I wouldn't give this tour five stars...I give it as many stars as there are in the Mauna Kea sky! This tour was easily the highlight of our trip on the Big Island! We enjoyed every minute of it. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, and to see it from such a high elevation was quite remarkable. I was glad that we had plenty of time before and after the sunset to walk around, take in the view, and get some good pictures.
The dinner was very good but if you don't like lasagna there's a microwave at VIS if you want to bring your own food.
The road to the summit is a bit bumpy, but that's to be expected since it's a volcano. So take motion sickness meds if you're prone to carsickness. And if you get cold easily, definitely bring layers! They provide parkas and gloves but you might also want to bring a hat or scarf and thick socks.
Throughout the tour, the guide provided a very entertaining and educational narrative. It's obvious that he's passionate about Mauna Kea and Hawaii. He's basically a walking encyclopedia of Hawaii and provided all kinds of interesting information about Mauna Kea's geology and history, and also talked about Hawaiian culture and why Mauna Kea is a sacred place. He also did an excellent job of guiding the stargazing and pointing out constellations, star clusters, and planets, most of which we got to see through a telescope. I think my favorite part of the stargazing was getting to see the Andromeda galaxy through the telescope.
If you're going to the Big Island, this tour is a must!
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Attended as: | Couples |
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初めてホエールウォッチングに申し込みました。
英語のガイドでしたが、とても分かりやすく説明してくださって、クジラが見えるポイントまで飽きずに過ごせました。
たまたま親子のクジラにも遭遇出来て、船の真下にいたので、全体も見えてラッキーでした。
飲み物もアルコールがあって、とても良かったです。
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/02/08 |
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This Mauana Kea summit and stargazing tour was phenomenal. The first stop is at the visitor center around 9k feet elevation. Here you can look through a couple telescopes, walk through the museum, and you will be served your hot dinner (we had veggie lasagna and it was good). While you are here it is good to eat and drink alot of water so your body can acclimate to the higher altitudes ahead. Next stop is the summit up to almost 14k feet! The Vans they take up are heavy duty and they need to be because of the rocky road leading up the mountain. I would not reccomend taking a rental/personal vehicle up this mountain. The road is rocky, thin, and windy. The guides for this tour have been doing it for years and know the road well. On the way up the guides will give you some commentary about the mountain which is a cool little history lesson. At the top it is cold and the oxygen is thin, so be ready! They provide you with a winter coat and gloves but I recommend bringing your own hat. The views from the summit are outstanding. Watching the sun set from up there is really remarkable, and you can walk around to the 12 massive telescopes up there to take pictures. After the summit you will descend a couple thousand feet to the star gazing location. With no light pollution and at the high altitude it provides for the star gazing experience of a lifetime. I have never seen the sky lit up so brightly with constellations. The guides will break out a couple of heavy duty telescopes from the vans so you can get an even closer look. They will educate you about the constellations and give alot of really good information. Overall this is an impeccable tour and a must do if you are going to the Big Island!
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Attended as: | Couples |
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We found this trip rather disappointing. It was supposed to last for an hour but we returned to the pier after 50 minutes. In the event we had probably seen all there was to see after 20 minutes. You see rather dull brown/grey coral, some small blue and yellow fish and some sea urchins - No wrays or sharks or anything unusual. In fact the guide started to describe the history of the buildings on the shoreline as we headed back. Not worth the money.
Sorry to hear that you found our tour disappointing. The tour is one hour from when you get on to when you get off, that does mean that it is about 50 min of actual tour time, we appreciate the insight, maybe we can explore making the tour last a bit longer.
The coral in Hawaii is naturally more neutral in color than other places in the world. However, Kona has amazingly clear waters and colorful fish. Many fish are relatively small so they can live on the reef and fit in the cracks and crevices of the coral. We do not guarantee shark and ray sightings. Though, sometimes we see large interesting creatures like that. We are sorry to hear that you are disappointed in what Kona's reef has to offer. Most guests express that they find the natural coral ecosystem to be amazing.
