-year old son of a wealthy polo club owner, who finds himself at the centre of a tragedy, the victim being a young polo-playing friend.

 

Clearly it’s not a normal day at the Hawaii Polo Club. There are about 75 crew and cast milling around the field. There’s props people, wardrobe mistresses, grips, cameramen, craft services and about another four dozen extras on the sideline, all dressed in their Sunday best. Pro players and members in whites are mounted on their horses, recruited as ‘extras’, donating their fee to charity. The ocean breeze blows stronger for a minute or two and the surf glistens a little brighter, while the pine trees lining the field bend to accommodate as the Director watches back the rushes and everyone remains quiet.

 

Located at Mokuleia on Oahu’s North Shore, about 45 minutes from the hubbub of Honolulu, the club has loaned itself out for two days of Hawaii Five O filming.  Hawaii Polo is 3-goaler Mike Dailey’s brainchild and he runs it with his son, 28-year old 2-goal, Devon. “This is fun for both horses and humans” says Dailey senior, clearly chuffed, rubbing the head of one of his favourite ponies, Sultana. “She’s playing the bad guy's horse!” he says proudly of his bay mare. Almost a dozen of his horses will appear in the episode.

 

Polo has been played on Hawaii for over 100 years and it’s fitting that the original  Hawaiian cowboy, or ‘Paniolo’, came from Asia and is a true ethnic blend that helps define the culture of Hawaii.  Although Polo is played on more than just Oahu - Maui, for example, has its own season and polo club - it’s not surprising that Mike's 20-strong string of polo horses do trail riding in addition to playing the season, running from April through Labor Day. Visitors can book an hour and a half scenic ride hugging the coastline for as little as $85 on any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Polo School packages are tailor-made for the level of rider and size of group, with vacation rental accommodation managed either locally within a few minutes of the club or through Hotel Equus, a charming boutique property back in Waikiki which is owned by Mike.  A single polo lesson costs $125 for an hour (or a package of five is $500) and up to six horses of the string are suited to beginners.

 

If watching the game appeals more than playing it, you’ll be in good company. Anywhere from 600 to 1500 spectators gather field-side for Sunday Polo during the season under the shade of the club’s tent and forming a tailgate around the field. It’s an island social fixture.

 

Visitors to Oahu are often en-route to the United States or passing through headed to less densely populated Hawaiian territories.  But, the excitement and vibe of Honolulu - a dense high-rise city sitting on vibrant beach shores with surfing, restaurants, entertainment, boating and people-watching is intoxicating, as is the gorgeous serenity of the North Shore.

 

Anyone familiar with the Hawaii Five O TV series will recognise the unmistakable coastline.  The TV show is Oahu’s calling card, with steep cliffs and coastline drama and the endless horseshoe-shaped sandy bays. If you’re not already a competent surfer riding waves at Diamond Head or Turtle Bay, then after strolling along Waikiki’s expansive and iconic beach, you’ll want to try your hand, safely, in these calmer waters.  The beach throngs with surf shops and stand-up paddle board rentals, all of which are fun and affordable.  Stop at Hans Hedemann Surf Adventures next to the Park Shore Hotel for patient instructors and great tuition. Feeling fit? Hike the Diamond Head Crater trail from crater floor to the 760 foot summit for insane views. For shopaholics who can’t wait to get their hands on American fashions and consumer goodies, head to the Ala Moana centre - a huge outdoor shopping mall - or stroll Kalakaua Avenue for the island’s most upscale brand name shops. Too hot? Head inside to the Contemporary Art or Bishop Museums for a slice of modern art and culture. Grab a Shave Ice or get in a rental car and cruise around looking at the multimillion dollar estates along Diamond Head Road or head out of town, towards the North Shore for a complete change of pace.

 

Here, leaving behind the six lane H1 and H2 highways, the route turns into a one-lane country road and Oahu’s true charm becomes apparent. After 40 minutes you’ll encounter the sleepy town of Waialua, with its organic fresh farm food at a store named Waialua Fresh. And, just across the street, the Old Sugar Mill Waialua coffee outlet is the friendliest pit-stop where you taste the brewed coffee before you buy the beans. A couple of kilometres further you come to the arts and crafts mecca of Haleiwa and Haleiwa Town. Charming surf communities with endless colourful photo opportunities brimming with local art, coffee houses and eateries. If you’ve resisted sweet and organic treats along the way, you’ll be good and hungry for a stop at one of the island’s iconic Shrimp Trucks. These re-commissioned old delivery trucks serve up fresh shrimp according to closely guarded recipes.  Locals vote with their plates at more than a dozen different ones sprawled out over the Haleiwa locale.

 

It’s a short 15 minute drive from Haleiwa to Hawaii Polo in Mokuleia and the peaceful horse farms, land and agriculture that act as the yin to the big city’s yang on Hawaii’s most populous island. The polo field is arguably one of the most scenic in all the world, lying parallel to the ocean.  Hit a 50 yard penalty in the wrong direction and the polo ball will be swept out to sea. The breezes and pine tree shade make this one of the most comfortable warm weather equestrian experiences with a comfortable constant 82 degrees, even in high summer.

 

But right now, it’s time for Mike's horses to get their close-up. Stunt rider Ryan Happy is galloping Clancey, a terrific grey polo mare, through the goal posts over as each ‘take’ progresses. Ryan pretends to get shot just as he makes the shot. Then actor Wilson mounts another grey, Benecio. This horse was named after Benecio Del Torro (the Hollywood actor) by Mike's daughter, Mariah, who had a crush on the actor. When US President, Barack Obama, revisited his home-territory on this Hawaiian island for a family vacation, the Dailey’s mounted the President on Benecio, who then became known as  ‘Benny 1’ after the air force plane the President flies on.

 

With Wilson on board, ‘Benny’ shows his class. They shoot the scene in three or four takes, with Benecio behaving impeccably. Did Wilson feel Benny was bored? “He exuded a calmness” he says. “It felt that what we were asking him to do was less than he was accustomed to in terms of a challenge. He seemed to have an internal understanding of what was going on.  After all, we were on his turf, nothing was alien or foreign.” Benecio proved himself a true Polo star in more ways than one.  {14219858318530}{14219858318531}

 

www.hawaiipolo.com Trail rides or polo vacations at Hawaii Polo call: (808) 220-5153

 

www.equushotel.com A charming horse and polo-themed boutique hotel that is a massive relief from all the high-rise properties. Small and easy to navigate from: all guest rooms have flat screen TV’s, mini fridges and free internet.  Stay during polo season, April to Labor Day and receive two free tickets to Sunday Polo at Mokuleai polo grounds at owner Mike Dailey’s polo club. Rooms  from a very reasonable US $129 per night.

 

www.hawaiipololife.com Lifestyle media venture hosting charity polo matches to benefit local non-profits throughout Hawaii owned by USPA Hawaii district representative 2-goaler Chris Dawson.

 

www.mauipolo.com Maui’s Arena polo season is from April 1-end of June and then Outdoor season in the fall. The island has a different but equally charming flavour.