Page 12) Things to Do in Big Island in 2026 – Tours & Activities | HawaiiActivities.com

All Reviews for Kailua-Kona in Big Island

Overall Rating

4.54 4.54 / 5

Reviews

2828 reviews

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Gage/Gaige!? Who cares sir you are one AWESOME guide!

Reviewed by: Max family

This was one the best experiences ever! The guide was fantastic! (Gauge/Gage? My apologies if misspelling your name - he was super knowledgeable about the island and easy to talk to, he was also well organized and thought of everything. The entire journey was super easy to follow and we all got to see some amazing things. Hot chocolate and biscotti? Snow? Wild turkeys and sheep? Binary star system anyone? Gage will make it happen. We also had a great GREAT experience just chatting with you about the Big Island. Thank you Thank you!

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/03/13
Activity Date: 2023/02/22

マンタ大学夜学部 野生のマンタ&ナイトシュノーケリングツアー <送迎可/日本語スタッフ乗船日あり>

A moment with the gracefully swimming manta rays. 優雅に泳ぐマンタ達とのひと時

Reviewed by: しーずー

This activity focuses on the characteristics of plankton that gather around light, allowing you to observe manta rays that come to feed after sunset by setting up lights on the water.

During my visit, I was fortunate enough to encounter more than ten manta rays. Thanks to the lights, the mantas came close enough that I felt I could reach out and touch them, which was truly impressive. Additionally, the graceful swimming of the mantas reminded me of angels gliding through the ocean, making it a mystical and valuable experience.

The staff were all friendly, and I was able to enjoy a fulfilling time. On the return boat, we were even treated to hot chocolate, which showed their thoughtful attention to detail.

I believe this is a unique activity that you won't find elsewhere, so I highly recommend participating if you're interested!

光に集まるプランクトンの特性に着目し、夕暮れ以降に海上に浮かぶライトをセッティングすることで、プランクトンの捕食を目的に集まったマンタを鑑賞できるアクティビティです。

自分が参加した回は、運良く10匹を超えるマンタ達と会うことができました。
ライトのおかげで、手を伸ばせば届きそうな距離までマンタが近付いてくれるので、とても迫力がありました。
また、優雅に泳ぐマンタ達はまるで海中を泳ぐ天使を彷彿とさせ、神秘的で貴重な経験となりました。

スタッフの皆さんはフレンドリーな方ばかりで、充実した時間を過ごすことができました。
帰りの船の中では、ホットチョコレートが振る舞われるなど、気遣いもバッチリです。

他では味わえない貴重なアクティビティかと思いますので、ご興味がある方はご参加をおすすめします!

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Rating:
Packages: 1便プラン(送迎付き)
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/03/07
Activity Date: 2023/03/05

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Not good

Reviewed by: Shawn

We could not see any and also the ride was so bumpy

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Shawn,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We extend our deepest apologies for the experience you had on our tour. We would like to hear more details about it. Could you email us at info@hawaiidolphin.com and elaborate further? We would like to rectify this situation. Thank you.

Best,
Iruka Hawai‘i ‘Ohana

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/26
Activity Date: 2023/02/24

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Lifelong memories made

Reviewed by: Spittstop

My 10 yo daughter and I did this excursion during a recent trip to the Big Island. It was an incredible and highly memorable evening and I feel privileged to have been able to do this.

We saw humpback whales and dolphins en route to the Manta Ray swim spot, and that made the excursion worthwhile, even before we'd seen the rays.

The crew were knowledgeable and fun and although the activity requires you to jump into the ocean at night without any light, I always felt safe and confident that the crew was looking after us. Having my daughter with me made that essential.

We floated for about 15 mins before we saw the rays, but when we did it was really breathtaking. We had around 30 mins or so floating before we got back on the boat for the ride back to port.

The crew took videos and photos and shared them with us which was a really lovely touch.

Wetsuits were a must as it does get cold. For those with younger children, there was a larger float that they could sit on safely, but older children were able to float in the water alongside adults.

