All Reviews for Kailua-Kona

We were the only Japanese participants. It truly felt like an overseas trip. The guide is also focused on environmental protection, practicing the balance between nature conservation and tourism on the Big Island.

Additionally, they pay attention to the safety of tour participants, allowing us to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. There were plenty of fish swimming around, and the water clarity was high, making it a fun tour.

Lunch and breakfast were simple but delicious. I would love to participate again when I come back to the Big Island.

日本人の参加は我々のみ。まさに海外旅行です。ガイドは環境保護にも注力しており、ハワイ島の自然保護と観光の両立を実践しています。
また、我々ツアー参加者の危険行為にも注意を払っており、安心して楽しむことができます。魚も沢山泳いでおり、透明度も高く、楽しいツアーでした。
ランチ、朝食も手軽だけど美味しかったです。
また、ハワイ島に来る時には参加したいです。

Nice cruise with excellent staff, especially the captain

A great trip. Staff , boat and equipment was excellent. Fun for first time snorkeling

I have a gluten allergy and it was SO incredibly helpful to have everything clearly labeled. The show was outstanding, the crew was friendly and helpful, the food was absolutely delicious. All around 10s

Hot at first with the sun coming down, but the sunset views are phenomenal!

I was a little nervous with my mom being 70 need to get into the submarine. They were very accommodating for her. Words cannot describe how amazing it was to be in this submarine. The picture that I posted of my sister and my husband with the most wonderful look, enjoying their selves Beyond words. This is my absolute favorite memory from our big island vacation 2025.

At the first point, we didn't encounter any manta rays, so we moved to a spot where we could meet them while holding onto the pole. Then, illuminated by the light, the manta ray appeared beautifully as if it was glowing. It was truly breathtaking. After that, it seemed like it was greeting us, swirling around and opening its mouth wide to suck in plankton, which made us incredibly excited each time. The water temperature was a bit low, and by the time we returned to the boat, we were shivering. However, we received hot chocolate on the boat, which warmed up both our salty mouths and cold bodies a little. Thanks to the Japanese guide's attentiveness, we were able to enjoy the tour without any worries. Thank you very much. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone going to the Big Island of Hawaii.

最初のポイントではマンタは現れなかったので、私達はポールにつかまったままマンタに遭遇できるポイントまで移動。すると光に照らされてまるでマンタが光っている様に美しく登場しました。大感激です。その後も挨拶でもしてくれてるかの様にクルクルと回転したり、口を大きく開けてプランクトンを吸い込んでいる様子がみれて、その度に大興奮でした。水温が少し低くて船に戻る頃にはガタガタ震えてしまいましたが、船でホットチョコのドリンクを貰い塩っぱい口の中も寒い体も少し温まりました。日本語ガイドの方が気を配って頂いたので何も不安なくツアーを楽しめました。ありがとうございました。ハワイ島に行く方には、是非参加する様勧めたいと思います。

After participating in a dolphin tour on the Big Island, I thought about trying "Manta" for the next ten years, and I finally got to join the "Manta University Night Class." Since it was a night class, I had the image that "the dark sea is scary," which made it hard for me to take the plunge. However, as I've gotten older, I thought this might be my last chance, so I decided to participate. To my surprise, there was not even a hint of the feeling of a dark sea. It was amazing to see the mantas swimming gracefully through the water, and I was so close that I could almost touch them.

ハワイ島のイルカツアーに参加して、次は「マイタ」に挑戦と思ってから１０年、ようやく
『マンタ大学夜間部』に参加する事ができました。
夜間部という事で、『暗い海は怖い』イメージがあり、なかなか踏み出せませんでしたが、
年齢も重ね、これが最後と考え参加しましたが、暗い海という感じは１ミリもなく、マンタが
海の中を『優雅に飛ぶ様に泳ぎ』、『もう少しでマンタに触れらる』という感動で最高でした。

We participated as a couple. We were a bit anxious since we were the only Japanese people there, but the staff member Tamae provided us with detailed explanations in Japanese and frequently checked in with us, which made us feel at ease. The manta rays in the night sea were incredibly powerful, and it was a very mystical experience.

