Reviewed by: Ayall
Decided to try this luau after researching luau options on the big island, and unfortunately it fell short of expectations.
There are three main areas I judge in a luau, and I'll expand on each category for this place; location/setting, food/drinks, and entertainment.
First the location setting. Although located at the Fairmont orchid resort, a beautiful and well kept property, the luau itself was "makeshift" utilizing cheap plastic chairs and tables and placed between the golf course and tennis courts, over a mile away from the coast with no sunset or real ocean view. Most other luau's I've been to are more like restaurants with permanent structures set right on the coast.
I had read rave reviews about the food, and while it too fell short of expectations - it wasn't all bad. I'll definitely give it credit for a large selection and variety, but the food was overall "meh." The poke, fish, shrimp and chicken were good but the beef and pork were awful. There was no actual hog roast; the pulled pork they served was clearly not from a recently dug up roasted pig - and it tasted disgusting; this was the biggest let down as you expect amazing pulled pork when you goto a luau. They lacked variety in drinks, so not much to choose from in terms of wine (only "red" or "white") or beers (a few cheap varieties in cans, no IPAs), and the mixed drinks were also limited in ingredients (for example, they couldn't make me an old fashion), but they had the basics to make most decent cocktails. My biggest complaint with the drinks is that the line was long and clearly a bottleneck only having 2 bartenders making drinks for the entire group. Other luaus I'd attended always had the basic drinks ready to go so you could grab a basic drink at anytime if you wanted.
As for the entertainment; also very meh. Not a big production (again, due to the "makeshift" nature of this luau), but it contained all the basic elements to not fall completely short.
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Packages: | Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/02/27 |
Activity Date: | 2024/02/24 |
Reviewed by: 胆石おやじ
以前にオアフ島でホエールウォッチングに参加しましたが、その時はほとんどクジラに会えなかったですが、今回は早い時間帯から次ぐから次に見ることができました。
帰りには、船の周りをイルカが来て、ジャンプまで見せてくれて、最高のホエールウォッチングになりました。
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Packages: | 10:30発/ワイコロア港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/02/25 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/31 |
Reviewed by: David F
Had a great day on the water. Right out of the bay we experience whales breaching the water. Staff was well trained, everyone had their job and was on it. They were very helpful in and out of the water. Very knowledgable about the history of the bay and Capt. Cook. Breakfast and lunch was very good and served efficiently. Saw lots of species of fish on the coral reef at the Capt. Cook Monument. To finish the day we were entertained by Spinner Dolphins jumping out of the water. Highly recommend!
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Packages: | Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/02/14 |
Activity Date: | 2024/02/12 |
Reviewed by: David F
Great trip with Tyler being our pilot. Not only was he a great pilot he was very knowledgable about the Big Island and about things a vacationer would not know. Saw many whales and spinner dolphins.. Circle Island tour was a great experience! Support staff was great and gave us all the information needed to make the trip great, but also safe!
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Packages: | Circle Island Tour Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/02/13 |
Activity Date: | 2024/02/11 |
Reviewed by: Sammy’s Mom
This boat was by far the best option for whale watching. We took my 3 year old son for his birthday, so glad we chose this one. Our captain was determined to have everyone witness all of the amazing sights of whales in their natural habitat including, breaching, Mom and baby, whale tail waves, even the smell of anchovy whale breath! Will definitely be doing this one again! This was the highlight of our trip, an unforgettable experience! Mahalo Hawaii Nautical!
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Packages: | Morning Whale Watch Cruise [Holona Speed Powerboat] |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2024/02/10 |
Activity Date: | 2024/02/08 |
Reviewed by: Jonathan M.
A great time at Umauma Falls Zipline Tour & Waterfall Swim Adventure / 9 Zipline Tour.
Although it rained, it was a great time with my visiting friends. Our group had about seven total members, and we all felt included and enjoyed the adventure together. When the weather turned into rain, and the wind made the rain even more interesting... We all decided to make the most of it and enjoy the unique experience. Our Guides were friendly, informative, and humorous. They take safety seriously but they take the time to make sure you are having fun while being safe. Safety tip... "Keep your head and face to one side of the tether, or you'll get a knuckle sandwich." We will return on a sunny day to enjoy the waterfalls, but it was a great time for all, and the guides made it extra memorable.
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Packages: | 9-Line Zipline Tour |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2024/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2024/02/02 |
Reviewed by: Natalie R.
Such an enjoyable experience!! Nearly all the food items were gluten free ( I have Celiac disease). The only suggestion I would make is to not put the gluten free dessert on the same plate as the glutinous items as there is chance of cross contamination. The wait staff were phenomenal. Our waiter Geno was on top of all our needs. The performers were out do this world and the musicians with equal talent. Loved the experience and encourage others to attend.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2024/02/02 |
Reviewed by: blake
fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!fun!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/02/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/02/15 |
Reviewed by: Kara
I felt like I got to see all the best spots of Big Island on this 1 day tour!
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Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2024/01/28 |
Activity Date: | 2023/10/24 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Fabulous day, getting to get into the sea caves was the best!
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Packages: | 5-hour South Kona Expedition with Lunch (3 Snorkel Stops) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2024/01/28 |
Activity Date: | 2023/10/26 |
Reviewed by: Jan
A most enjoyable experience! Once we spotted a spout in the distance, we motored to it for a wonderful mother-baby whale show! Only recommendation would be to improve the directions to get to the check-in location on the beach.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2024/01/21 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/19 |
Reviewed by: サリー
早めに受付をして、席を確保し、マイタイを飲みながら、開演を待ちました。同じテーブルの人たちと和気藹々。とても楽しかったです。ハネムーンカップルや、お誕生日の人などをお祝いしたり、ステージに上がってダンスをレクチャーされたり、とても楽しい時間を過ごしました。ブッフェスタイルでしたが、取りに行く流れをちゃんとスタッフの方がコントロールしていて、スムーズでしたし、とても美味しかったです。ハワイアンダンスは優雅で素晴らしく、司会のトークも受けていたようです。ステージの向こうの海、そして夕陽が素晴らしかったです。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/01/20 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/29 |
Reviewed by: えんぞぉ
あいにくの雨でした。どんどん雨脚が強くなりレインコートが配られ、気温も下がり、食事もずぶ濡れでほとんど食べられず、飲み物も2杯飲んだ程度。円安料金が気になりつつもハワイ気分を盛り上げようと予約しましたがコスパの悪い結果となりました。悪天候については気が回っていなかった。予約される方は天気のチェックをお忘れなく。ファイアーショーは見応えありました。
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Packages: | 一般席 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/01/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/24 |
Reviewed by: Kathleen
We took our 3 year old. The experience was tailored to be age appropriate and gentle with the animals for my child. I highly encourage this experience.
Aloha, so glad that you felt this program matched your child's needs. Thank you for recommending us.
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Packages: | 10-min Wee Tots Program for One Toddler (Ages 2-4) + One Adult |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2024/01/12 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/10 |
Reviewed by: Ken & Nicole Hall
This is the very first kayaking ocean tour my husband and I have ever been on. It definitely helps if you have experience in rowing a kayak. My husband had plenty experience in rowing a kayak in Canada even if it was only on rivers and lakes. We totally appreciated the kokua and patience from our lead guides, Winfield & Olivia. We were late joining our kayak tour. We appreciated Winfield's follow up call as we were running late due to tire pressure issues on our car rental and needed to check it out before we got to the keauhou Bay. When we showed up, we were pleasantly greeted right away by Olivia who stayed behind to ensure we had life jackets and that all our valuables were safely locked up in their truck. Olivia led us by kayak to the group and we were able to take a personal guided history and tour of the dragon's throat cave Winfield because the waters were starting to get a bit choppy. We later were anchored to our guides along with other kayakers to enjoy some snorkeling along the reef which was truly amazing. Somehow when our kayaks were anchored, I must've lost my balance getting back into our kayak because shortly after that, our kayak ended up tipping into the ocean along with my phone. Winfield was very kind to fish it out of the ocean and Olivia quickly poured regular bottled water on my my phone but u/f my phone is still dying a slow salt
corrosion death. The good news is that we were still able to obtain the data of the beautiful photos and videos of our adventure. We loved learning the history and sharing great camraderie with Winfield and Olivia who are expert kayakers and tour guides. They made us feel very safe and at ease the whole time. Wilfield also helped calm me down after we tipped and made sure I was ok after rescuing my phone. We also enjoyed snacks and drinks and when we got back to shore, Winfield cut us fresh pineapple and we enjoyed eating that. Thank you Winfield and Olivia for a fantastic adventure!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/01/10 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/04 |
Reviewed by: Marissa
My whole family enjoyed this experience! There were plenty of whales breaching and splashing all around us, they gave us a great show. The entire crew was friendly and knowledgeable about the whales and the catamaran too. I would recommend this trip to anyone during the whale season! We will do it again on our next trip. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.
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Packages: | Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2024/01/10 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/06 |
Reviewed by: ヤス
英語のみの解説、鯨は潮吹きと背びれが数回遥か彼方にしか見えず、期待に反して満足度はもう一つでした。船上からの眺めは最高でした。
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Packages: | 9:30発/ カワイハエ港 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2024/01/06 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/17 |
Reviewed by: トミー
1列に並んで行進します。広大な山、丘の向こうに海が見えます。牛があちこちで草を食べています。天国は、こう言う所かもと思った程美しい景色でした。
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Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2024/01/05 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/03 |
Reviewed by: あっしゃん
標高が高く、思った以上に寒くて防寒が間に合わないのではないかと不安でしたが、パーカーや防寒ジャケットが用意されて快適に乗馬できました。
ハワイ島でのホースバックライディングは3度目ですが、
景色が良く、馬も良い子ばかりで、スタッフは英語のみですが、わかりやすくゆっくり喋ってくれたので、理解することができ、
今回のホースバックライディングが一番良かったように思います。
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Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2024/01/04 |
Activity Date: | 2024/01/02 |
Reviewed by: Mike
This tour was one of my families favorite adventure while vacationing in Hawaii. James, our guide, was great. Very knowledgeable, had a sense of humor, and did a great job with the photos. He shared some of his other work with our group and his photos are outstanding.
