Reviewed by: MEFDenver
My husband and I have driven in the mountains for 40 plus years but booked this because we were led to believe it was difficult to get a permit to go up to Mauna Kea Summit in a private vehicle. If you are used to altitude and drive in the mountains, don't pay for this. The meal was only so-so though I realize if you are not used to living at altitude you don't want a heavy meal when you do the ascent as you do not have the extra red blood cells most of us who live at 6,000+ feet carry. The guide was okay but on the highway he drove way too slow. It really was not worth the price to us. It would be great if it was the only way you would be at the summit as seeing the sunset there was awesome. Our driver led us to believe that rental car companies would not allow you to drive a rental car up it. But, when we returned our car to the airport to leave we found out that was not the case (at least with our company). There is part of the road that is unpaved but it was graded and r
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Nearly 14000 fts above sea level. You will able to see very beautiful sky!!! The tour guide has wonderful knowledge about stars positions. It's worth it.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
This was my husband's favorite excursion. Our guide was very knowledgeable. The views from the summit are breathtaking and well worth the effort.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The crew were great and getting to see some whales and a calf was awesome!
Thanks for the great time!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Loved the tour. The clouds dissipated in time for sunset and we had perfect timing for stargazing - got to actually see the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very personable. If I was going back to Hawaii, I would do this all over again. Highly recommended, as it is a once in a life time opportunity.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Kim&Geoff
We were on our honeymoon, looking for something to do, this was so unique! Who would of thought we would be in a parka in Hawaii! Pick this company! There were many up there, but these guys did it best, so thankful we paid a bit more and got an awesome experience. Staff was wonderful, thank you!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Wonderful experience! Felt a bit rushed with having our dinner. Not enough bath room breaks, especially after having a cup of coffee after star gazing and then having a two hour drive back to our hotels, made for a very uncomfortable ride home.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Tanya W
Overall, this was fun.The main guide was knowledgeable and really knew his constellations. One negative was they should have had the single guy sit by the guide and let my husband & I sit together.They both ended up yelling to each other across the aisle over me on the drive back.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Arnold
The two guides who went with us are wonderful as they were concerned for our safety and comfort. It was a very calm sea the day went out so waves were few. They also showed us the sights of the bay and, since waves were few, they let us use their snorkel gear for a great snorkel experience.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
My girl and I went on this. Wasn't sure what to expect with canoe surfing at all. I am a surfer, but it is a whole different thing! We had a blast, and would definitely recommend it to others!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Amber P.
We were lucky enough to see a bunch of sea turtles and different fish. Our toddlers loved the boat and were able to see everything. The staff was very informative!
Thank you!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Helt Family
When we go to tropical destinations we make a point of booking a snorkel sail sometime during our vacation.
We have gone on a number of them in the Caribbean and Hawaii and have really enjoyed them all.
Our all time favorite was the Holo Holo charter on Kauai that took us over to Napali.
My wife and I, as well as our 3 boys, really like getting out on the ocean in a smooth running catamarran.
The Black Sand Snorkel sail was a blast. We really enjoyed the Sea Smoke and the awesome crew. Kane was very friendly and knowledgeable, and Captain Pat was great as well.
One of the main reasons I booked this particular snorkel sail was that it was close to our condo villiage in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. I think it may have been the only one available in that area since most of the others were out of the Kona area.
The only things I would not comment positively on were the fact that the breakfast offering was not good. All they served were some sliced oranges. Other sails I have been on ha
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Harry
Had a great time. The crew was very entertaining and made sure everyone had a good time.
Thanks
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Teresa Mackr
Me and my husband had SO much fun yesterday put on the boat. The staff was really friendly, the Captain got us right into the whales, too. We saw 9, 3 of which came right up next to the boat. The man who spoke during the boat rode (sorry I don't remember the name) was really knowledgeable and funny, too! We had a great time! Thank you for an experience we'll never forget.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: William
I would not recommend this activity unless you've already done most everything else on this island. Everyone we talked to after getting back was dis-appointed. It sure isn't what I thought. First the transportation isn't very convenient. Getting to and from the pick up points should be improved. Next on the way up the mountain we stopped at a gift/visitor shop. Thats where we had a cardboard box dinner in the van. Someone else said bring a sandwich. I also recomend that. Going on up the hill. The observatories we only got to see from the outside, and was just told about them. We did watch a nice sunset at 13,780 feet of elevation. It was a nice view although I like the sunsets over the beach better. After the sun went down we left and went down to about 7000 feet elevation and they set up 11inch Celestron telescopes. Nice telescopes, i have a friend who has one. We saw several stars and clusters ect. Beautiful clear sky. Chitchen-Itza ruins in Mexico was just a clear a
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Rick & Beth
This experience was the highlight of our time on the Big Island. The whales and dolphins were amazing and the crew was lots of fun!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The staff was great and tour was better than expected. We saw lots of turtles.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
The trip was just amazing! Our guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. Would go back and do this again! Can't believe the view! This is one of the few trips we will never forget!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Paul
Excellent. To start, we went out on the Sea Smoke, little did we know, this was owned by James Arness (Gun Smoke TV show) and he raced this from LA to Hawaii and beat the pack by 2-days… So we were sailing on a piece of history.
