Reviewed by: Steve712
If you do one thing on the west side of the big island this is it. Words and pictures don't do the experience justice. The crew of the boat was safety conscious and the captain ran a tight ship. As a passenger we felt in good hands. Do your homework about what this tour involves. If you cannot swim and/or are afraid of the water this is NOT FOR YOU!!!. This tour had 1/2 a dozen non-swimmers on the tour. They were miserable and the crew had to spend an inordinate time catering to them.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/03/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/03/22 |
Reviewed by: Lindsay B
The crew was amazing and qued a mother and baby, possibly 2 to the surface for play time!
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/03/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/03/15 |
Reviewed by: HILO
海をバックに夕陽が落ちてのハワイアンショーは素敵でした。
屋外なので雨も心配しましたが大丈夫でした。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/03/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/20 |
Reviewed by: Jenny
We arrived slightly late and the crew kindly waited a bit for us. There was only 4 of us which made the experience felt a lot more enjoyable - it was not crowded or noisy! No jostling of people.
Once out there, we got in the water smoothly and saw 2 rays, 3 times. Unfortunately, the ray sightings have reduced in recent years so we considered ourselves lucky! Highly recommend it all round!
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/03/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/24 |
Reviewed by: Max family
This was one the best experiences ever! The guide was fantastic! (Gauge/Gage? My apologies if misspelling your name - he was super knowledgeable about the island and easy to talk to, he was also well organized and thought of everything. The entire journey was super easy to follow and we all got to see some amazing things. Hot chocolate and biscotti? Snow? Wild turkeys and sheep? Binary star system anyone? Gage will make it happen. We also had a great GREAT experience just chatting with you about the Big Island. Thank you Thank you!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/03/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Shawn
We could not see any and also the ride was so bumpy
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/03/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/24 |
Reviewed by: MM1
Great experience getting to see the whales up and close. The crew was outstanding and very informative. I highly recommend this excursion if you are ever in the area during the whale’s migratory season. The boat size was perfect. Not too big and crowded and not too small to avoid motion sickness.
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Packages: | Morning Whale Watch Cruise [Holona Speed Powerboat] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/02/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/28 |
Reviewed by: Nick
Kids loved it! Highly recommend. Can't wait to come back :)
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/02/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/25 |
Reviewed by: Analiese Kennedy
I know, I know, everyone likes to use the words “best” “amazing” “trip of a lifetime” THIS excursion IS absolutely THE best trip you will book! It may seem a little pricey, but the time, care, and knowledge that our tour guide Travis invested in our group was top of the line!
First of all, do not underestimate the “cold” warnings. It was frigid, cold to the bone so, dress appropriately! If you have a beanie, bring it for this trip.
Secondly, be prepared for the potential that the actual road up to the summit may be closed. Our group (along with 15 others) was told the road was closed and we would not be able to drive to the summit. Travis was able to talk with another tour operator (friends are good) and together they got the rangers to open the road for us last minute!! Yay!
Okay, so let’s talk dinner for a second. They served a vegetarian lasagna that was to die for most of my family are hard core meat eaters, so i was surprised at how quickly they snarfed it all down and EVERYONE commented on how “great” it was Make sure to bring your own water bottle (there is fresh water at the first stop) or whatever you want to drink.
Once we hit the road to climb the summit, the road was definitely an “off road” experience. Lots of major bumps but totally fun . The drive up was spectacular, so have your camera ready. The view from the top will blow your mind. Take a lot of pics and enjoy!
Then on to stargazing. Totally over the top and way exceeded my expectations! Travis had his own telescope that was a high end piece of equipment to say the least! He has so much knowledge that he was eager to share. We even got to see the once in a lifetime “green” comet he spent at least an extra hour with us up there when all the other tour operators were leaving. It was truly the most memorable experiences of my life! Mahalo to the entire team that i know has to work hard behind the scenes for this…my entire family is so grateful for the experience
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/02/09 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/07 |
Reviewed by: Miles & Jan
Magnificent performance from all involved dealing with the history of the hawaiin islands and the Polynesian empire. The buffet was way too much to take in!!
