(All Reviews) Best of Hawaii for First-Timers (Best Things to Do in Hawaii), Big Island tours & activities, fun things to do in Big Island | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Best of Hawaii for First-Timers in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.44 4.44 / 5

Reviews

323 reviews

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Amazing stargazing!

Reviewed by: Joe

My tour guide, James, was great! He was informative, kind, patient and made the experience fun. Seeing the sunset on a volcano summit and then stargazing afterwards is a bucket list thing that everyone should do! Unforgettable!!!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 4

Tips and suggestions

The altitude is a bit much. I felt dizziness several times, but it was manageable.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2025/01/06
Activity Date: 2024/12/22

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Outstanding experience!

Reviewed by: Seema

We had a wonderful time with James! He explained things thoroughly! He did not try to rush us in any way, and took lots of nice pictures! I would highly recommend taking stargazing tour with Hawaiian eyes!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2024/12/29
Activity Date: 2024/12/25

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Breathtaking sunset and star gaze!

Reviewed by: Ziying C

We took the tour on 12/24/2024. It was a full car but very friendly and nice guests together! The eruption was very stunning and the star gaze - wow!
Our guide James is very helpful patient and good at photo shooting as well. He can also speak a little Japanese. Parka jackets saved our lives for sure.
The overall trip experience was excellent. The sandwich was surprisingly good as well.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2024/12/26
Activity Date: 2024/12/24

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Awesome experience

Reviewed by: Swapped

Host was really good, very polite and understanding.

The sandwiches were good, and the hot coco while stargazing, was delicious cherry on top of the whole experience.

The only issue I would complain about is the vehicle, because the space was really cramped up and it was a struggle to get in and out of the vehicle. Many from the back of the vehicle complained about the air conditioning, but I didn’t feel any discomfort, even though I was in the last row

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 4

Comfort & well-being: 4

Tips and suggestions

I would recommend adding details of the vehicle, and leg space availability.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2024/12/23
Activity Date: 2024/12/21

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Great Memories!!!

Reviewed by: An amazing time!

My husband and I had a great time in the tour. We were picked up on time and the guide made the trip to the summit entertaining and we learned many different things about Hawaii during that time.
The sunset at the summit is breathtaking and our guide was prepared to take pictures that he later shared with all of us!
It got cold after the sunset…. so be ready. The hot chocolate while stargazing was a very nice addition!

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2024/12/21
Activity Date: 2024/11/30

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Excellent Tour Guide James

Reviewed by: Eric M.

James who was the tour guide was very nice and thoughtful in providing anything we needed and gave a very informative details about Mauna Kea and the surrounding areas. He was also very helpful in pointing out specific constellations during the star gazing tour. He offered and took pictures of us with our phones. I really enjoyed the tour and highly recommend anyone who comes to The Big Island of Hawaii to take this tour and hopefully James will be assigned as your tour guide.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2024/12/04
Activity Date: 2024/12/02

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Stunning and otherworldly views

Reviewed by: Briza Del Villar

This was such an amazing experience. I felt like I was on another planet and our guide James was such an awesome guy. I’m hoping to experience this again in the future soon

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Weather: Sunny
Posted on: 2024/11/30
Activity Date: 2024/11/27

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Excellent Guide - knowledgeable and helpful

Reviewed by: Ravinder

The best part is the guide took excellent pictures of everyone with the sunset and stars.

Very knowledgeable and answered all questions. Was very considerate and made sure all were ok during the trip.

Setup the telescope very well - we could see the rings of Saturn very clearly.

Local customer service: 5

Location & environment: 5

Schedule & duration: 5

Equipment & facilities: 5

Comfort & well-being: 5

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Weather: Cloudy
Posted on: 2024/11/14
Activity Date: 2024/11/12

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset Stargazing Tour

Reviewed by: Joan

Our guide, Koki, did a fabulous job with the Sunset photos for each of us at the summit and also a great job getting everyone's photo with the stars. He was an excellent driver and went slowly on the bumpy gravel part of the drive.

Because Koki's Japanese dialect is not something most English speaking people understand, he needs to speak more slowly and distinctly. I had a great deal of trouble understanding him - seems like I could only catch 4 out of every 10 words, and that is not something I expected on this tour. Granted, out of the 10 people, there were 2 Japanese men and Koki spent a lot of time on the way home speaking only to them in Japanese.

