Reviewed by: Belinda
Arriving shortly before 6:30 p.m., we were greeted with welcoming smiles and thank-yous for choosing them.
During the 30-minute boat ride to the manta ray sighting, the crew offered us snacks and beverages. Captain ?Louie? showed us a beautiful sunset while waiting to "anchor" until another boat saw a manta ray (we liked it that he wanted to give us the best chance of seeing manta rays). I was feeling a little seasick by then. Once the boat stopped, the crew gave us helpful instructions.
As we jumped into the water, the staff provided help to any who needed guidance to the lighted raft. Not being the best swimmer, I was one who Tamae kindly guided.
Minutes after setup, we saw our first of 6-7 manta rays for the evening. The manta rays were amazing, even though they chose to stay close to the bottom of the ocean that evening!
During the experience, the raft kept bumping my head and shifting my mask (another in my party had the same experience, so the crew should try to avoid giving the corner spot of the raft to anyone), so I had to hold onto the raft rope with one hand and prevent the raft from bumping my head with the other. The combination of the boat ride and the raft bumping caused my motion sickness to literally erupt. Diego and Tamae compassionately led me toward the boat. Diego comforted me, saying not to worry, at least one person each trip became ill. Because I started feeling better, I was able to return to the raft for the last 10 minutes.
Climbing up the ladder into the boat wasn't the easiest thing to do, but both the captain and crew were there to help.
The ride back was breezy but not too cold with a towel wrapped around our shoulders. I'm also glad there was a small bucket for me to use with my motion sickness.
The entire crew was fantastic, helping us all to experience watching the manta rays! Tamae also offered free actual video footage of our adventure.
Thanks for our memorable experience!
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Kara
My family was mesmerized by the port holes! Great sights from the safety of the boat!
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/17 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/05 |
Reviewed by: tacname:taco
初めてのシーカヤックでしたが、スタッフのケアのおかげて、とても楽しめました。
休憩のスナックが切りたてのパイナップル
帰りのエネルギー充填バッチリでした
今回は、妻とタンデムでしたが、次回はシングルで行けそうです。
天候次第なところがあるとおもいますが、楽しいアクティビティだと思います。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/15 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/06 |
Reviewed by: Amy S
This was our family’s first trip to Hawaii and we had an amazing time!! This was the perfect event to close out our stay here!! AMAZING!
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/14 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/12 |
Reviewed by: CJ
We had the best time with the Wahine Charters crew. They were very kind and welcoming! 10/10 recommend!
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Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/07/10 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/08 |
Reviewed by: Gail Cela
We had a lovely time at the Luau. We were celebrating my sons & his friend graduation from High School.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/08 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/18 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Clear bottom viewing which is awesome, our family loved the experience.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/21 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Yummy food and evening full of entertainment! Perfect on a Hawaii getaway
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/07 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/18 |
Reviewed by: Jen
We loved this excursion! The Boat & staff were excellent! Snorkeling was amazing (tons of fish, turtle & an eel) & the boat with the slides & high dive were so fun for my kids!! This was our favorite hawaiin excursion!
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Packages: | Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/03 |
Activity Date: | 2023/07/01 |
Reviewed by: Pete and Tara Hudson
This is our second trip up the mountain with Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour & Sunset Adventure. We were so awed in 2015, we wanted to take it all in again. Of course, we never expected it to be even better than our first experience. Our host/driver/guide, Kea, was excellent! His knowledge of the land, the people, and the culture was extensive and well-delivered. We wanted to listen to him for hours more! Kea's respect and request, in Hawaiian, to visit the mountain was moving. It reminded us we were guests, and to honor those before us and where we were. Stepping out of the van for stargazing took our breath away. The stars are so brilliant. Kea had so much information to share on each of the selections he chose to show us through the mighty telescope. We saw Polaris, the Southern Cross, and the Milky Way all in the same sky. Quit searching and choose Kea with Mauna Kea Stargazing! Best in Class!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/06 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Really good water conditions, we got to see a good amount of the rays and the experience was breathtaking!
