Reviewed by: Sophia
Pros: It was worthwhile to do this tour to see the entire Big Island all in one day, without having to do any driving. Adam was very informative and shared many Hawaiian mythical stories along the way. Enjoyed the extra stops at the bakery for Malasadas, the driver got us all plain ones, and the fruit stand we stopped at, at the end.
Cons: many errors due to the fact that Veltra books the tour, through the Hawaii Activities, but they don’t run the tour. So the lunch options were not the options listed when we booked. They called to clarify the meals for our group and still got the lunches completely wrong. No chicken on the salads, not enough sandwiches and too many plain veggie salads. Also, we booked a private tour. We booked a private tour. The website said private tour up to 10, we had 9, so we were under the impression we would be the only group on the tour. This was not the case! There was a group of three in the van when it arrived to pick us up. And the other group had much better looking lunches than ours for some reason. Another disappointing thing was that it was rainy and cold for the volcano portion of the tour. Our tour guide informed us that rainy weather is very very common at the volcano park and near Hilo. We were all dressed for warm weather and we were all freezing for a large part of the tour. Our van had 6 rain jackets, but 12 passengers. It would have been very helpful if the person that called to confirm the tour would have told us there is a chance it might be rainy. One last thing, we accidentally left some candy purchases on the tour bus, we called the company, but have not heard back about retrieving these purchases.
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Packages: | Private Tour from Kona/ Kohala (up to 10 passengers) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/06 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/04 |
Reviewed by: Summerlover71
We loved all the cultural dances and the food was amazing! Great experience on our honeymoon.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/03 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Ravenclaw
This experience is one of a kind - having manta rays come right up to you as they feed on plankton in the bay! We were provided with a wet suit (top only for adults, body suit for children), snorkel, and mask.
Once anchored, you will slip into the water at the back of the boat, swim over to the lighted surfboards with handles, grip the handles and let your body float flat on the surface. They will give you a pool noodle to help with this. The manta rays will come right up to the surfboard and gently roll over as they feed on plankton that the light illuminates. I will add that it may seem like a short amount of time (about 30 minutes), but by the time they brought us in, I had started to get cold and my arms started aching from holding the handles the whole time. It was worth it for the experience.
If you are not a strong swimmer, they will offer to help you.
All the members of the crew on my boat were great! Very friendly and helpful. Thank you so much!
My one concern is regarding the number of other boats and people also participating in the same activity. There were quite a few and my concern was for the safety and protection of the manta rays. However, it does seem that the manta rays are not in danger and gain something out of the experience themselves because it provides a better opportunity for feeding that they would not have otherwise. The crew also show a great respect and love for them as well.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/02 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/31 |
Reviewed by: Meg
We had the best time, the crew was fantastic, nice boat, brand new wetsuits, we enjoyed this trip so much. And the hot chocolate after the swim was a perfect touch! We saw I think 5-7 mantas and they were with us the entire dive.
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/08/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/11 |
Reviewed by: P.
The manta rays were incredible to swim with and the crew did an excellent job. You are taken care of the moment you get on to the boat until the moment you get back. This adventure takes you out with light boards to see the manta rays come swim around you. It was well done.
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/31 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/29 |
Reviewed by: Kristy
First tour we had on our trip and it was awesome! The crew was very informative and friendly. Can’t wait to go again! The fresh pineapple they served us was a wonderful end to the trip. Scott definitely knew his stuff!
Aloha for joining us!
Dolphins always give us different pictures and great experiences.
Please come back, we are looking forward to seeing you again!
Mahalo
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Packages: | Snorkel Cruise & Dolphin Watch Experience |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/31 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/29 |
Reviewed by: Jesse
I so wanna go again. Very fun and entertaining.
Love the food and music and dancing.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/28 |
Reviewed by: Donna W.