So, I had very mixed feelings about this tour. I come to Hawaii at least a couple times a year and I would definitely ask more questions about the guide and his speaking and understanding ability before I take my nest tour.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2024/11/11
Activity Date: 2024/11/09

Kona Manta Ray Snorkel & Night Dive Tour at Keauhou Bay - Sea Paradise

Six Amazing Mantas and Rolling Waves

Reviewed by: Jackie

Night snorkeling with the manta rays was incredible! We had a wonderful show from six different rays the entire time we were in the water. The guides were all very friendly and helpful. They assist with wetsuits before you board, then assist with masks onboard, and assist with floating noodles and less-experienced swimmers while in the water.

A word of warning - the water (and subsequently, the boat) were rolling intensely once we left the dock. And once you leave the dock, there is nowhere to go to get away from the rolling. Several individuals succumb to seasickness on our cruise. Not sure if maybe the ocean was just rough on our night, or if this amount of rocking is normal. Either way, I would advise caution if you are sensitive to motion sickness or vertigo.

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour]
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2024/10/06
Activity Date: 2024/09/29

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Great experience

Reviewed by: Tyner

The location, the food, and entertainment was amazing. Truly worth your time and money for this experience. Would go again. My family enjoyed this. The breeze off the water felt heavenly. Go you will not regret it.

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/09/19
Activity Date: 2024/08/21

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Unforgettable experience

Reviewed by: David D

Todd, our guide, was great. Great driving up the steep dirt road. Great info about the geology, topography, observatories, constellations and more. Engaging, informative. All the other details too - nice sandwich, hot beverage and clothing for the cold. Did I forget to mention the views? Fantastic views of the sun setting into the Pacific and a clear night sky.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/09/11
Activity Date: 2024/09/09

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Nice experience

Reviewed by: Rahul

Guide was very informative and friendly. I recommend this trip.

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/09/03
Activity Date: 2024/08/09

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Fun

Reviewed by: Kara

Smaller than luaus we have seen on other islands, but that did not take away from the love the crew puts into it!

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/09/01
Activity Date: 2024/07/03

野生のマンタ シュノーケリングツアー <英語ガイド/軽食付き>

目の前をマンタが泳ぐのが見えた。

Reviewed by: RygerSeven

夕方六時十五分。ハーバーに集合。トイレは近くの公衆トイレのみ。きれいではない。乗船して近くのポイントに行く。船の中でブリーフィングをするが、英語が分からなくても何とかなると思う。十五分ほどの移動でポイントにつく。マスクとシュノーケルは貸してくれるが、度付きではないので、視力が悪い人は自分のマスクを用意することをお勧めする。船の後部から海に降りる。一メートルほどの長さの浮き具をもって水上に固定してある金属製のバーまで泳ぐ。そこで浮き具を足の甲において、両手は金属製のバーを持ち水面に平行になるように浮く。下を眺めるとライトが下方向に照らしているのが分かる。しばらくするとマンタが下から海面に向かって泳いでくる。こちらに向かってくるような感じがして迫力がある。ただひとによっては暗い中でマンタがやってくるので恐怖を感じるかもしれない。小さい子供だと怖がるかもしれない。この体制を一時間ほどする。私は最初の二十分で十分と感じた。残りの四十分は結構長く感じた。一時間ほど海面に浮いてから船に戻り、船の中でトイレを済ませて、飲み物を飲んでから下船した。下船したのは八時過ぎだとおもう。ここからワイコロアまで一時間ほどかかって帰るので、ワイコロアに戻るのは十時前になり、運転手は結構疲れると思う。それでも迫力のあるマンタには満足した。

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Rating:
Packages: サンセットプラン
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2024/08/22
Activity Date: 2024/08/13

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Wonderful experience

Reviewed by: cj

The Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour was amazing. It is a must do and the pictures are a treasure. Our guide was great, took picture that we downloaded and twas very informative.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/08/01
Activity Date: 2024/07/09

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Great tour.. highly recommend

Reviewed by: Tyler W

We Embarked on a magical family stargazing tour in Hawaii! Marvel at the breathtaking night sky, where countless stars twinkle above. We Learned about constellations and celestial wonders from knowledgeable guides. We Created unforgettable memories together as we connected with the universe and each other under the enchanting Hawaiian night. A must-experience adventure! Awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome
️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️️

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2024/07/31
Activity Date: 2024/07/29

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Luau at hotel

Reviewed by: Kara

Was a good evening, was smaller than I imagined but none the less the crew puts in the work!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/07/21
Activity Date: 2024/06/25

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Awesome show!

Reviewed by: Maverlynchance

Great service and fantastic dancing! We loved the entire show and Dinner! Fire dance was great at the end!