夫婦で参加させてもらいました。日本人が私たちのみで不安でしたが、スタッフのタマエさんが日本語で丁寧な説明や頻回な声かけをしてくださり安心できました。夜の海でのマンタは大迫力で、とても神秘的な体験ができました。

Wonderful boat & crew- with full bar & fruit. The location was pristine. The snorkelling was great- they have all the equipment. Very safe for kids. Fantastic afternoon.

It was disappointing that the visibility at the location wasn't great despite taking an hour to get there. However, it was nice to see a manta ray swimming from the boat when we returned! ♪

1時間かけて行ったのに、その場所での透明度が今ひとつだったのが残念でした。ただ戻ってきた時、マンタが泳いでいるのを船の上から見ることができたのは良かったです♪

Crew was fantastic and so were the drinks. The vessel is very spacious and comfortable! Came aboard as part of my Bachelor party and it was an unforgettable and super fun time!

It was a valuable experience, but it felt too commercialized, and I wasn't moved by it. There were about 40 participants in the tour I joined, and there were many other boats from different companies in the area. Right below us, there was also a group diving. Due to the timing, we could definitely see a lot of manta rays. They appeared one after another and even spun right in front of us.

貴重な体験でしたが、あまりにも商業的な感じがして、感動はありませんでした。私の参加したツアーの参加者は40人くらいで、現地には他社の船もいっぱいでした。私たちの真下では、ダイビングしているグループもいました。時期的なこともあって、確かにマンタはたくさん見ることができます。次から次へと現れて、目の前で回転してくれたりもしました。

I was worried because I hadn't received a confirmation email for the tour (I contacted VELTRA and they followed up for me).

However, on the day of the tour, I was about 20 minutes late for the meeting time, but they kindly said, "It's okay!" and allowed me to join (I did call ahead). After boarding the boat, they provided a briefing on the sizes of the snorkeling equipment and how to use the camera correctly. They also prepared Japanese instructions, so even though my conversational skills are very basic, I felt comfortable participating.

The waves felt a bit high, but they designated a snorkeling area, and during the snorkeling, staff members were patrolling on a paddleboard, which showed they were very attentive to safety. It seemed like the tour was fully booked, but there were plenty of floatation devices and life jackets available. Although I could see to the bottom, there weren't many fish, likely due to the high waves, but we still had a great time as a family!

Since it was a large boat, I didn't experience seasickness, and the cruising to and from was enjoyable. I felt from our conversation that they have a great respect and consideration for the ocean. After getting wet, the cruising felt cold, so I think it would be good to have a separate towel that doesn't get wet. I found the free water a bit difficult to drink. Also, since there were no warm drinks available, if you're worried about getting cold, it's better to bring your own.

The staff were kind, and they were accommodating even with my limited English skills. It was fun!

ツアーまでは、予約確定のメールが来ていなかったりで心配でした（ベルトラさんに問い合わせして、フォローいただきました）。

が、ツアー当日、集合時間から20分ほど遅れてしまったのですが、『大丈夫よ！』と言ってくださり心よく参加させてくださいました（事前に電話はいれました）。
船に乗った後は、シュノーケルの物のサイズや、正しい動画の使い方をレクチャーしてくれます。日本語の案内も用意してくれるので、すごく簡単な会話しかできない私でも安心して参加できました。

波は少し高いように感じましたが、シュノーケルエリアも指定してくださり、シュノーケリング中も職員の方がサップに乗って巡回されていたりして、安全にはすごく気を配っているのが伝わりました。
ツアーは満席だったように思いますが、浮き輪や救命胴衣も十分に用意されてました。
波が高かったからか、底まで見渡せたもののお魚はそんなに多くみられませんでしたが、それでも充分家族で楽しめました！

大きなボートだったので、船酔いもなく、行き帰りのクルージング楽しかったです。
海への敬意や配慮もすごくされているのだとお話しから感じました。
濡れた後のクルージングは寒く感じるので、羽織るタオルは濡れてしまうのと別にあると良いと思いました。
フリーで用意されているお水が少し飲みにくいと感じました。あと、温かい飲み物はないので、冷えてしまうことが心配なら自分で用意して行った方がいいと思います。

スタッフの方も親切ですし、拙い英語力でも対応してくださいます。楽しかったです！

I was able to see a lot of fish, and it was a wonderful experience. My son really remembers how delicious the chips we had on the boat were, to the point that he wanted seconds.

Just as we were returning to the port, there was a tsunami due to an earthquake in the Kamchatka Peninsula, which made us a bit anxious, but they safely returned us without any issues. I feel like I want to participate again.

