- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Climb Aloha
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
Francis C. said: "Eden is a great coach and trainer! I've had a personal trainer and have done a number of group workouts and must say that TRX Training is one of the…" read more »
13 reviews for Climb Aloha
13 reviews in English
-
Review from Joshua B.
Pacific Grove, CA
"This is someone's house." My wife said peering through the window of our Honda Fit. Her brow was scrunched and she was sneering. This is usually where I have to protest as fervently as possible or I lose my chance to get my way.
"But there's a sign! And their website says they're open." I replied unconvinced. "I'm going to check it out."
"Be careful!" She is the worrisome type.
I pensively approach the dwelling. There were slings and carabiners hanging from a tree outside. A sign on the door detailed the hours of operation and another imploring you to leave your shoes outside. I knock. Nobody answers. I knock again. Nothing. Maybe this isn't a store? I think to myself. I start down the stairs when the door opens and I am greeted by an unassuming Japanese lady. I hear a baby fussing.
"Please come in! But please excuse me for a minute."
She rushes off to tend to the distressed child.
It WAS someone's house and the main entrance leads into what would be a living room. But the proprietors of Climb Aloha have turned it into a veritable menagerie of all kinds of wonderful and strange climbing equipment. There is more climbing gear in that room than any REI I have ever entered.
I was there to find climbing equipment. I was a complete rock virgin. I had only been to a rock gym once but was convinced that I wanted to climb. I was surrounded by things that would help me do that but I knew nothing about any of it. The only carabiners I've ever used were for my car keys or for camping equipment.
The Japanese lady had returned with a sated RIDICULOUSLY adorable child. She knew I was a rock-moron but let me know in such a most wonderful way I didn't mind. She suggested before I even consider purchasing anything that I should take the entry level climbing course they offer. I said, looking at the arcane and terrifying pieces of equipment, you're right. So I did. Signed up for two weeks later at Makapu'u.
Today was that class. My wife and I attended. It was led by a man named Joseph. Joseph is the type of person that was born to be a guide. He possesses a friendly and disarming demeanor that is required by those types of professions. During this course you are literally trusting your life to a person and Joseph earned mine. I do not think I could have had a more fun, comfortable, and informative time. Joseph did not give me the metaphorical fish he taught me how to hook them, land them, gut them, and grill em'. Like a boss.
Five stars. Five insane super-novas.
Tomorrow or the next day I'm going to pick up my own personal equipment at Climb Aloha with the 10% off coupon I got for attending the climbing course.
Aloha. -
Review from jason n.
Honolulu, HI
This is a review for the Climb Aloha Shop, not the class.
If you're into climbing this is definitely a big kid's candy store. They have an excellent selection of gear. The staff is friendly and the prices are decent. Though shopping online can save you some money, nothing beats being able to try on the gear (especially shoes) to ensure proper fit. WIll definitely be visiting here again soon! -
Review from Drew H.
Kaneohe, HI
A grassroots business, keeping the sport alive on Oahu.
The gear here is competively priced, save yourself the online shipping.. and stop by the store. -
Review from Tricia O.
Honolulu, HI
My son and I enrolled for a lesson back in September 2009. The session itself was quite enjoyable and we both learned quite a bit. Similar to another individual's experience, we were assured a copy of photos. After numerous emails sent and assurances that they would locate the photos and also provide a receipt as I requested, nothing came. At this point, I've resigned myself to the fact that I will be receiving neither.
The lesson itself was fun. The instructor was attentive and clearly knew what he was doing. Unfortunately, the lack of response left me dissatisfied and I won't be going back. -
Review from Alyssa K.
We had a great time rock climbing with Climb Aloha!
We went on the Beginner 101 course at Makapu'u. We learned Rapelling, Belaying, Climbing, Safety, and by the end of the day, we were all able to climb!
We spent around 8 hours at Makapuu. Don't forget to wear sunscreen!! I'm a lobster right now ;) -
Review from Brian P.
Update: I just came back to downgrade my review from 4* to 2. During the rock climbing, your instructor takes pictures of everyone which is really cool because you don't have to worry about it. The problem is we never got our pictures from the 1st climb we did in Aug. I sent a few emails over the past several weeks and while I was assured a cd with the pics would come... they never did. Its not a huge thing.. .but just frustrating since we had so much fun and the pics would have added to the good memories. I could have taken pics using my own camera but didn't since our instructor was. It is also kinda sad since our instructor spent so much time taking these shots all for naught.
We still had a blast and you will too... but not getting the pics was disappointing. I would use 2.5* but that is not an option.
Original Post:
My friend and I did the beginning class last weekend. Both us us had a great time and felt completely safe. Our instructor was very friendly and knew what he was doing. Like some of the other reviewers, the emphasis on safety was very reassuring.
Both of us were able to climb and rappel by the end of the day. Looking forward to going again next week! -
Review from Stan M.
Mililani, HI
going this weekend, will let you all know how it goes. Can't wait, been wanting to do this for awhile. I hope I don't have to come back and change this rating.
-
Review from Joe S.
Honolulu, HI
Climb Aloha is a great organization. I took the 101 class and was immediatly hooked on rock climbing. The pictures took a while but I got them. The reviewer below who lowered the score to 2 stars is rediculous. Climb Aloha is 5 stars
They have the best and only climbing equipment store in Hawaii, with really knowledgable staff.
Also they take all the profits and put it right back into maintaining the bolts and a few climbing areas, keeping it safe and accessable for everyone. -
Review from Derek R.
Honolulu, HI
I went rock-climbing this past weekend with Climb Aloha.
It was an amazing experience and my only disappointment is not doing this much earlier. To add to the amazing experience, I seriously feel like I was under-charged, although I am not complaining.
Our guide for the day was Dan. Dan appeared very knowledgeable in rock-climbing, rappelling, & belaying. I guess you have to be if youre going to be in the business.
I appreciated Dans attention to safety details. I felt completely comfortable and safe. I felt safe just "letting-go" when I needed to without worry. This happened when I was about 30-40 feet above.
This is definitely worth the cost. I highly recommend going in groups of family and/or friends. -
Review from Thiep N.
Aiea, HI
Kinda awkward place to have a business. Kinda in a residential area, however. They are great in helping me with climbing and i really need the help. The instructors are very friendly and knowledgeable. Also seems to be the only place on island that actually has climbing equipment.
-
Review from Nancy S.
Sebastopol, CA
I had the best experience! I would totally do this again. They took care of me as soon as I got to the island. I had a really great instructor who was smart, careful, patient and fun! He took lots of great photos and made sure my stay was worth it. I wish I had more time to spend exploring other spots. BTW, love the website ; )
-
Review from Charlie D.
San Francisco, CA
If the fact that this is the only climbing shop on Oahu deters you, rest assured, the climbers there are hot, helpful and they'll order anything they don't have.
-
Review from Rich P.
Honolulu, HI
Very cool experience. I only wish I had more upper body strength or technique so I could have made more out of my day. Sixty five bucks for the group beginner's class taught by Dan. After meeting up at a Starbucks and scoping out my fellow first time rock climbers by their clothing, Dan showed up for some quick paperwork. We then went to Makapuu and after a short but fairly steep hike were taught some basics. First half was getting familiar with the equipment and the overhand follow through knot and then right on to rappelling down a couple times. Next was a quick break for lunch followed by more basics on rock climbing aided by a belayer. I made it up an easy route but got worn out quickly - I wish I was in better shape. Very cool, very laid back, very interesting. In general, my fellow climbers were fearless and got a lot out of it. I never felt like I was in danger. Over all a good time. Plus, you get a climb aloha sticker at the end. Excellent way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. Great value for the money and I learned a lot.