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2024/07/19
Activity Date: 2024/07/17

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Honeymoon luau

Reviewed by: Erin

This was the most perfect event. We has a great time celebrating our honeymoon.

  • Matching at the Luau

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/07/18
Activity Date: 2024/07/12

伝統ルアウ&フラ・ハワイアンショー ボイジャーズ・オブ・ザ・パシフィック(ロイヤルコナリゾート内)<月・火・水・金催行/ブッフェ夕食/飲み放題/シェルレイ付>

少しがっかり

Reviewed by: パンダ

時間通りに行きましたが、案内があまりなくどうしていいかもわからず、ドリンクも何も分からずあたふたしました。日本語が通じないのは仕方ないけどスタッフも笑顔もないし。雨が降り始めてからの案内もなく部屋に戻りました。
食事もハワイ料理だと思いますが、味もいまいち。少しガッカリでした。

  • いまいち

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Rating:
Packages: Test Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/07/08
Activity Date: 2024/07/05

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Absolutely amazing!

Reviewed by: Phil

Francis was a really fun guide and took care of us really well, making sure we were all doing okay with the high elevation. Sunset was gorgeous, seeing the moon through an 80x telescope was really cool, watching the stars come out was great. If you have a choice, go during a new moon, we had about 70% moon and it created a lot of light pollution in the sky. The other guide (Tom?) was really good at pointing out all the main constellations, even naming some of them in various different languages since we had a mixed ethnic group. Very knowledgeable. Phenomenal, phenomenal tour.

  • Sunset above the clouds at 13,800 feet elevation

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/06/18
Activity Date: 2024/06/16

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Wonderful experience

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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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2024/02/04
Activity Date: 2024/02/02

伝統ルアウ&フラ・ハワイアンショー ボイジャーズ・オブ・ザ・パシフィック(ロイヤルコナリゾート内)<月・火・水・金催行/ブッフェ夕食/飲み放題/シェルレイ付>

夕陽をバックに素晴らしいダンスを見ることができました。

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

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Amazing experience! Great tour guide!

Reviewed by: Harish

We had an amazing experience and time on this trip. Our tour guide, Stefan, was deeply knowledgeable, fun and friendly. The tour started on time and went out perfect. They provided mitts and coats which kept us warm along with hot chocolate. It was a great evening with no clouds. The views were unforgettable. Five stars, would book again!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/11/24
Activity Date: 2023/10/11

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Once in a lifetime!

Reviewed by: L in Az

This was on my bucket list. My guide was very informative. He took pictures, individual and group pictures of us during sunset and during the stargazing event. Be prepared to bounce around on the dirt road to the summit. Totally enjoyed the hot cocoa and BLT sandwich that was provided.

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Posted on: 2023/11/22
Activity Date: 2023/11/18

Mauna Kea Summit Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Meal, Transportation & Guide

Amazing Experience

Reviewed by: Mikey

The entire experience start to finish was amazing. Wes was our guide and driver and took the time to explain what to expect and educate all of us on the island and the history of Hawai’i! I would recommend this tour to anybody who would like to enjoy the beautiful Mauna Kea! Wes also took the time to take photos of us at sunset and stargazing!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/11/04
Activity Date: 2023/11/02

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Great Entertainment

Reviewed by: John

This was an outstanding dinner and show. Food was delicious and drinks were always being served. You never had to ask for drinks because there was always someone walking by with a tray full. The show was amazing and educational. The Dancers were incredible and the women were beautiful!
I highly recommend it!!

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/10/14
Activity Date: 2023/09/22

Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau with Open Bar - Voyagers of the Pacific Show

Luau with wife and friends

Reviewed by: Will Cutrell

Great evening. Food was excellent and entertainment was even better. Loved the evening with my wife and friends! Venue was perfect with the scenic views.

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/09/09
Activity Date: 2023/08/14

伝統ルアウ&フラ・ハワイアンショー ボイジャーズ・オブ・ザ・パシフィック(ロイヤルコナリゾート内)<月・火・水・金催行/ブッフェ夕食/飲み放題/シェルレイ付>

夕焼を見ながらのショー

Reviewed by: Ludwig

10分前ぐらいに着き、真ん中ぐらいの席に着きました。前方の席は別予約の席となっているようで、選べませんでした。
ホテルの駐車場を利用しましたが、係の人が番号をメモを取っており、安くなったのか?5ドルでした。
ショーは楽しめましたし、料理もハワイらしいもので味は良かったと思います。夕日も素晴らしかったです。
ただ金額からすると品数が少なかったように思いました。

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Rating:
Packages: Test Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/08/16
Activity Date: 2023/08/14
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