Reviewed by: J Slayton
We did the No Wiki Kona LUXURY SAIL, dolphin watching, snorkeling. This was the best Catamaran snorkeling sail we've ever been on! (and we've done quite a few)
The captain and crew were knowledgeable, friendly and very attentive. They found us a fantastic snorkeling spot in a reef corner with LOTS of different fish and turtles and no other boats there at the same time. The breakfast and lunch was really great as well. I loved that they put cushioned chairs on the mesh canvas area up font so that you could sit so comfortably in the best spot on the boat! I would definitely do this again and highly recommend it
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Packages: | Shared Charter: Dolphin Watch & Kona Snorkel Cruise with Lunch (4 hours) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/06/30 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/18 |
Reviewed by: Michael
Marcus was a very knowledgeable astronomer and answered any question our group asked.
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Packages: | From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/06/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Lal
This trip was so much more than I expected! We started with a quick tour of rainbow falls and boiling pots. our guide Marcus was exceptionally knowledgeable about the plant life and history of both places. We then explored the lava caves, which was an unforgettable experience. Finally, we got to watch a beautiful sunset, followed by stargazing. I can’t believe how much astronomy I learned in one night. The skies were spectacular and once again Marcus seemed to have an endless fund of knowledge, answering all our questions in detail. The trip was unforgettable and Marcus is clearly a great asset to his company!
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Packages: | From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Hilari Freeman
The tour was great. The sunset was amazing. The boat ride out was super fun with water and sodas. The guides worked hard to get us positioned for the rays. We got to see several rays with one completely in the center of our group doing several flips while eating. Afterwards we got hot chocolate.
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/17 |
Reviewed by: J. Hope
-The Staff was incredible
-I loved the the boat, it was well equipped and safe
-People should bring a warn sweatshirt for the ride back
-The manta's were plentiful and exciting
-Best Ever excursion!!
-WORTH IT and MUST try it
Aloha!
We appreciate the kind words about our crew and staff, and are ecstatic that you enjoyed yourself out on the water with us! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii.
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/31 |
Reviewed by: Sandles
While I understand there is no guarantee to see and experience manta rays feeding on plankton, I was extremely disappointed with this experience, the crew did not provide a good experience for all. There were a lot of people on this adventure (more than what I felt should be) and as result, the crew had to use three different boards to accommodate everyone. As a result the board with most of the lights, it attracted the manta rays, leaving the others without. The other two did not attract any. I feel the crew should have maneuvered the other two boards or people on those boards to the larger board area so that they could experience the Mantra Ray feeding. I was also very disappointed that there were no lights at the bottom pointing upward. On other manta ray snorkels I joined, when there are lights from the top and from the bottom many more manta rays appear and feed.
The crew also did not provide insights and interesting facts on the Mantra Rays, at least I didn’t hear anything.
The one nice thing I enjoyed about this trip was that the experience allowed me to enjoy nighttime boating.
Aloha Sandles,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We extend our deepest apologies for the experience you had on our tour. We would like to hear more details about it. Could you email us at info@hawaiidolphin.com and elaborate further? We would like to rectify this situation. Thank you.
Best,
Iruka Hawai‘i ‘Ohana
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/10 |
Reviewed by: Heidi P
We had a blast riding around in a dune buggy last Sunday! It was delivered and picked up at our hotel, great communication with Aaron, great tips on where to go - all of it was easy and a ton of fun!
We are so happy you all enjoyed the buggy! It was really nice meeting you all. Thank you for the wonderful review. We hope to see you back on th Big Island!
Aloha and Mahalo,
Aaron
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Packages: | Blue "MAKO" - 4 Seat Buggy with Standard Transmission |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/19 |
Reviewed by: Grace
An incredible adventure for the family and I! I knew I wanted to see the Captain Cook memorial but I never anticipated such an immersive aquatic experience.
Mahalo Nui Loa for the wonderful review. We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
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Packages: | Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/06/22 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/16 |
Reviewed by: Mike
What a fun, informative, and relaxing 3 hours. Great history guide and fantastic music! Helen the bartender was great as well. We are a group of six with two elderly parents who were comfortable the whole time and loved it. We will do this again!
Thanks a million for joining us! We are so happy to read that you had a great time!
