Reviewed by: Bridget D
Staff was very helpful especially with one in our party who just rode along and needed assistance getting on and off boat. Boat was a little crowded but staff very efficient at getting everyone into water. Manta rays swam just beneath us and seemed close enough to touch!
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Packages: | Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/05 |
Reviewed by: Bridget D
Beautiful setting facing ocean, Show was entertaining, staff was attentive, Food was plentiful and good but not outstanding. Mai tais were tasty but seemed watered down.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Stefanie Doty
This was an event booking for my family. My 4 year old and 14 year old both equally enjoyed it. My for year old loved learning the hula. Food was plentiful and the story told was wonderful. All of the staff were efficient and super sweet.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/08/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Heather
We had a great time viewing the sunset with our amazing guides Kekoa and Travis. There are a lot of companies that run these tours, but our guides made this one the best of them all. They were both very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Most of all, however, Kekoa and Travis have big smiles and even bigger hearts. They brought the spirit of Mauna Kea and o'hana into this experience. The sunset from the summit was miraculous, the lasagna and brownie absolutely delicious and the star gazing was out of this world!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/06 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/04 |
Reviewed by: Summerlover71
We loved all the cultural dances and the food was amazing! Great experience on our honeymoon.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/03 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Ravenclaw
This experience is one of a kind - having manta rays come right up to you as they feed on plankton in the bay! We were provided with a wet suit (top only for adults, body suit for children), snorkel, and mask.
Once anchored, you will slip into the water at the back of the boat, swim over to the lighted surfboards with handles, grip the handles and let your body float flat on the surface. They will give you a pool noodle to help with this. The manta rays will come right up to the surfboard and gently roll over as they feed on plankton that the light illuminates. I will add that it may seem like a short amount of time (about 30 minutes), but by the time they brought us in, I had started to get cold and my arms started aching from holding the handles the whole time. It was worth it for the experience.
If you are not a strong swimmer, they will offer to help you.
All the members of the crew on my boat were great! Very friendly and helpful. Thank you so much!
My one concern is regarding the number of other boats and people also participating in the same activity. There were quite a few and my concern was for the safety and protection of the manta rays. However, it does seem that the manta rays are not in danger and gain something out of the experience themselves because it provides a better opportunity for feeding that they would not have otherwise. The crew also show a great respect and love for them as well.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/02 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/31 |
Reviewed by: Jesse
I so wanna go again. Very fun and entertaining.
Love the food and music and dancing.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/28 |
Reviewed by: Eileen
My husband and I had a great time on this sunset cruise! The staff were fantastic and the views were spectacular! Highly recommend
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/25 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Jen B
Great crew, gorgeous day for a sail. Plenty of flying fish, dolphin sightings and even a few whales!
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Packages: | 2-Hour Dolphin Watch & Kona Snorkel Private Charter (up to 6 passengers) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/23 |
Activity Date: | 2020/11/08 |
Reviewed by: Paul Miller
First Ill start and say the Rays were awesome. So many showed up and the crew was teaching us facts while we were out there.
The beginning was a little different though. When we arrived at the shop it was very unorganized, the area to get a wet suite top was very dark and scattered, there was very little instruction getting on boat and captain didn't seem to really wanna be there.
I would pick a different company if we did it again.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal) |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/14 |
Reviewed by: Mary
Wonderful and fun crew! Enjoyed a leisurely evening cruise ending with a beautiful sunset.
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/17 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/15 |
Reviewed by: ElizD318
My husband and I, our 4 adult children, and their significant others had a wonderful time on the Mauna Kea Stargazing and Summit Tour. Everyone even liked the dinner.
Maka was a great guide. He picked us up promptly and was very friendly on the ride to Mauna Kea. We learned a lot about the surrounding area and volcanoes.
The best part was the sunset. It was like being on another planet and the colors were vivid and amazing.
Unfortunately, the amazing sunset was due to the clouds and it made for poor stargazing.
We were able to see the craters of the moon through the telescope and hear about the local names for some of the stars, in spite of the clouds. And I was glad we did not have to drive that windy road ourselves.
I would suggest checking on the cycle of the moon before booking and do not go during a full moon.
We still had a wonderful time and will never forget the Sunset on the summit.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
Reviewed by: Glenn
Crew was great, energetic and attentive. Such an amazing experience, I found myself holding my breath as I felt these magnificent manta rays swim under me.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/10 |
Reviewed by: Danielle
Show itself was pretty good. Food was just ok. Happy there was a kids food table. Disappointed there was a small desert selection
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/10 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/15 |
Reviewed by: MJUm
We stumbled upon Zodiac Rafting after getting declined at two other places but everyone in our group said they would have regretted going with anyone else!
First of all, they have all COVID safety measures in place. Temp check, all staff with masks, smaller groups so we felt comfortable and safe.
Second, the staff! Jennifer at reception was so sweet and accommodating. And Captain Collen, he’s the best! Knowledgeable and experienced without being overbearing or too chatty. Made sure we had the best ride, safe snorkeling trip, took us to special locations to see the Big Island in all it’s beauty and kept checking that we were having a good time and no one was uncomfortable. And they even provided reef safe sunscreen which we thought ours was but Captain explained it was not. They’re really passionate not only but people having a good time but that the natural life on the Big Island is protected and safe. We really appreciated that.