魚もたくさん見られて、とても良い体験をせて頂きました。
息子は、船上で頂いたチップスが美味しくてお代わりしてしまうほどだったことがすごく記憶に残っているようです。

丁度港に帰る頃にカムチャッカ半島の地震の影響で津波が来たタイミングで、多少慌てましたが、問題なく送り返して頂きました。
また参加したいと感じています。

I was disappointed with this tour for lack of hospitality, communication and false advertising. The tour guide is not an astronomer or someone who writes articles for astronomy mazagines or even a local Hawaiian. They are very knowledgeable, patient and friendly guides but also lack communication with the tour company. For instance, we had 10 people in our tour and they were told only 6 so he wasn’t prepared with enough hot chocolate or parkas. It may also be the reason he didn’t offer snacks or water to anyone and tried to get more people to drink coffee at 9 pm! I was also disappointed that we didn’t go to the Kona coffee farm as advertised in the itinerary and confirmed when they called. You also have to select your meal prior to arrival or seeing the options which is undesirable. Finally, when they called to confirm they told me not to bring anything - no water, jacket, hiking boots etc since all would be provided and tennis shoes were enough. First off, I came prepared with everything in my luggage but since they said not to bring a big bag or too many items we were underprepared. My son was freezing because the parkas are huge and they were passed out but left for people to get when they were freezing. Our tennis were covered in dirt and sand because we stopped at a beach and walked the sand. I would have to be informed in advance that we’re going to a beach and not the coffee farm and to have proper attire. The stargazing was nice and we saw a lot of stars and constellations but it was not pleasant because of the lack of preparation. I do not recommend this tour. If you book, don’t listen to their advice and come prepared with attire, water and snacks on top of the exorbitant price you pay. Or you could ask to go with the tour that matches the advertisement but I tried that already. Heed the warning. I didn’t and while we don’t regret it we regret the company.

A few years ago, I participated and had such a great time that this time I joined with my son and his girlfriend, making it a family of four. Last time it was in April, so the sea was cold and I felt chilly, but this time we were well-prepared for the cold (in July). Once again, many manta rays turned right in front of us, and I almost shouted with excitement. We’re not supposed to touch them, but the other three were so close that they ended up being touched by the manta rays. You can even see inside the manta's mouth. There’s also an explanation about manta ray ecology, which makes you feel like you understand the manta rays in front of you even better. Time really flew by, and it was a tour where I didn’t want to get out of the water. This is definitely something you should participate in.

数年前に参加して、とても楽しかったので、今度は初めて訪れる息子と彼女を伴って家族4人で参加しました。前回は4月だったため海が冷たく体が冷えたのですが、今回は防寒対策もバッチリした上で参加（7月）。今回もたくさんのマンタが目の前でターンしてくれて、声をあげそうになりました。タッチしてはいけないのですが、あまりに近すぎて、私以外の三人はマンタに触られたそうです。マンタの口の中まで見えます。マンタの生態についても説明があるので、目の前のマンタをより理解した気分になります。本当にあっという間に時間がたってしまい、海から上がりたくないと思うツアーです。これは、絶対に参加した方がいいです。

I participated with my spouse and our 10-year-old son. The staff were cheerful and kind, and the Japanese staff member, Tamae, provided thorough explanations in advance. The descriptions from Trevor, Diego, and Scott on the way to the point were enjoyable, and we arrived at the point in no time.

Once we reached the point and entered the water, we immediately encountered manta rays. In fact, we saw three large manta rays! Watching the manta rays gracefully swim through the darkness was mystical and incredibly moving.

Although we are not allowed to touch them (as the bacteria from humans can cause illness in manta rays), they came so close that we could almost touch them. Being able to see manta rays up close was truly a rare experience.

After getting back on the boat and during our return to the port, we enjoyed hot cocoa and snacks, and the cocoa was delicious and warmed up our chilled bodies.

As we were leaving, a Japanese staff member gave me a sticker, saying, "I had fun today too." I also had a great time, and I really appreciated how much they cared about my wife, who got seasick. It became a wonderful memory. I heard that there's a 20% discount for the next visit, so I definitely want to come back!