I really couldn't recommend this highly enough. Maybe leave an extra 15 mins to find the dock as we struggled a little as there are quite a few trips leaving from the same marina at similar times.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin for your Manta Ray snorkel adventure. We are so happy that you and your daughter had such a great experience with us. We hope to see you soon, mahalo

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/25
Activity Date: 2023/02/19

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Up and close!

Reviewed by: MM1

Great experience getting to see the whales up and close. The crew was outstanding and very informative. I highly recommend this excursion if you are ever in the area during the whale’s migratory season. The boat size was perfect. Not too big and crowded and not too small to avoid motion sickness.

  • Breach!

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Rating:
Packages: Morning Whale Watch Cruise [Holona Speed Powerboat]
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/02/18
Activity Date: 2023/01/28

Oceanfront Royal Kona Resort Luau Voyagers of the Pacific Show - Dinner, Drinks & Fire Knife Dance

Luau with family

Reviewed by: Nick

Kids loved it! Highly recommend. Can't wait to come back :)

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/02/18
Activity Date: 2023/01/25

ハワイ島 ケアラケクア湾 シュノーリングツアー <軽食付き/英語ガイド>

It feels like an attraction and it's the best! アトラクションみたいで最高!

Reviewed by: aaaaa

Travelers from all over the world boarded the boat together, and it felt like an attraction on a banana boat until we arrived at Kealakekua Bay, which was truly enjoyable. Given the season, we even spotted whales along the way, and we had plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling. The time spent heading to our destination while being explained in English was also great.

世界中から集まった旅行客同士で混乗してボートが出発。ケアラケクア湾に着くまでがバナナボートのアトラクションのようで、本当に楽しかったです。季節柄途中でくじらも見え、シュノーケリングも充分な時間で楽しめました。英語で説明してくれながら目的地まで向かう時間も良かったです。

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Rating:
Packages: 09:00/12:45出港(シュノーケル1か所)
Attended as: Friends
Posted on: 2023/02/18
Activity Date: 2023/01/23

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Absolutely THE best land excursion!

Reviewed by: Analiese Kennedy

I know, I know, everyone likes to use the words “best” “amazing” “trip of a lifetime” THIS excursion IS absolutely THE best trip you will book! It may seem a little pricey, but the time, care, and knowledge that our tour guide Travis invested in our group was top of the line!

First of all, do not underestimate the “cold” warnings. It was frigid, cold to the bone so, dress appropriately! If you have a beanie, bring it for this trip.

Secondly, be prepared for the potential that the actual road up to the summit may be closed. Our group (along with 15 others) was told the road was closed and we would not be able to drive to the summit. Travis was able to talk with another tour operator (friends are good) and together they got the rangers to open the road for us last minute!! Yay!

Okay, so let’s talk dinner for a second. They served a vegetarian lasagna that was to die for most of my family are hard core meat eaters, so i was surprised at how quickly they snarfed it all down and EVERYONE commented on how “great” it was Make sure to bring your own water bottle (there is fresh water at the first stop) or whatever you want to drink.

Once we hit the road to climb the summit, the road was definitely an “off road” experience. Lots of major bumps but totally fun . The drive up was spectacular, so have your camera ready. The view from the top will blow your mind. Take a lot of pics and enjoy!

Then on to stargazing. Totally over the top and way exceeded my expectations! Travis had his own telescope that was a high end piece of equipment to say the least! He has so much knowledge that he was eager to share. We even got to see the once in a lifetime “green” comet he spent at least an extra hour with us up there when all the other tour operators were leaving. It was truly the most memorable experiences of my life! Mahalo to the entire team that i know has to work hard behind the scenes for this…my entire family is so grateful for the experience

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/09
Activity Date: 2023/02/07

Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel with Show, Dinner & Drinks Included

Loved it!

Reviewed by: Miles & Jan

Magnificent performance from all involved dealing with the history of the hawaiin islands and the Polynesian empire. The buffet was way too much to take in!!