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Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/20 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/15 |
Reviewed by: Chris
This was a pretty fun show to attend. One thing I like a a luau is some of the history of the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia and this show had some good dances going over the history and region. The house band was excellent and the host, while being kind of Vegas lounge singer-esque, hit a tone that was welcoming and fun. There was some audience participation and the event was generally a good time. The food and drinks we're a little less impressive and while they were as advertised and a typical luau fair, the quality was more of a banquet at a hotel style and the main reason for the 4 star over the 5 star. Fun luau, worth the purchase.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/16 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/10 |
Reviewed by: Grace
This luau at Royal Kona was a truly wonderful experience! I would recommend it to anyone staying in the Kona area when coming to Big Island.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/06/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/13 |
Reviewed by: Michelle
We enjoyed the luau, the food and the program. This is our second luau and by far, it was the more enjoyable one. The food was good and the entertainment was captivating. The program was surprisingly interactive which made it even more enjoyable. My 12 yr olds appreciated that there were foods they could identify (mac n cheese, chicken nuggets) after trying the poi, lomi and poke.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/11 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/05 |
Reviewed by: Michelle
Length of trip perfect for first time snorkelers (12 yr old children). Crew knowledgeable, attentive and fun.
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Packages: | 3-hour Captain Cook Cruise (1 Snorkel Stop) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/11 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/07 |
Reviewed by: Terry
This trip was awesome. I have done several before with other companies and this is the best. Within minutes, four or five mantas started feeding. Others soon joined. Then flips and near surface swimming by the mantas continued the whole time. Excellent and I highly recommend. The crew were incredible.
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Packages: | Swim with Mantas |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/06/10 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/08 |
Reviewed by: Takashi Labon
We really enjoyed our 21st Anniversary and Big Island Convertible Car Rental was a huge part of it. Aaron and his wife was so accommodating and showed us where to go on the big island. The buggy was nice and comfy for me because I am a plus size beauty. I was able to get in and out with ease and we really enjoyed the ride around the big island.
David and Takashi Labon
You two are the Cutest!! Thank you so much for the 5 Stars!! We really enjoy meeting you both and being part of your experience on the Big Island!! Happy Anniversary!!
Aloha and Mahalo,
Aaron and Debi
Big Island Buggy
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Packages: | Green "HONU" - 4 Seat Buggy with Automatic Transmission |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/06/07 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/02 |
Reviewed by: Moma Jen
We really enjoyed our adventure with Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour. Our guide, Maka, was excellent: entertaining, polite, knowledgeable, etc. He was extremely quick and calm when responding to a high altitude emergency when we reached our high altitudes. I was impressed with the Veltra company with their constant updates, emails reminders, and phone call reminder. I gave "Good" review because it was very cloudy and the star gazing was limited. I would book through this company again and I would do this tour again too.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/06/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/10 |
Reviewed by: Ryan R
This was our first trip to the Big Island, so of course we wanted to see the summit at Mauna Kea. Our tour guide was Justin- and he was tremendous. He met at pickup location a couple minutes early. He provided a clear outline of what the day would include- and he held to it very closely. On the way to our first stop, He provided a great narration of the volcanic and mythological history of the island. After dinner (and acclimating to elevation for a while) we headed further up the mountain- the safety discussion was very calming, but helpful. The view from the summit was SPECTACULAR. About 10-15 minutes before the actual sunset, sneak to the back side of the area up there, and the SHADOW of Mauna Kea on the clouds looks like another mountain. I am fairly well-travelled, and this was a first for me! After that, we went down to the Start gazing station, and got to see some really cool stuff. Justin's knowledge was superb, enough to engage with a couple college students in our group that studied Astronomy at school. Very impressive. Truly, a great way to see a unique and beautiful piece of the Big Island! Many thanks!
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Packages: | Summit Sunset & Stargazing Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/06/04 |
Activity Date: | 2022/06/02 |
Reviewed by: Hawaiian fun girl
The views are amazing. The entertainment was great, the food and service were garbage. The food was ice cold and tasted terrible. My meat was all fat and sauce. The tiny package of Mac nuts and salad were the only thing edible. Getting a staff member to do anything but dance and have fun was difficult.the views and dolphins are worth the money but eat before you go and bring your own drink or you’ll be parched.
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Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/05/28 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/03 |
Reviewed by: JaDev
These guys were fantastic. The boat had plenty of room, good food and drink, and the crew were fun to talk with. We had a calm trip, got to see the coast, a sunset and even travelled near some dolphins! Had an Al around fantastic experience.