And let’s not forget, we had a private boat because it was just our family on the trip. So it was even extra special!
So don’t waste your time elsewhere. Just go straight to Zodiac people!
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Packages: | 4-Hour Deluxe Morning Tour (8:00 AM) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/08 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/06 |
Reviewed by: Shalini Banerjee
This was the perfect ending to our Hawaii trip. It was awesome and the trip exceeded all our expectations. New even got to see Saturn and the entire thing was on time and perfect.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/07/08 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/04 |
Reviewed by: Wendy
We went on the sunset cruise and had a great experience. The crew/guides were knowledgeable, fun and helpful. When we got in the water, they knew where to take us for the best viewing.
The Manta Ray's were so cool to see. This should be on your must do activity list. I would recommend it over a regular day time snorkel trip. However, next time I would do the later night time trip. The Manta Rays seem to be more active the later it gets.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/07/03 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/01 |
Reviewed by: Shankar
Great friendly staff. They took customer satisfaction to heart and made sure everyone had a great time. Loved it!!!
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/06/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Shankar
Staff are super friendly and funny. Loved the experience of going to 150 ft inside the ocean and see the marine life !!!
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Packages: | Kona Submarine |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/06/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/28 |
Reviewed by: Brian My
Our crew was awesome and made the experience just totally rad.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/06/29 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Dude
Was lots of fun! Saw manta rays and enjoyed the sunset!
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/06/28 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/25 |
Reviewed by: S. Ely
Wonderful experience! The captain and crew was amazing!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/06/26 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/24 |
Reviewed by: Mel
Never done anything like this. Is like a must do in Kona.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/06/25 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/20 |
Reviewed by: Phani V
We traveled with our 7 and 10 year old boys. The 7 year old snorkeled for the first time that morning and didn't really like it. The staff on this tour were very friendly and knowledgeable. They helped us get the way suits and pick snorkeling gear. By the end of the day, our kids were raving about the trip and wanted to go back and spend more time. Keep in mind, this adventure happens after sundown! You don't actually snorkel freely in the dark. You are holding on to a floating structure alongside other passengers while the crew circle around checking on everyone and helping them float. Watching the manta rays was very very cool... More cool than my words can describe. The waters were choppier than I thought they would be.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/06/24 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Quinn
Very pleased with our mantra dive experience. The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and took charge to make sure everyone had the best experience possible. At one point a few children refused to stop kicking their legs in the water after being asked numerous times to keep still (or else they scare the plankton away and therefore mantas don’t come), after the children repeatedly showed they could not follow directions they were asked to leave the water, as to ensure a good experience for the other people on the excursion. Very much appreciated that. Also great snacks, and fun music!
Seemed to be a very special experience and we were surprised it is marketed as family friendly. In our opinion, only well-behaved kids over ~9 should come on this... otherwise there runs a risk of ruining it for everyone, or even hurting the mantas.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/06/23 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
Reviewed by: Nicole W
Gabe, our tour guide, was funny, patient and very knowledgeable! It’s a long drive there picking up all attendees and up the mountain. He did a great job sharing interesting facts and keeping us engaged throughout the tour! Plus he was a very safe driver given the rough terrain (4-wheel drive required to get to the top). At the very top Mauna Kea looks like Mars since no life can survive and was a surreal experience for this reason. Plus viewing the sunset over the clouds at the very top was breathtaking! Note we did not stargaze at the very top, since the altitude is too high and actually prohibits ideal stargazing because of prolonged altitude sickness and the fact it’s insanely cold after sundown (FYI it’s windy and cold up there, so wear layers - you’ll thank me!!). Instead we stargazed near the welcome center enjoying hot coco or hot coffee! We learned about the different constellations, etc. Overall it was a great tour and we’re glad to we did it!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/06/13 |
Activity Date: | 2021/05/19 |
Reviewed by: April from Dallas Tx
I really enjoyed my experience. It’s not just snorkeling but they had paddle boats, water tube, a mat that allowed you to lay out in the ocean. The lunch cruise had grilled hornet burgers with soft buns. The drinks were tasty! Crew was friendly but very strict when it came to the rules, however, everyone made it back home safely. Great experience with my family!
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Packages: | Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/06/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/10 |
Reviewed by: Ray
I really loved the snorkel session and so did my mom. At first he was a little nervous about getting in at night but the staff were very nice and accommodating to help her in.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/06/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/09 |
Reviewed by: Kristen Dressel
The best sunset cruise I’ve been on!
Great food and drinks! The staff was amazing! Sunset was awesome! We saw dolphins! I would totally recommend that cruise!!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/06/04 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/02 |
Reviewed by: Bill
Best dinner cruise ever. It was magical! More than 5 stars!
Highly recommend. Capitan and crew were amazing!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Private Charter: Sunset Sail Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/05/29 |
Activity Date: | 2021/05/27 |
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Reply from activity provider
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Aloha,
Thank you for such kind words. Our employees really do love the jobs they do. We are glad the private tour fit your families needs and made you feel comfortable as we come out of such a long pandemic period. I'm sure your captain and crew really enjoyed your family and sharing just how special our island is. Hope to have you all out again as there are more places on our island to see and snorkel.
Mahalo,
CZ Ohana