Many passengers are interested in the history of the bay including some of the historic buildings. The time when we are heading back and have a good view of the buildings is the perfect time to discuss it.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/02/06 |
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ハワイ、オアフ島は何度か友人と訪れています。
ただ、火山が見たくて一人初めて別行動で参加させて戴きました。申し込んだ便は中止になり別のコースをお勧めして戴き参加しました。天候の為当初の目的は果たせませんでしたが。ヘリコプターに乗れて一人旅を経験できて楽しかったです。敏速な対応をして頂き安心して参加出来ました。ありがとうございました。
kazu様
この度は体験談をご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
ご希望の回が中止となってしまい、大変申し訳ございません。
しかしながら、弊社のおすすめでもある滝への着陸とともにハワイ島のヘリコプター遊覧をお楽しみいただけましたら幸いです。
綺麗なお写真もご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
またのご利用をお待ちしております。
VELTRAカスタマーサービス
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/17 |
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This is a great way to see Waipio Valley. This was out first time, so it was a great introduction. Hector, our guide, was very knowledgeable, polite, and really helped make the tour great. We only had a short time to see Waipio Valley, and this was a perfect introduction. The value was great. We got to see a large portion of the valley, made several stops along the way along with some interpretive explanations, and saw a lot. I highly recommend this tour, either as one time to see Waipio Valley, or as an introduction before venturing out on your own.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/02/03 |
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A trip into Waipi’o Valley with Douglas as your guide is a time travel to another time. His family is of this place so Douglas understands and shares the insiders perspective, with the added bonus of having access to the valley past the “End of Country Road” sign. Also if you aren’t up for the knee pounding descent and lung busting climb in and out of the valley this is the way to go. Worth mentioning this tour does not go to the beach, It instead works it’s way toward the back of the valley. Definitely a worth while event.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/30 |
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Awesome trip. The driver was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained. I would highly recommend booking the tour as you get the history along with the beautiful sights. We were given alfalfa to feed the wild horses as well as some fresh coconut to eat
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/31 |
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This tour was fun and informative. Hele, our guide, took the time to explain the history of the valley, what grows there and who lives there. He was friendly and personable. We didn’t feel rushed and enjoyed it very much! We are so glad we did it!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/31 |
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The Catamaran ride was very smooth and comfortable. The crew was wonderful and very informative. Once in the water we had seen a large variety of fish and rays. I would highly recommend this adventure.
Aloha,
Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to review us. We are so happy to hear you had a wonderful time with our crew and out on the water. We hope to see you on your next visit :)
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2018/10/09 |
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Great time getting close to beautiful humpback whales ! The tour was well organized, the boat was comfortable and perfect for viewing whales, and the crew was very informative, knowledgeable, and very attentive to everyone’s needs. Really great job !! My wife and I loved it !
Aloha Gerry,
Thanks for taking the time to review your Whale Watch Cruise for the Veltra Community (and us). We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip, and the service and information provided by our crew.
We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the Big Island, and we're honored you chose to spend a morning with us.
We look forward to sharing more adventures with you both the next time you're in "our neighborhood".
Mahalo!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/25 |
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船はかなり揺れるので、最初は歩くのもやっとだけど、食事のときは沖で停泊するので落ち着いていただけます。しかも、この時、マンタが1匹と、イルカもたくさん集まってきました。きっと、歌声が好きだったんじゃないかと思いますお名前は覚えていないけど、最高に美しい声の歌手がずっと生歌を歌っていて、ハワイっぽい曲とか、本当に癒されました。
Veganメニューもあって、ビュッフェも満足でした。
参加者がほぼアメリカ本土から来た人たちばかりで、お酒飲んで大騒ぎするので、せっかく歴史や土地の話をしているのが隣に行っても聞こえないくらいだったけど、とにかく最高のcruisingでした。英語ができないと、何が起こってるか分らなく長く感じるかもしれないけど。
あとは、夕日が少し雲に隠れてしまったのが残念だけど、それでも美しい景色でした。前の便に参加した人たちは、何も出会えなかったそうで、私たちの便は本当に幸運に恵まれました。
この度はVELTRAをご利用いただきありがとうございます。
素敵なお写真もご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
マウイ島の景色はもちろんのこと、お食事や歌手による歌声までお楽しみいただけましたこと、大変うれしく思っております。
次回のご旅行も弊社VELTRAをご利用いただけますと幸いです。
VELTRAカスタマーサポート
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/28 |
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家族4人で参加しました。クルーの方々がみんな気さくで気がつき、快適でした。
サンセットも綺麗だったし、イルカの群れに遭遇して、感動しました!
この度はVELTRAをご利用いただきありがとうございます。
サンセットディナークルーズをお楽しみいただけたようで、大変うれしく思います。
さらにイルカにも遭遇できたとのこと、ラッキーでしたね。
次回のご旅行も弊社VELTRAをご利用いただけますと幸いです。
VELTRAカスタマーサポート
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/24 |
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イルカやくじらに会うこともできて本当にラッキーでした。
ただその日は波が荒く船酔いに…酔い止めお勧めします
この度はVELTRAをご利用いただきありがとうございます。
サンセットディナークルーズをお楽しみいただけたようで、大変うれしく思っております。
クジラやイルカにも遭遇できたとのこと、ラッキーでしたね。
その後、船酔いは大丈夫でしたでしょうか。事前の酔い止め薬の服用をおすすめいたします。
次回のご旅行も弊社VELTRAをご利用いただけますと幸いです。
VELTRAカスタマーサポート
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/31 |
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We had a great time on this tour. We were able to see many different places on the island and our tour guide Awana had great knowledge of the island. The tour is a lot of driving but the van is decently comfortable and they have frequent stops to get out and stretch.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/20 |
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Unforgettable experience. Amazing views. Excellent services.
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
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サーフィンを英語で教えてもらいながらしました。すぐ波に乗れて楽しかったです。写真も撮ってくれました。
ラッシュガードは長袖をおすすめします。私は半袖だったので、日焼けしてしまいました。
オフィスで誓約書にサインしたり、パドリングや立ち方を教わりました。
レッスン場所までの移動は各々でということだったので、TAXiを呼ぼうと思ったら、一緒にレッスンに参加していたLAのアメリカ人の御家族が乗せてくれました。日本のことが好きみたいで、パパさんは日本語が書かれていたTシャツを来てました。運が良かった!
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Attended as: | Couples |
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My husband and I booked the Deluxe Circle Island Tour with Kailani Tours online @hawaiiactivities.com a few weeks before we left for our 20th anniversary on the Big Island. We loved our driver/tour guide Alana from the beginning...she was so personable, caring and knowledgeable (a former teacher). The Mercedes van was very comfortable for the 7 people on our tour and we were well provided for with plenty of water and snacks (even with my gluten free limitations). The tour was fabulous, from the Kona Joe coffee farm, lunch/tour at Volcanoes Natl Park, amazing Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, all the way to Rainbow Falls (yes, we saw a rainbow there) and beautiful Akaka Falls! It was great to see the highlights of the island at the beginning of our vacation to get the "lei" of the land so to speak, on the Big Island. This way the remainder of our trip could be spent leisurely exploring the Kohala Coast where we were staying. We highly recommend it to everyone!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
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Great crew! Great boat! Great time! A fun time! Thanks so much!
Aloha,
Thanks for joining us! We hope you'll think of us on your next visit to the islands. Until then, A hui hou!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/16 |
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魚があまりいなく、色もカラフルでなく若干残念でしたが、良い体験はできました。ありがとうございました・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/12 |
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普段は穏やからしいですが、たまたま風が強く、結構船が揺れて酔ってしまいました(私は酔いやすい方で酔い止めは飲んでいたのですが…)。他は皆さん大丈夫そうでした。
とても気持ちいい海風で、沖へ出ると、マウナケアの山の景色がきれいに見れました。
初めは少し遠目にしか見れませんでしたが、帰り間際に至近距離でクジラが来てくれて、感動しました。外国人スタッフの方が、クジラを呼び寄せる信号?みたいなのを海中で送ってくれてました。貴重な体験でした!
Mahalo! We loved having you aboard (and thank you for sharing the photo too)!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/14 |
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母二人、二歳の男の子二人での参加でした!
二人とも酔い止めを飲んでいたせいか、寝てしまい、ちょうどいいところで見れませんでしたが、母達は動けない中でもちらっと見ることが出来ました!
スタッフの方も、動けない私たちに飲み物を持ってきてくれたりと親切でした。
朝早くだったので、おにぎりを持参していきました。
船上はグラノーラだけでしたので、待ち時間に持参したおにぎりを食べれて良かったです。
出発するとすごく揺れるので、集合してから船乗するまでの待ち時間に食するとベストだと思います。
Mahalo for joining us!
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Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/17 |
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The tour was wonderful! Rob, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had plenty of time at each of the stops, and really got to explore the island. The hikes in Volcanoes National Park were easy, and we got to see a variety of areas and sites. The waterfalls and black sand beach in the afternoon were beautiful. Absolutely loved the day and the tour!
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Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/06 |
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This tour is very good for aged people and Baby. Everyone can enjoy.
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/02 |
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The total experience is awesome! We had a looong day without questions. But the guider made sure the tour was full of fun, stories and care, we didn't feel exhausted.
Started from the lava cave, which is cooler than I expected. Black beach is beautiful. The newly formed lava flow is stunning, also sad when we heard stories from local residents, sorry for their loss. Didn't spend much time in the national volcano park, but it was exactly what we needed, also good timing enjoying the sunset there. 3-courses dinner in the volcano house was perfect, with yummy food and wonderful view overlooking the whole crater. Last but not least, stunning stargazing with professional telescope. Sorry I'm terrible at remembering people's name, thanks very much, our lovely & kind & interesting driver & guider!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/14 |
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くじらは背びれが少し見えました。
ただ、船に乗って揺れている時間と、見れた感動を比較すると、ちょっと厳しいかなー。
もっとクジラがたくさん見れるとか、近くに行けると違うかもしれないですが。
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/26 |
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サンセットとても綺麗で最高でした。が、客船タイプディナーがお粗末で評価は少しがっかり。
また、別の店でディナーしました。
この度はVELTRAをご利用いただきありがとうございます。
サンセットクルーズをお楽しみいただけたようで大変うれしく思います。
お食事はお客様のご希望にお答えすることができず申し訳ございません。
船上での限られたご提供となりますこと、ご理解いただけますと幸いです。
次回のご旅行も弊社VELTRAをご利用いただけますと幸いです。
VELTRAカスタマーサポート
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2020/01/02 |
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透明度抜群の穏やかなケアラケクア湾でシュノーケリングは子供も楽しめました。我々は運良くイルカの群れに遭遇し、我々が乗っている船とイルカの集団が追いかけっこしていました。可愛かった!
船の2階デッキは見晴らし抜群ですが、船は2階の方が相当揺れます。シュノーケリング場所までの片道1時間で、普段は全く船酔いしない同乗者さえグッタリする程でした。
昼食は船内で行われた簡単なバーベキュー。アメリカンな大味ですが、それも含め楽しんでしまえばこっちのもの。ただ、表記されていた事から想像していたのと実際には違ったのはソフトドリンクは炭酸だけである事、トロピカルフルーツジュースではなくトロピカルカクテル(アルコールドリンク)だった事です。
英語オンリーの白人多めのツアーですから日本人ばかりのツアーにちょっと辟易して、海外に来たぞという気分を味わいたい方にはオススメです。
あと、シュノーケル場所は波が穏やかなのでシュノーケリング初体験者や幼稚園児以上の年齢のお子様がいらっしゃるご家族にもいいかもしれません。
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Attended as: | Families |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/31 |
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Great experience all around. We arrived, check in process was super efficient and we got onto the boat and in the water on time. The crew was well coordinated and found the optimal spot for us to view some mantas.
We saw two total, one passing by several times and very closely (belly almost touching our light board).
Really special experience.
Thanks Sea Quest!
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Attended as: | Couples |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/30 |
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キングカメカメハホテルに滞在していたのと、フラを習っているので参加しました。
他の方も書かれているように、リコンファームは必要ないかと思います。
17時頃に行くと長蛇の列。
殆どが外国の方でした。
海からカヌーでの登場は他のルアウショーにはなく、とても素敵でした。
お料理は普通に美味しかったです。
ショーの内容も迫力があって楽しめました。
現代フラのショーもあったら尚良かったかな。
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Attended as: | Friends |
Activity Date: | 2019/12/03 |
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Reply from activity provider
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Mahalo! We're so happy you were able to join us aboard!