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Rating:
Packages: Ohana Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/07
Activity Date: 2023/02/05

Island Breeze Luau at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel with Show, Dinner & Drinks Included

Outstanding!

Reviewed by: Susan

This was our first luau and it was exceptional! The staff was courteous, professional, welcoming, and overall delightful! The food was very well prepared and there was a wide variety of selections. The show was both entertaining as well as informative and all of the performers ( host, dancers, and musicians) were great!!

I would love to do this again some time!

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

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

Loved every minute

Reviewed by: Jim

We saw lots of Mantas. I can't wait to come back and do it again.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Jim,

We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the company of the manta's. We hope to see you in the near future!

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/04
Activity Date: 2021/10/23

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

Mantas were amazing

Reviewed by: Jim

Sea Paradise did a great job. We saw six mantas. I thought the boat trip would be a bit longer. Just a short ride out from shore. So it's not about sailing. But the mantas make up for it.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Jim,

Mahalo for taking the time to leave us a review. We do offer a shorter boat ride for those who are prone to getting sea sick/don't want to be on the boat for too long. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your manta tour.

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/04
Activity Date: 2021/11/07

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

So close...fun!

Reviewed by: Linda

We had such a fun time snorkeling with the mantas. We didn't realize how close they come to you in the water. One of them belly-bumped me by accident. Such graceful sea creatures.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,

The mantas are truly amazing. Mahalo for choosing Sea Paradise for your manta adventures. We hope to see you soon!

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/03
Activity Date: 2022/03/30

Oceanfront Royal Kona Resort Luau Voyagers of the Pacific Show - Dinner, Drinks & Fire Knife Dance

Loved this Luau!!

Reviewed by: Grace

This was a very beautiful night! The luau experience was everything we were looking for. It felt like a true traditional experience

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Rating:
Packages: Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/03
Activity Date: 2023/01/31

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

Must do tour!

Reviewed by: Jim

I was a little nervous about snorkeling at night but I'm so glad I went. It's less of a snorkel and more of a snorkel float where you hold onto a floating mat with LED lights underneath. The mantas were swooping underneath us eating the plankton. It was so calm and magical. Highly recommend.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Jim,

We appreciate your recommendation! It is more of a uniform snorkel and typically not to strenuous. We agree, they are truly magical! We hope to see you in the near future!

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkeling [Early Evening Tour]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/02/03
Activity Date: 2022/07/21

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Fun Day!

Reviewed by: Jim

Saw lots of whales. We loved the combination of sailing on a catamaran and seeing whales breaching off in the distance. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Hawaii during whale season.

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Rating:
Packages: Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran]
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/02/03
Activity Date: 2023/02/01

Big Island Whale Watching Cruise from Waikoloa - Hawaii Nautical [Dec-Mar]

Great afternoon on the Catamaran whale watching. We saw several whales and I got smartphone video. The captain and crew were professional, pleasant and helpful.

Reviewed by: TJ Norum

This trip is great for families and couples alike. I really enjoyed the fact that the crew helped us locate the whales and went in search of the best viewing spots. Highly recommended for Waikaloa Bay Beach area.

  • One of my whale shots with my smartphone.

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Rating:
Packages: Afternoon Whale Watch Cruise [Sailing Catamaran]
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/01/31
Activity Date: 2023/01/29

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

LIFE CHANGING

Reviewed by: Nikki Clark

First of all, WOW. From beginning to end, this experience was one for the record books.
For $10 this crew sets you up with a wet suit (recommended), and then a snorkel set at no additional charge. Once we boarded, we were met with a warm welcome, and a good belly laugh. Excellent staff! They were informative, safe, and most importantly, knew how to have fun!
During the boat ride we were met with bottle nose dolphins and a humpback whale sighting! The dolphins were curious and playful, and swam all around our boat! I may or may not have shed a tear of joy. It was seriously rad.
Once we got to our destination they gave us a noodle for floating, and set up a large, square floatation device for everyone to hold onto while we watched the mana rays. They are huge! They’re giant, friendly, and bring their appetite for plankton. You’ll also see tons of fish while you snorkel.
After our time was up, and we boarded, they passed out cups of hot chocolate.
The entire experience as a whole was one we will never forget. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS while you’re here!
Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime! Keep up the good work, guys! Mahalo