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/05 |
Reviewed by: Susan
This was our first luau and it was exceptional! The staff was courteous, professional, welcoming, and overall delightful! The food was very well prepared and there was a wide variety of selections. The show was both entertaining as well as informative and all of the performers ( host, dancers, and musicians) were great!!
I would love to do this again some time!
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/02 |
Reviewed by: Grace
This was a very beautiful night! The luau experience was everything we were looking for. It felt like a true traditional experience
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/31 |
Reviewed by: Jim
Saw lots of whales. We loved the combination of sailing on a catamaran and seeing whales breaching off in the distance. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hawaii during whale season.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/01 |
Reviewed by: Nikki Clark
First of all, WOW. From beginning to end, this experience was one for the record books.
For $10 this crew sets you up with a wet suit (recommended), and then a snorkel set at no additional charge. Once we boarded, we were met with a warm welcome, and a good belly laugh. Excellent staff! They were informative, safe, and most importantly, knew how to have fun!
During the boat ride we were met with bottle nose dolphins and a humpback whale sighting! The dolphins were curious and playful, and swam all around our boat! I may or may not have shed a tear of joy. It was seriously rad.
Once we got to our destination they gave us a noodle for floating, and set up a large, square floatation device for everyone to hold onto while we watched the mana rays. They are huge! They’re giant, friendly, and bring their appetite for plankton. You’ll also see tons of fish while you snorkel.
After our time was up, and we boarded, they passed out cups of hot chocolate.
The entire experience as a whole was one we will never forget. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS while you’re here!
Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime! Keep up the good work, guys! Mahalo
Aloha Nikki,
Thank you for the amazing comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! 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: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/29 |
Reviewed by: TJ Norum
This trip is great for families and couples alike. I really enjoyed the fact that the crew helped us locate the whales and went in search of the best viewing spots. Highly recommended for Waikaloa Bay Beach area.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/31 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/29 |
Reviewed by: Alli
We saw pilot whales up close and the staff were so informative, helpful, and truly loving their work. I really wish that we had been able to see a humpback whale since we were there in the right season. But I have to presume that they were not able to find any that day. Guess I’ll just have to come back to Hawaii again?!
Aloha Alii!
Thank you for joining us and taking the time to leave a four star rating!
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Packages: | Whale Watch Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/01/30 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/06 |
Reviewed by: Onnalee M
Capt Steve and crew member Morgan were absolutely Wonderful! Made us feel at ease. I would recommend the wet suits to get the full exploration time in case the westher is a bit chilly. Just getting out of the Bay was a Pod of Dolphins 8 or more right at the beginning of the Snorkeling tour!! On our way to 2nd Bay, Capt Steve notcied a whale that was a bit out of the way but still took us there and ended up being a Mama Whale with her baby practicing breaching the water! How amazing!! The Snorkeling was filled with Gorgeously Brillant colors of multitudes of fish especially at Capt Cook’s Momument! We explored magnificant caves while Capt Steve explained the History of the Island and topped off with delicious healthy assortment of fruit at first Bay and much needed sandwiches at the completion of the 2nd Bay stop!! We even lucked out and caught a glimpse of s huge Manta Ray coming back into port. Absolutely Perfect Snorkeling Tour and very personalized with a small group of interesting people!! Thank you Seaquest!!! I will remember this for the rest of my lfe!! That’s what life is all about!!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/27 |
Reviewed by: David Letendre
We went out to sea under the setting sun.
Everything was perfect.
Lots of huge manta rays came close. Sometimes up to few feet away!!
The crew; Diego and Ryan were pampering us and taking care of our every needs.
Would recommend them anytime without a doubt.
