Reviewed by: V&M N.
My husband and I got to experience this activity five years ago for the first time and we knew we had to bring our kids this time. Our kids liked the food and the family enjoyed the entertainment. It was great seeing Derek again (the musician/singer). He sang pearly shell again per our request :)
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Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/10 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/08 |
Reviewed by: Jenn HM
From the time we were picked up to when we were dropped off at our resort, we had a fantastic time on our tour with a awesome tour guide Shoyo. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot, and not just about Mauna Kea, the Observatories and stargazing but also about the Big Island and the area we drove through. This was a bucket list item for me and it did not disappoint in any way.
We went up to the visitors center for a half hour to acclimatize, then up summit (13,800 feet) and got our first taste of elevation. It is definitely a different experience! And it was surprisingly cold but they have cozy warm jackets to keep you comfy. The sunset is amazing as you are above the cloud line, which also makes for awesome photos!
Speaking of photos, our guide took some great ones of us, both on the summit during the sunset and of the stars, as well as amazing photos of the stars themselves. We were super lucky and got perfect weather and viewing conditions, not even any moon light to deal with.
The only thing that might surprise some is the amount of time you spend in the van driving back and forth and especially up to the summit. Totally worth it of course, and there was great commentary to make the time fly.
Aloha, Jenn,
Thank you for participating in our tour. I am very happy that the weather was nice and everybody enjoyed the spectacular view from the summit of Mauna Kea.
Please join us on our tour next time again !!
Mahalo,
Hawaiian Eyes Tours
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/08 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Stefanie Doty
This was an event booking for my family. My 4 year old and 14 year old both equally enjoyed it. My for year old loved learning the hula. Food was plentiful and the story told was wonderful. All of the staff were efficient and super sweet.
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Packages: | Ohana Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/08/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/13 |
Reviewed by: Andrea
Bryce was awesome, very knowledgable. We had a big scare about the fire on the way back to the hotel and he was super professional about letting us know what was going on and even offered to stop at a grocery store in case no food options were open in the evening. Highly recommend!
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/07 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/01 |
Reviewed by: Heather
We had a great time viewing the sunset with our amazing guides Kekoa and Travis. There are a lot of companies that run these tours, but our guides made this one the best of them all. They were both very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Most of all, however, Kekoa and Travis have big smiles and even bigger hearts. They brought the spirit of Mauna Kea and o'hana into this experience. The sunset from the summit was miraculous, the lasagna and brownie absolutely delicious and the star gazing was out of this world!
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Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/08/06 |
Activity Date: | 2021/08/04 |
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: Chris
The whole experience was well done. Captain Danielle and her crew mate were knowledgeable, kind and helpful. We saw tons of mantas doing endless barrel rolls inches from our masks!!! The boat ride is brief and we spent plenty of time in the water on the light-board. FYI- You need to be able to climb up a 3-rung boat ladder to get out of the water, it went fine with our tour but I could imagine that might be tough for some. Well worth the time and money!!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/08/01 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/30 |
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.
Thank you for joining with us.
We are glad you felt warmth with Hot chocolate, too ;)
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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: Rich
Clean car on time and communicated and updates in plans
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Packages: | [Departure] Hotel to Airport - Shared Service |
Attended as: | Couples |
Posted on: | 2021/07/31 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/06 |
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: C Wilson
The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and seeing the mantas up close was an amazing experience. We would so this again, no question!
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/22 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/20 |
Reviewed by: Jenn from WA
This was an extraordinary experience. I loved every minute watching the majestic mantas doing their thing. The staff was incredibly nice, safe, knowledgeable and accommodating. I would ten out of ten recommend this!
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/21 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/19 |
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: Roxene Gascoigne
This was great! Gabby was our driver and she was absolutely amazing. She knew everything about Big Island and was so friendly. This is a nice tour to get it all in in one day.
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Packages: | Standard Tour |
Attended as: | Families |
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: Paul Miller
Great trip. Our captain Liam, aka sweet onion, and Shay were the perfect host. They were funny, informative, helpful and the perfect host. Went to 2 great snorkeling spots, sea caves and saw dolphins. They also provided a great lunch and snacks. Definitely recommend this company.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
Posted on: | 2021/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/14 |
Reviewed by: Cliff
Over all great experience. The boat and crew were great, we seen several mantas even though it was kinda rainy. Went with family and older children. 16 and 19 y/o daughters they loved it.
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Packages: | Standard Package |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/18 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/13 |
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: Kate
Highly recommend this! The guides were knowledgeable and we saw lots of rays! Booked the 6:30pm trip but went out about 7pm which was perfect timing for sunset.
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Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
Attended as: | Families |
Posted on: | 2021/07/16 |
Activity Date: | 2021/07/13 |
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Aloha V&M N, Thanks for joining us again! We appreciate that you took the time to share your experience and rated us five stars! We wish you all the best!