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Nikki,

Thank you for the amazing comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/01/31
Activity Date: 2023/01/29

4.5-Hour Sea Quest Premium Rafting Snorkel Tour at Honaunau & Kealakekua Bay

Seaquest Kealakekua/ Honaunau Bay Premium Snorkel Tour

Reviewed by: Onnalee M

Capt Steve and crew member Morgan were absolutely Wonderful! Made us feel at ease. I would recommend the wet suits to get the full exploration time in case the westher is a bit chilly. Just getting out of the Bay was a Pod of Dolphins 8 or more right at the beginning of the Snorkeling tour!! On our way to 2nd Bay, Capt Steve notcied a whale that was a bit out of the way but still took us there and ended up being a Mama Whale with her baby practicing breaching the water! How amazing!! The Snorkeling was filled with Gorgeously Brillant colors of multitudes of fish especially at Capt Cook’s Momument! We explored magnificant caves while Capt Steve explained the History of the Island and topped off with delicious healthy assortment of fruit at first Bay and much needed sandwiches at the completion of the 2nd Bay stop!! We even lucked out and caught a glimpse of s huge Manta Ray coming back into port. Absolutely Perfect Snorkeling Tour and very personalized with a small group of interesting people!! Thank you Seaquest!!! I will remember this for the rest of my lfe!! That’s what life is all about!!

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Rating:
Packages: Standard Package
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/01/29
Activity Date: 2023/01/27

Big Island Afternoon Whale Watch Tour from Kona - Body Glove Cruises [Dec - Mar]

Good Time Over All

Reviewed by: Alli

We saw pilot whales up close and the staff were so informative, helpful, and truly loving their work. I really wish that we had been able to see a humpback whale since we were there in the right season. But I have to presume that they were not able to find any that day. Guess I’ll just have to come back to Hawaii again?!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Alii!

Thank you for joining us and taking the time to leave a four star rating!

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Rating:
Packages: Whale Watch Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/01/28
Activity Date: 2023/01/06

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Once in a lifetime experience

Reviewed by: David Letendre

We went out to sea under the setting sun.
Everything was perfect.
Lots of huge manta rays came close. Sometimes up to few feet away!!
The crew; Diego and Ryan were pampering us and taking care of our every needs.
Would recommend them anytime without a doubt.

-David L

Reply from activity provider

Aloha David,

Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2023/01/23
Activity Date: 2023/01/18

3-Hour Small-Group Private Whale Watching Cruise - Aloha Kona Tours [Dec-Feb]

Awesome day of whales and dolphins!

Reviewed by: Bryan G

We had a great afternoon on the boat. Took a seven and two year old out with us to see the whales and the captain was very accommodating to both of them. Once we got the area where the whales were we saw a couple different pairs breach multiple times and certainly didn't need binoculars to see them. On our way back to the harbor a few bottle nosed dolphins decided to swim out front of the boat and in the wake for about 10 minutes which was every bit as cool as seeing the whales.

I'd highly recommend Aloha Kona Tours.

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Rating:
Packages: Private Whale Watching Tour
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/01/16
Activity Date: 2023/01/08

3-Hour Small-Group Private Whale Watching Cruise - Aloha Kona Tours [Dec-Feb]

Mr. Cohichro and Shay are awesome!

Reviewed by: Emily Yoon

The captain and crew are so nice
The boat is very clean and comfy!

the experience was really good.
We got to see bunch of dolphins and whales breaching really close to.

Thank you so much!

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Rating:
Packages: Private Whale Watching Tour
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/01/12
Activity Date: 2023/01/10

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great experience!