I would do this trip again! But I would pack some additional clothes; it was cold at that elevation.
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Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2024/01/02 |
Activity Date: | 2023/09/18 |
Reviewed by: Masa
シュノーケルポイントまで、うねりが少しありましたが、双胴船だったから揺れずにいけました。クルーも親切で楽しい時間を過ごせました。
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Packages: | 9:00出港(シュノーケル2.5時間) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/12/30 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/28 |
Reviewed by: Leah
Took this tour 6 years ago and had the most amazing experience. So I had to do it again. This tour offers the best of Big Island because you get to see Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. We saw lots of turtles at black sand beach and an actual rainbow at Rainbow Falls! Our guide Brent was very informative and helpful.
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Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2023/12/24 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/23 |
Reviewed by: Balazs P.
An absolutely fabulous experience, feeling the wind while the endless lava fields pass by below our feet. Photos without glare, a dream!
High safety, perfect pax care, highly recommended to anyone.
Many thanks!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2023/12/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/17 |
Reviewed by: Megan O
We had 6 adults and 2 toddlers, this was the perfect activity for all of us to do. Short enough, interesting and interactive.
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/12/17 |
Activity Date: | 2023/11/26 |
Reviewed by: Questing Beast
Fun and exciting. Nice view of the ocean and beaches. Saw lots of fish, a green turtle, an eel, and amazing coral. Staff was very knowledgeable. Of the two glass bottom trips I took, this was by far my favorite. was the one with the most fish.
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Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/12/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/11 |
Reviewed by: Kim A
We had such a great time! The crew was so nice. We had a great snorkel day, saw lots of fish. The water activities were a great bonus. The slide and platform were fun too! We went as a couple but great for families/children also. Had pastries and yogurt for breakfast, burgers for lunch, and cash bar open the entire time. I do wish for the price at least 1 drink could be included, but it was still a great time. We even saw some dolphins following our boat shortly before docking at the end
Thank you for joining us! We are thrilled that you had a five star experience!
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Packages: | Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/12/13 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/08 |
Reviewed by: MK姉妹
ハワイらしいショーが見たいと、妹と選んだショーでした。すごく沢山の参加者に驚きながらスタッフさんに案内され、その時の対応がとても良かった。風が強くてビックリでしたが 華やかなショーに参加できて、選んで良かったと思いました。素敵な思い出が出来ました。飲み物、食事、お出迎えのレイ素敵でした。
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Packages: | 一般席 |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/12/09 |
Activity Date: | 2023/11/14 |
Reviewed by: れな
午前の部の2.5時間のツアーに参加しました。
参加者は12名で多国籍で、日本人は私たちのみでした。ガイドさんは女性2名でした。
英語がほとんど話せないので不安でしたが、ガイドのジャッキーさんが親切で、ジェスチャーを使ってゆっくりと話してくれたり、時折日本語を混ぜて、気にかけてくださいました。同意書も日本語版がありました。
乗馬経験に合わせて、相性が良い馬を選んで貰えます。私は長谷川潤さんも乗ったことがある、ストーミーに乗りました!初めにレクチャーを受け、馬に水を飲ませて、出発です!
乗馬は、とても広大な土地で歩いたり、走ったり、途中和牛がいたり、杉の木があったりガイドもして貰えました。天気も景色も良くて、とても気持ちが良かったです。本当に広い土地でしたが、2.5時間があっという間でした。走るのが怖ければ、ゆっくり歩くこともできます。途中景色が良いスポットでグループ単位で写真撮影もして貰えます。
走らせる時は馬を蹴り、止まる時はロープを引っ張り、馬に乗っている時に踵を下にすることを気をつければ、ある程度大丈夫だと思います。
本当に充実した2.5時間で、ハワイ島のような広大な場所でしか体験できないような素晴らしい体験でした。また絶対にやりたいです。
ガイドのお二人と参加者の方とお馬に感謝です。ありがとうございました。
また、ベルトラの方が時間変更や日程調整などとても丁寧に対応してくださり、ありがたかったです。
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Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/12/06 |
Activity Date: | 2023/12/02 |
Reviewed by: Gonzalez
Staff, dancers, food and everyone involved was amazing!
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Packages: | Premium Package - Alii Seating |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/11/23 |
Activity Date: | 2023/11/21 |
Reviewed by: Mpy14
The tour was very well organized and very well planned. I felt I saw so much and learned a lot about the culture and history of the island. Jim was full of interesting information and made the trip memorable Fun group.
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2023/11/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/11/19 |
Tips and suggestions
Reply from activity provider
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Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for your 5-Star review. Glad you had a great time. I appreciate your comments about our guides too. We have great guides and they do a great job. Mahalo.