Amazing crew who shared humor, but were extremely focused on safety and total enjoyment for each guest. Thank you Captain Scott, Bryce, and the entire Ikuka Team for this amazing experience. We will definitely be returning. Mahalo!
Thank you for joining with us and beautiful Manta Ray shots!
We are looking forward to seeing you again!
A hui hou
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/27 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/25 |
Reviewed by: Eileen
My husband and I had a great time on this sunset cruise! The staff were fantastic and the views were spectacular! Highly recommend
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/25 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/23 |
Reviewed by: Ninnette H
This was such an awesome experience! My family and I had such a great time. It was a little scary at first but you get over it really quick once you see the mantas! The crew was also awesome. They made everyone comfortable and constantly checked on us to make sure we were on in the water! 10/10!
Thank you for your nice picture!
People sometimes feel scared first in the dark Ocean but no need to worry.
Manta Rays flip in the blue light is so beautiful.
Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/24 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/03 |
Reviewed by: Jen B
Great crew, gorgeous day for a sail. Plenty of flying fish, dolphin sightings and even a few whales!
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Packages: | 2-Hour Dolphin Watch & Kona Snorkel Private Charter (up to 6 passengers) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/23 |
Activity Date: | 2020/11/08 |
Reviewed by: Sydnie
Brendan and Morgan were lovely, great story tellers and funny jokes. Overall 11/10 cannot recommend enough
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Packages: | 5-hour South Kona Expedition with Lunch (3 Snorkel Stops) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/23 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/21 |
Reviewed by: Roxene Gascoigne
This has been the most thrilling adventure ever snorkeling with this big creatures!!! Loved it and loved the reggae music on the boat ride out to the snorkel area.
Aloha
Thank you for your beautiful photos.
Yeah, Mantas are amazing!
Please come again.
Mahalo!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/07/20 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/19 |
Reviewed by: Paul Miller
First Ill start and say the Rays were awesome. So many showed up and the crew was teaching us facts while we were out there.
The beginning was a little different though. When we arrived at the shop it was very unorganized, the area to get a wet suite top was very dark and scattered, there was very little instruction getting on boat and captain didn't seem to really wanna be there.
I would pick a different company if we did it again.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Moonlight Manta Snorkel (Seasonal) |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/14 |
Reviewed by: Emily
This excursion was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! I’ve been to the Big Island 4 times prior and never did this, but I now highly recommend it! It will truest blow your mind to see these beautiful creatures! Trever, Diego, Captain Wayne and all the other crew that I can’t remember their name, sorry, were very helpful and knowledgeable about the Manta Rays. The rays came within inches of us! Very cool! Highly recommend!
Thank you very much!
Mantas swim in a relaxed matter, and come close and turn around under the blue light.
It is very mystical experience !
Please don't miss out when you visit Kona.
Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/16 |
Reviewed by: Jalise Kerkenbush
So Beautiful and our guide was so friendly!!! It felt like I was in a different world!!
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Packages: | Pick-up from Waikoloa Hotels |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/21 |
Reviewed by: Mary
Wonderful and fun crew! Enjoyed a leisurely evening cruise ending with a beautiful sunset.
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/17 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/15 |
Reviewed by: S. Rowland
Great pilot and staff - very warm and made us feel comfortable for our first helicopter ride. Loved all the sites, learning about the Island and seeing the transitions of the landscapes - so beautiful. We would definitely recommend Blue Hawaiian!
A couple thoughts:
- Can you add another bathroom to have the lines more manageable?
- You mentioned in the notes it can get chilly on the helicopter (thus I thought there might be open windows!). In fact I found it a little too warm. I relaxed and got comfortable, but found that info slightly misleading.
Thanks,
S. Rowland
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Packages: | Big Island Spectacular (1 hr 45 mins) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/15 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/07 |
Reviewed by: Melissa Wheelock
This was definitely a highlight of our trip!