-David L
Aloha David,
Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! 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: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/18 |
Reviewed by: Bryan G
We had a great afternoon on the boat. Took a seven and two year old out with us to see the whales and the captain was very accommodating to both of them. Once we got the area where the whales were we saw a couple different pairs breach multiple times and certainly didn't need binoculars to see them. On our way back to the harbor a few bottle nosed dolphins decided to swim out front of the boat and in the wake for about 10 minutes which was every bit as cool as seeing the whales.
I'd highly recommend Aloha Kona Tours.
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Packages: | Private Whale Watching Tour |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/01/16 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/08 |
Reviewed by: Emily Yoon
The captain and crew are so nice
The boat is very clean and comfy!
the experience was really good.
We got to see bunch of dolphins and whales breaching really close to.
Thank you so much!
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Packages: | Private Whale Watching Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/12 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
Reviewed by: jhutch1368
Night snorkel with manta rays was recommended to me by a coworker who lived on Kona. We booked this for our vacation based on her recommendation. We brought our ‘kids’ ages 30, 16, 13. I think it would be hard for younger kids. In fact, one child I’d say about 6 sat on a float the entire time. Swimming in ocean at night even with a wetsuit (a MUST), a noodle, and holding on to a raft is trying even for an adult. That being said, it was so cool! We were fortunate to see many manta rays! I wish I could’ve taken pictures. It was plenty long enough time. Any longer would’ve been too much. We had perfect weather and the light of the full moon. The crew was awesome and fun. You could tell they loved their job and were friends. Shout out to the girl on our crew named Ryan, who took extra care and patience helping my 30 year old daughter swim back to boat.
Aloha,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your family members, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/06 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/04 |
Reviewed by: S. White
Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!! The manta rays were incredible and while we were watching them the crew gave us facts about these amazing creatures.
Aloha,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/29 |
Reviewed by: Jen & Dion
My family loved this tour. Great for kids. We loved not having to get in the water to see coral and fish.
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/12/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/23 |
Reviewed by: Jen & Dion
Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/12/25 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/23 |
Reviewed by: Nikhil
It was perfect! The crew was really kind and helpful. The captain was really funny and entertaining. And the star of the show - the Manta Rays - we're absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky to find a group of Manta Rays en route and decided to drop anchor and just spent all the time there. That gave us more time with the Manta Rays. We weren't the best swimmers so the crew helped us with life jackets and they helped to and fro the float. We had a great time and I would absolutely recommend them.
Aloha Nikhil,
Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! 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: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/12/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/27 |
Reviewed by: Erin
In addition to a wonderful manta ray sighting experience, we were also treated to a spinner dolphin show on the way. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and great with our 7-year old. We really appreciated the smaller boat for a more intimate and personal experience. The hot chocolate on the way back was a really nice touch! Would absolutely recommend Iruka and we would go again with them next time we are back in Hawaii.
Just be patient with the sightings! We didn't get much activity with the mantas until right at the end and it was totally worth it.
Aloha Erin,
Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! 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 with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/12/23 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/15 |
Reviewed by: Fiona
We had hoped the weather would clear, but, unfortunately, despite our tour guide’s best efforts to find some clearing, we were beaten by the weather. Our guide, Hunter, was extremely knowledgeable and tried really hard to wait for some sign of being able to observe anything, but had to cancel with no luck. I can imagine it would have been spectacular to see and hear the wealth of information he would have been able to provide if we could have seen it.
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Packages: | From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2022/12/20 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/18 |
Reviewed by: Kristen
Food was great especially the pork and salmon. Show was nice, small if you’ve been to some on the other islands. But overall a nice evening.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2022/12/15 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/13 |
Reviewed by: GapC
Arthur gave us an incredible experience. With his knowledge of geology and astrology plus history of island we learned more than we expected. We felt we could not have asked for more in the planetarium and stargazing. The telescope was an exception experience. I will be recommending your company.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2022/11/29 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/25 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Liked the smaller boat vibe! we saw a lot of manta rays
Aloha Kara,
We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!
Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2022/11/24 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/14 |
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Aloha Shawn,
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