Aloha Kara! We are thrilled to hear of your amazing experience on our manta ray tour. We hope you come again soon! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/06 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Drinks were good, food was yummy and lots of, and the crew was really joyful!
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/07/01 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/04 |
Reviewed by: Happy snorkeler
The tour was wonderful , the crew engaging, helpful, humorous, and knowledgeable , the equipment was fine, thoughtful snacks/drinks provided, and of course then there were the rays.it was a dreamlike experience.
Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such an amazing time on our Manta Ray tour. We love to hear about our guest's positive experiences. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/06/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Devina
The show was very entertaining and food was amazing! I would have liked the host to speak a little louder. The tables at the back could barely hear him. Otherwise, great experience.
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Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2023/06/26 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Molly L
MUST DO-Our family comes to Hawaii every summer and this is by far the most magical experience we've ever had on an excursion!!! There were four manta rays swimming around us-truly awe inspiring! Our kids are 16, 14, and 10...ALL LOVED IT and said it was the highlight of our trip! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Aloha Molly! Thank you for joining our tour and leaving such positive feedback! We are so glad that your family enjoyed your time with the manta rays. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/06/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/23 |
Reviewed by: Choco
ハワイ島の最高の天気の中、素敵な時間を過ごせました!
最初にイルカを見つけに沖合に出ましたが、残念ながら会えませんでしたでもゴムボートでスピード出して進むのでとても気持ち良かったです!
シュノーケルも綺麗でした。沖縄のケラマとかの方が魚の種類は多いかな?透明度は25mくらいあったと思います!
小1時間シュノーケルした後に戻りながら海岸線の溶岩洞窟の説明などもしてくれました。
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Packages: | Test Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/25 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/22 |
Reviewed by: J&P
天気にも恵まれ、とても充実したシュノーケリング体験ができました。今までいろんな場所で経験しましたが、たっぷりな時間で、ゆっくり自由に楽しめるのがGood でした
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Packages: | 14:00出港(シュノーケル1.5時間) |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/24 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/22 |
Reviewed by: Kathleen B
We went on the afternoon tour with 8 in our family ranging in age from 4 to 65. Most had no snorkeling experience. Everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The crew were so friendly and helpful! We were impressed with their safety precautions, including all of the crew being certified lifeguards and were watching out for everyone the entire time we were in the water. The water was pristine and we saw so many varieties of fish and even saw an eel. The coral was beautiful, too.
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Packages: | Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [3.5 hours] |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2023/06/22 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/20 |
Reviewed by: M & A
We booked this tour based on these reviews, it seems that these reviews were spot on. Our tour started when Tod picked us up on time and whisked us off to our island adventure. He was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to explain Hawaiian culture and pointed out things in our drive that were informative.
The stargazing portion of our tour was an incredibly unique and awe-inspiring experience. Tod was a knowledgeable guide and took us to a dark and remote location in Mauna Kea, perfect for stargazing. With the use of his personal high-quality telescope, binoculars and a powerful laser pointer, we were able to see constellations, planets, and even faint nebulae. Tod also shared interesting facts and stories about the night sky, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.
Tod even made the experience memorable by playing The Planets by Gustav Holst, its those little details, that made this tour the highlight of our Big Island Vacation.
Overall, this tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to see the stars in all their glory accompanied by our an amazing guide Tod.
Make sure to request him on your next stargazing adventure.
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/20 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/13 |
Reviewed by: Isabella
The boat ride was so much fun and such an adrenaline rush. The waters were beautiful and perfect temperature for swimming. The captain and crew were so friendly and had so much information about the land. Would definitely do it again and you get so much for the price!
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Packages: | 3-hour Captain Cook Cruise (1 Snorkel Stop) |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/06/18 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/16 |
Reviewed by: ivan
OMG not even sure how to translate to words the experience on this tour
everything went smooth since the pick up, the tour guide assigned to us has so much knowledge about the culture, and the places.
you get a meal which is delicious to start the day, the the views from the sunset never in my life had experience something like that
then the cherry on top the stars, this was a life experience like never before you can see even the space station crusing the skies.
do not hesitate on talking this tour you wont regret it
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/11 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/05 |
Reviewed by: NVGirls
Great experience. Amazing stars and view of the sunset.