Captain Morgan and his crew were awesome. They made sure we had the best experience; anchoring the boat away from the larger boats packed with fellow snorkelers whenever possible. They were knowledgeable and friendly! Highly recommend.
Aloha Melissa,
Mahalo for the wonderful review and recommendation. We are ecstatic to hear you had a great experience with us and we hope to see you on your next visit to the islands. Until then, A hui hou!
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Packages: | Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Glenn
Crew was great, energetic and attentive. Such an amazing experience, I found myself holding my breath as I felt these magnificent manta rays swim under me.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/12 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/10 |
Reviewed by: Emily
For a list minute booking, this experience was amazing. The entire crew was very knowledgeable and helpful. We saw so many manta rays up close and personal. They are such majestic creatures. One of the best moments of our entire trip!
Aloha Emily,
Yes, they are coming so close enough to touch!
We are so glad you enjoyed the tour and spend a great time with Manta Rays.
Mahalos
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/11 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Gina and Zachary
The day on the Spirit of Aloha was amazing! Doug, the captain was great! He is fun and funny, and he made us feel safe the entire time. Faith and Cole are two of the crew that work on the boat! What great people! We saw a turtle, eel, and spinner dolphins who swam alongside the boat! I definitely recommend this trip for anyone wanting to have a great day!
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Packages: | Snorkel Sail |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/11 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/09 |
Reviewed by: Danielle
Show itself was pretty good. Food was just ok. Happy there was a kids food table. Disappointed there was a small desert selection
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/10 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/15 |
Reviewed by: Amanda
My husband and I had a great time. He was 12 weeks out from recovering from a pelvic reconstruction surgery and the staff were so accommodating! He enjoyed the boat ride and made it into the water for one snorkel spot! I even got inked on by an octopus! Great day on the water with attentive staff!
Aloha Amanda,
Mahalo Nui Loa for the wonderful review. It sounds like an amazing day, it's not too often we get to spot an octopus! We hope to have the pleasure of you joining us on your next visit!
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Packages: | Deluxe Morning Snorkel Cruise with 2 Snorkel Stops, Breakfast & Lunch [4.5 hrs] |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/10 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Mary A.
Hank was a wonderful guide and truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a great day! Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting an introduction to the island!
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Packages: | Private Tour from Kona/ Kohala (up to 10 passengers) |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/05 |
Reviewed by: MSAL
We had a blast with the sightseeing tour. The driver was very friendly and took us all around the beautiful valley. Comfortable ride.
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Packages: | Waipio Valley Shuttle & Off-Road Tour Package |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/07/06 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/11 |
Reviewed by: Wendy
We went on the sunset cruise and had a great experience. The crew/guides were knowledgeable, fun and helpful. When we got in the water, they knew where to take us for the best viewing.
The Manta Ray's were so cool to see. This should be on your must do activity list. I would recommend it over a regular day time snorkel trip. However, next time I would do the later night time trip. The Manta Rays seem to be more active the later it gets.
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2021/07/03 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/01 |
Reviewed by: Adam H
Couldn’t have asked for a better trip. Capt Mike, Faith, Brandon and Rob were the height of professionalism yet still made it fun. They were knowledgeable of the area, sailing and were very personable. They made it their mission to make sure we were happy, comfortable and filled with liquid refreshment. Sunset was out of this world and different experience then watching it from land. You won’t regret a single minute on this boat!
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Packages: | Waikoloa Sunset Sail |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/28 |
Reviewed by: Shankar
Great friendly staff. They took customer satisfaction to heart and made sure everyone had a great time. Loved it!!!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Sunset Cocktail Cruise |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/06/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/27 |
Reviewed by: Shankar
Staff are super friendly and funny. Loved the experience of going to 150 ft inside the ocean and see the marine life !!!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Kona Submarine |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/06/30 |
Activity Date: | 2021/06/28 |
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Reply from activity provider
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Thank you for joining with us.
We are glad you felt warmth with Hot chocolate, too ;)