Crew was awesome and extremely hospitable. Equipment was very good; food and beverages were high quality and fresh.
We arrived at the dive spot and it was amazing, sea turtles to say the least. The black sand beach was amazing and really different than the typical white sugar sand that most beaches are made of.
I would recommend this to all skill levels and all ages.
On the way back they sent up the sails and turned the engine off, we enjoyed the speed and stability that 60’ catamarans are famous for.
If you have a chance, don't miss this opportunity to view the Big Island and its beautiful coastline from the ocean… Well worth the 4-hour snorkel adventure and very convenient to find as this is anchored at the Waikoloa Marriot.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
I was skeptical when my wife booked me a spa package, but it turned out to be much better than I expected. She booked me the Men's Spa Escape, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I left the spa feeling a lot less stress and I was in a state of pure relaxation. Just because you are a man doesn't mean you can't benefit from a few hours at a spa.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Paul Kissell
this was my second time and it was better than the first time, and I brought my family this time.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Donna
I took my 74 year old mother. We had a great time. The guides were extremely knowledgable and helpful. The food wasn't the best but that wasn't the focus of the trip. It was nice to have real metal silver ware to use while eating our of our box. I highly recommend this trip. My husband and his son will take it in two weeks.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: SAR
Great transportation, very knowledgeable guides/drivers, wonderful "star gazing," well prepared food (too much for one person to eat at one meal!) with stainless steel table service, warm parkas and gloves provided. Recommend wearing jeans, sneakers and socks, and perhaps a light jacket to wear under the parka. Understand that it will be cold at these altitudes and be wary of altitude sickness if you are normally near sea level. Be well rested when you go and altitude shouldn't be a problem since a couple of rests (and restroom stops) as you ascend are provided. On the ride back after excellent stargazing and a hot drink and cookie, really nice and varied selections of music were played! I've never seen such wonderful sky views! Hope to come again and bring grandchildren!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Andrea Barbado
...about to this cruise. My children and I utterly loved this tour and I just want to thank the unforgettable crew members who made this trip a highlight of our vacation. From the moment we stepped onto the boat until we stepped off, it was an absolute pleasure.
Hearing my children's sounds of joy when they saw their first whale breach from the water is something that I will remember always.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Lia, Miki, Karyn and Sam
TOTALLY AMAZING! When my friends and I saw this tour we were like, "Hmmm, whale watching? Sure why not!" and I am so glad that we decided to go. The boat was great, the view was priceless and seeing humpback whales jumping and slapping the water is something that I will never forget...ever. Like what a great memory to bring back home with me. Take this tour! You won't regret it!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Wish we brought the kids, they would have had a blast!! In any case it was our first time to the Big Island and this was a super good time. I'm guessing it's the same crew, but the afternoon sail crew was just lovely. Highly Recommended!!!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Sylvia
The tour was excellent and the guide had a lot of passion for what he does, so it was kind of contagious. He told us a lot of interesting stories making the trip very entertain. Dinner was very good and they provide us with coats and globes which we really needed. Then we had a second stop to explain to us about the telescopes and what is being measured. Finally we arrived at the top. I must admit I got very sick, but the guide had warned us that it could happen and recommended to sit on the floor. That is exactly what I did. I didn’t like the feeling at all, but I saw the most beautiful sunset that I have ever seen so it was worth the bad 5 minutes feeling LOL but I wouldn’t recommend it to people with heart problems. After the breath taking view we went down and watch the starts through a telescope. The guide explained a lot of things I didn’t know. I am not very knowledgeable about astronomy but I really learned a lot and enjoy the time. I will definitely recommend it as a must see
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
We just came back from our honeymoon in the Big Island. We took this whale watch trip, and I must say this was by far the most enjoyable sailing trip we did in Hawaii. Being Discovery Channel lovers, we were so excited to see the real whales in front of us! We can't wait to go back there someday. Five stars!
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Angela
We had an enjoyable evening cruising the Kahola coastline. The weather and water were beautiful if only there hadn't been a few clouds on the horizon at sunset it would have been the Hawaiian Dream come true. We highly recommend this trip to all of our friends.
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
Reviewed by: Mr. Anonymous
Overall, this trip was fantastic, and you'll never see another sunset and night sky like it anywhere else. However, be wary of poor food (bring a sandwich) that is offered, and make sure your bus has air conditioning that works since it can be a long ride up the side of the mountain in 90+ heat.
Pros:
Great trip
Romantic
Educational
Cons:
No air conditioning in the van
Poor food
Rating: | |
---|---|
Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2013/01/03 |
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.