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Friends |
Posted on: | 2023/06/10 |
Activity Date: | 2023/06/08 |
Reviewed by: Chris Mak
People in bite me were very friendly and fun!
Highly recommend to join their tour!
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Standard Package: Sunset Manta Snorkel |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/06/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/13 |
Reviewed by: Kara
i really liked this luau! right near the water and very productive evening
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/31 |
Activity Date: | 2023/01/12 |
Reviewed by: LammyP
This was amazing! From our pick up point in Kona, our guide Kailikea (hope I spelled this right) was fantastic. He was so passionate about the trip and his home town it was so engaging. He's such a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable chap. I didn't expect to learn so much, but it was just the right level. 'Kea was clear about what to expect from the altitude and how to best manage it. We were lucky enough to see the Silversword plants by the visitor centre and then enjoyed our meal, included in the tour; veggie lasagne and chocolate brownie. It was a mixed journey up to the summit with some paved and some very bumpy roads but so worth the trip. We learned all about the different dishes and observatories and watched the beautiful sunset from the summit. We had to head lower for stargazing to avoid polluting the light by the observatories. We were awestruck by how many stars you could see, it was stunning. The powerful telescopes were set up and we were shown the visible planets and constellations/asterisms. Viewing the Edna carina nebula through the telescope was an incredible experience. I would 100% recommend this tour!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/08 |
Reviewed by: Sherri
Tour was excellent, Aaron was a great host. Very informed, engaging. Had fun all along the way. We had plenty of time at all the stops to experience and enjoy. Made our 1st trip here an experience to remember. We are telling everyone if they come to the Island they need to take this tour.
In addition when we 1st booked, we were told that our location was around 90 minutes from the tour pickup. We chose to go ahead but very much appreciated the help and advice. Excellent service all around.
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/21 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: P Burke
This is a great outfit to take you to see Manta Rays. The boat is a medium size so the group size is much smaller than the big boats. Crew are very professional and knowledgeable in the Manta Ray habits and behaviors. The boat ride to the site is short (<15 min) then it's into the water.
On our trip a single manta showed up after about 5 minutes in the water. As the sky darkened the plankton seemed to multiply and the show really began. The single ray made several passes within inches of our masks. Then another showed up and it was like a graceful dance being performed right beneath you. Another two rays showed up and things really got interesting. What fun watching that ballet!
Afterward, hot soup and warm drinks helped fuel the conversation with the other participants. A most delightful and memorable experience.
P. Burke
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Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/15 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/10 |
Reviewed by: Lisa
We had a great time on this trip. Our tour guide, Stefan, was excellent! He was friendly and informative the entire time. Even though we took the tour on an overcast night, there was so much to see and the views were unforgettable. Five stars, would book again!!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/06 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
Reviewed by: Nobu
I joined the tour with my wife, and we were a bit nervous as we worried about altitude sickness before we joined. However, we did not need to worry too much. The guide was so professional, and he made us relax in the large van of Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the distributed dinner, hot lasagna and chocolate cake helped us get adjusted in the rest area before we were elevated to the summit. In astronomical observation, I was able to see two shooting stars. I strongly recommend this amazing tour if you come to the big island.
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/05/04 |
Activity Date: | 2023/05/02 |
Reviewed by: Brian Van Wie
Diego, Trevor, and Tamae were incredible! They were fun and upbeat and super helpful. We got in the water and we say more than a half dozen different manta rays swimming around right beneath us! It was an experience we’ll never forget!
Aloha Brian! We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such kind feedback! We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo
Rating: | |
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Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2023/04/29 |
Activity Date: | 2023/04/27 |
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Aloha Belinda! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour and with our amazing crew. We apologize for any discomfort you felt from the sea sickness. We are so happy to hear that you still were able to have a good time. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo