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: Kate
It's not every day you can say you saw new earth being formed in front of your eyes. We loved seeing the glow of lava at night. Not many places you can do this in the world.
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Packages: | Private Tour (up to 12 passengers) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/22 |
Reviewed by: Anita & Wilf
Madi is the perfect tour guide! She has great knowledge of the volcanos, loves answering everyone’s questions, and has a bubbly personality that makes it impossible to not have fun!! It was a long day, but everything is worth seeing. Walking through a lava tube is an amazing experience and my personal favourite. My hubby enjoyed the whole volcano park experience. To top it off they feed you all day, so it’s impossible to go hungry. Thank you so much and we’ll recommend this tour to everyone we know! Well worth the money!
Mahalo for the kind words about Madi and your experience! We strive for all of our guests to have this enjoyment with us!
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Packages: | Twilight Standard Package with Night Lava Viewing [Temporarily Not Available] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
Reviewed by: Billb
The entertainment was first rate and the food was surprisingly good. You don’t expect food served to hundreds of people at once to be hot and tasty but they have the logistics well organized and the buffet line moves fast.
The fire stick dancers were excellent, and the whole evening had a very authentic feel.
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Packages: | Standard Package - General Seating |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/15 |
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: Anne
We had driven around the island before taking our helicopter fight. What an amazing perspective to see it from above. This should be on everyone's list.
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/04 |
Activity Date: | 2022/03/23 |
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
We weren't sure what to expect with this dolphin interaction but it was amazing. You can tell the care the trainers have for the dolphins and it was a very well run operation helping to build awareness about the local conservation efforts to protect Hawaii's marine life.
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Packages: | 30-min Encounter Deluxe (Ages 5+) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/07/21 |
Reviewed by: Jim
We really enjoyed our full day tour filled with waterfalls, visiting volcanoes national park and capping it off with a stargazing tour at the end. Our guide was good but would have liked him to relate more of his stories to our grandaughter. When we did the stargazing, he was great. You could tell this was his passion.
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Packages: | North Route: Akaka Falls, Volcano National Park, Lava Glow Watching & Stargazing |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/07/22 |
Reviewed by: Jim
We had a great time on this cruise. Sipping cocktails, watching the sun slip beneath the ocean, looking for the legendary green flash. A perfect evening.
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Packages: | Waikoloa Sunset Sail |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/01 |
Reviewed by: Jim
Wow, wow, wow. There is no better way to see the Big Island than from a helicopter. We felt like we were floating in the air and taking in unbelievable sights. The waterfall landing was the perfect ending to an amazing day.
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular with Oceanfront Waterfall Landing (2 hours 5 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/02/03 |
Activity Date: | 2022/11/04 |
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: Brett
Perfect family friendly glass bottom boat tour. At ~35 min, perfect length for our four-year old.
Staff very friendly, marine expert was great at pointing out the different species and interesting traits.
Tour also launches from a very nice, calm protected beach which would be worth visiting again, as the calm waters would allow even the youngest children the chance to walk and splash in the water with maybe a few small fish swimming by.
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Packages: | Waikoloa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/01/30 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/28 |
Reviewed by: Tom
We had a wonderful experience with Tiana as our helicopter pilot. She was extremely skilled at flying and was a wealth of information regarding the areas we were flying over.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Posted on: | 2023/01/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/26 |
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: Jason
My family included two children and two seniors; thus reserved this trip as it was less strenuous (lower altitude, shorter time). Thought we'd see some stars and hear some stories, and was worried whether my family members would find it interesting.
Actual experience threw my expectations out the window. We usually see stars in pictures, in a way that makes them feel abstract and unreal. The way James showed us the stars made them feel so real and close. And it was totally awesome not just for me, but for everyone! We did quite a few activities on the island, and this was easily the most memorable.
One piece of advice; it is very very cold up there. I wore my pajamas under my pants and the thick down jacket James gave me, but was still shivering after about an hour. Dress very warmly, cuz this is worth it!
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Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/15 |
Reviewed by: まっきー
素敵な雰囲気の会場で伝統的なルアウやミュージックショーを楽しめました。ファイヤーダンス含め素晴らしかったです。
席は相席のようになっており、混んでいると少し落ち着かないです。
またビュッフェも味はまぁまぁでした。
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Packages: | 一般席 |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/21 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/30 |
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: Katherine Y.
This trip was such a convenient way to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I think it can be a bit daunting when planning trips to the different islands for the first time especially considering location of places, terrain, the type of vehicle you may need, parking, and the length of the trip. So I would say this is a great way to get a taste for a bunch of different activities to do on the big island.
It will take about 13 hours to complete the whole trip and the temp will be warm during the day and cold at night so be prepared. Luckily the company does provide windbreakers and fleece jackets for the cooler temperatures. Our tour guide Aaron was great! He was very friendly and helpful. He is very knowledgeable about the history, environment, landscape, and so much more! Thanks so much for touring us around, Aaron. We appreciate it so much.
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/12 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/10 |
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: Gitika
Todd was great, he went out of his way to make it a great experience for us. He set up his own telescope for the group to get a good look at the stars and moon. He was very knowledgeable and extremely patient. We were also lucky enough to catch the eruption making the trip really great
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/06 |
Reviewed by: Gitika
Byron and Monique were awesome, they put at ease with their humourous banter. Great views of the 250ft waterfall, would highly recommend
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Packages: | Zipline Tour (7-Line Course) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/05 |
Reviewed by: Jason
Bundle up and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Hawaii. The tour ran in a very timely fashion starting with the pickup time and getting to all the sites on site. Our guide was very informative but didn't overwhelm us with information either. The view of the sunset and stargazing just speak for themselves. Nothing short of spectacular and definitely a worthwhile experience.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/01/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/04 |
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
Rating: | |
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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
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/01/06 |
Activity Date: | 2022/12/29 |
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Mahalo, Kate!