Reviewed by: S Lawrence

We had an awesome time viewing the Manta Rays. We were able to see the spinner dolphins in the sunset as well. The staff was great and very accommodating. Definitely worth the trip to the big island!

Reply from activity provider

Aloha! Thank you for joining our manta ray tour in Kona! We are happy to hear that you were able to see so much wildlife. Thank you for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. Come back soon. Mahalo

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Posted on: 2023/01/07
Activity Date: 2022/12/13

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Great night excurssion

Reviewed by: jhutch1368

Night snorkel with manta rays was recommended to me by a coworker who lived on Kona. We booked this for our vacation based on her recommendation. We brought our ‘kids’ ages 30, 16, 13. I think it would be hard for younger kids. In fact, one child I’d say about 6 sat on a float the entire time. Swimming in ocean at night even with a wetsuit (a MUST), a noodle, and holding on to a raft is trying even for an adult. That being said, it was so cool! We were fortunate to see many manta rays! I wish I could’ve taken pictures. It was plenty long enough time. Any longer would’ve been too much. We had perfect weather and the light of the full moon. The crew was awesome and fun. You could tell they loved their job and were friends. Shout out to the girl on our crew named Ryan, who took extra care and patience helping my 30 year old daughter swim back to boat.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your family members, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2023/01/06
Activity Date: 2023/01/04

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!!

Reviewed by: S. White

Captain Trevor and his crew were outstanding!! The manta rays were incredible and while we were watching them the crew gave us facts about these amazing creatures.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha,

We are so happy the crew was able to provide a memorable experience for your group, and all returning customers receive a 20% repeater discount. We hope to see you again!

Mahalo,
Team Iruka Hawaii

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Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/12/31
Activity Date: 2022/12/29

Kona Glassbottom Boat & Guided Coral Reef Tour with Marine Naturalist

So much fun. Great for families!

Reviewed by: Jen & Dion

My family loved this tour. Great for kids. We loved not having to get in the water to see coral and fish.

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Rating:
Packages: Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/12/25
Activity Date: 2022/12/23

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures Sunset & Stargazing Guided Tour with Transportation

Outstanding Star Hazing!

Reviewed by: Jen & Dion

Travis was phenomenal. Knew so much about the island as well as space facts. Definitely worth the price and time.

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Rating:
Packages: Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/12/25
Activity Date: 2022/12/23

Mauna Kea Evening Stargazing & Daytime Solar Viewing Tour with Dinner

Clouds and storms ruined it

Reviewed by: Fiona

We had hoped the weather would clear, but, unfortunately, despite our tour guide’s best efforts to find some clearing, we were beaten by the weather. Our guide, Hunter, was extremely knowledgeable and tried really hard to wait for some sign of being able to observe anything, but had to cancel with no luck. I can imagine it would have been spectacular to see and hear the wealth of information he would have been able to provide if we could have seen it.

  • The falls and lava tube were lovely. Too much cloud at the top though.

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Rating:
Packages: From Hilo - Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, Solar Viewing & Stargazing with Dinner
Attended as: Families
Posted on: 2022/12/20
Activity Date: 2022/12/18

Hawaii Manta Ray Sunset & Night Time Snorkel Experience from Kona - Iruka

Amazing!

Reviewed by: Nikhil

It was perfect! The crew was really kind and helpful. The captain was really funny and entertaining. And the star of the show - the Manta Rays - we're absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky to find a group of Manta Rays en route and decided to drop anchor and just spent all the time there. That gave us more time with the Manta Rays. We weren't the best swimmers so the crew helped us with life jackets and they helped to and fro the float. We had a great time and I would absolutely recommend them.

Reply from activity provider

Aloha Nikhil,

Thank you for the positive comments about our team, we're glad your group felt safe and satisfied! We do offer a repeater discount of 20% off, so please keep us in mind for future travel plans.

Mahalo,
Iruka Hawaii

Helpful
Rating:
Packages: Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise
Attended as: Couples
Posted on: 2022/12/17
Activity Date: 2022/11/27
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