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/05/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/20 |
Reviewed by: Cindy Z
Amazing tour with superb crew. Once in a life should do it to see manta ray. I saw two mantas because of seasick, I had to return the boat at earlier time, but my daughter really enjoyed it and saw a lot of mantas. The girl of three crew was really nice, she stayed with us when she knew we were first time snorkeling, and carried me back to the ship when I felt nausea and showed her that I would like to go back. Definitely recommend this tour to my friends. Just remind to have seasick pills ready if you worry about it.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/05/17 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/25 |
Reviewed by: Chuck
We had a great trip! We were celebrating my parents' 40th anniversary and the captain and crew were all very kind - they congratulated them, helped us get comfortable, served us drinks, all the good stuff. It was a wonderful time and I would definitely recommend it to all!
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/05/11 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/04 |
Reviewed by: April
Had seating for 5 and was awesome to get our photo taken so if we wanted, we could purchase after the show. It rained in the beginning for half an hour but they had ponchos for everyone. Finally the rain stopped and the music was cool. We got to eat and the show started. Loved everything about the host and how he explained everything like a story teller. My family enjoyed the food and the show. The luau was great and we left happy! Photos and memories! I recommend for sure. Mahalo!
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/05/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/05/04 |
Reviewed by: Shauna
This is a wonderful catamaran! We didn't see any whales this trip but I love being on the ocean so I didn't care. As a bonus if there are not any whales you can go back for another trip. I recommend this to anyone going to The Big Island.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2022/04/30 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/07 |
Reviewed by: Linda
This tour was magical. We highly recommend using Mauna Kea stargazing Tour and Sunset Adventure. The entire experience was incredible from start to finish. Our tour guide, Gage, was excellent, very knowledgable and had great energy. We learned all about Hawaii's history, landscape, and culture, this was much more than just watching an amazing sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea and stargazing. This tour should definitely make your list of things to do while visiting the Big Island!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/04/27 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/25 |
Reviewed by: Kara
My kids had a blast seeing all the amazing dances and atmosphere!
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/04/26 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/25 |
Reviewed by: Cari
The crew was excellent. We saw dolphins on the way out. Only disappointment was we were expecting to go to Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling as advertised, but due to weather conditions, they chose to go north of the airport. We went to a beach area that you can only access with 4 wheel drive or by boat. Beautiful location. The crew took us to shore, and took us over to the queens bath for a bit. Nice time over all.
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Packages: | Morning Snorkeling Cruise (4 Hours) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/04/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/18 |
Reviewed by: Bob
The show was enjoyable and the actors interacted with the audience. The luau food was very good and had a great variety.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/04/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/03 |
Reviewed by: Nikki B
They were very nice. I did expect more manga rays but honestly didn’t know what I was expecting. Got to see a shark though so that’s cool.
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Packages: | Swim with Mantas |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/04/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/21 |
Reviewed by: Ali
We had a wonderful time at the luau. The food was great and drinks were yummy. The entertainment was just amazing. Very talented dancers, band and host was funny. The entire family had a great time.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/04/17 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/15 |
Reviewed by: Bruce L
Our family did the Captain Cook snorkel trip in early April. The boat takes less than 15 people (11 on our trip), it is a small but stable inflatable type. The water was a little choppy for our trip, but not enough to prevent the go-ahead. We had to hang on as the boat jumped and rolled its way through the waves making hte journey unexpectedly exciting. We had a relaxed, informative and personable captain and one other crew member. The boat zipped out towards the Captain Cook monument area which has excellent snorkeling. Pretty much everyone on the boat was snorkeling for the first time. Sea Quest supplied full snorkel gear including prescription masks for one of our party. Inflatable Snorkel vests and pool noodles were also made available for those who prefer a little extra buoyancy. We stopped a couple of times on the way to check out a large pod of spinners dolphin and for an overview of the Big Island as viewed from out at sea. Once we got to Capt. Cook, we had about 1.5 hours to snorkel. The snorkeling was outstanding - clear calm water, tons of fish & coral. Sea Quest supplied snacks and drinks. Everyone had a great time and a lasting fun family memory was made. Great work Sea Quest!
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Packages: | 3-hour Captain Cook Cruise (1 Snorkel Stop) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/04/16 |
Activity Date: | 2022/04/07 |
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Aloha Hilari,
We're so glad to hear all the positive things you had to say about your trip with us, and thank you for sharing your pictures! All returning customer's receive a 20% repeater discount if you folks plan on returning!
Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii Team!