夫婦と10歳の息子と参加しました。スタッフの方は明るく親切で、日本人スタッフのタマエさんも事前に丁寧に説明してくれます。
ポイントに着くまでのTrevor,Diego,Scottさん達の説明も楽しく、あっという間にポイントに到着しました。
ポイントに着いて海に入ったらすぐにマンタに会えました。しかも大きなマンタが3枚も！
暗闇の中を優雅に泳ぐマンタは神秘的でとても感動しました。
マンタには触ってはいけないのですが(人間の持っているバクテリアがマンタの体に付くと病気になってしまう可能性があるため)、触れそうなくらい近くまで来てくれて、こんなに近くでマンタを見れたのは本当に貴重な経験でした。
ボートに上がってから港に帰るまでの間にホットココアとスナックをいただき、ココアは冷えた体を温めてくれてとても美味しかったです。
帰り際に、日本人スタッフの方から「私も今日は楽しかったから」とステッカーを頂きました。こちらこそとても楽しかったですし、船酔いした妻のこともとても気にかけていただいたので、本当によい思い出になりました。次は20%オフとのことなので、ぜひまた来たいです。

We’ve been with family. Children 12 and 10 years old. All of us were so excited and totally happy with this experience!

This cruise was outstanding! The crew was polite and attentive. The dinner was excellent! There was live music as well as someone giving us a little history of the island in between songs. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. We also were lucky enough to see the spinner dolphins put on a little chauffeur for us. We saw flying fish. Overall, it was an excellent experience!

We are a family of 4 with 2 teenagers, we had a great time with our guide at the stargazing tour. Our highlights were the lava caves, watching the sunset as well as stargazing. The sky was unbelievable and we learned a ton with our very knowledgeable guide.

Highly recommend.

Pros: pig roast being done onsite, got to witness uncovering and presentation of the pig. (my son hated this portion!). menu and performances were both great! I liked different island nations being represented in music and dance and a little bit of story telling/history to tie it together. performance was good length and sunset was gorgeous! desserts and beverages were also delicious.

Cons: attempted to check in entire luau at one time slot. made for a lot of time waisted waiting in hotel lobby check in line. check in inside and then second check in outside felt redundant. we arrived at 5:22, email confirmation had suggested 5:30 check in, but spent several (20+ minutes) waiting to check in. by the time we arrived in luau area, we missed the 'activities' portion of the luau. we also missed the royal entrance of the luau show. we did however have great seats so first-come-first-seated wasn't an issue.

brief meet and greet with performers after the show felt rushed -- they were spread along exit sidewalk and available for a quick picture but were ushering us along immediately, without any chit chat -- which is a huge difference compared to other luaus.

professional photography of your party was an additional $25 for digital download. fresh lei's were an additional $10 each, which in my opinion were reasonably priced but I've had digital photography and leis included at other similarly-priced luaus.

having dined at this marriott the night before and spoken to several guests in the week it seems this particular marriott has become quite overpriced for the level of service and age of property it's become. it has an outstanding location, but is overpriced for the level of service or hospitality i've experienced at other similarly priced marriotts in the islands. pool and restaurants were crowded and bonvoy perks were lacking/zero. kids meals were reasonable, but got charged $10 each for kids scoop of vanilla icecream.

Captain and crew of Ocean Encounters 1 dove in ahead of guests, made a plan, and navigated us there. Honestly, we had a great viewing spot and several other boats' guests were eager to move into our spot upon our exiting. Boats are staggered and have a neighborly way of communicating where/when/how each group will be staggered but I would have been disappointed to be in one of the peripheral groups. These are wild animals, so no telling what each evening will look like, but was glad to have a captain who led the charge.

Tips: It is a bit of a rough ride for 20 mins out and approx 20 minutes back. If you are someone who suffers from carsickness or seasickness, highly recommend treating for that before you leave. We had 2 of 30 guests puking over the sides. I gave my carsick kiddo dramamine about an hour before-- no issues.

Do have inexperienced family members practice snorkeling ahead of tour so that they can spend the entire 45 minutes head down in the water enjoying the fish and rays and the learning is done in a pool or bay ahead of time. There were zero swimming skills necessary on this trip but knowing how to calmly enjoy breathing through a snorkel for an extended period was the difference between guests who really enjoyed and guests who didn't. There was a surfboard with handles that the group held on to, which was pulled into position by the guides.

Do warn your kiddos that these rays are HUGE. My youngest expected small 3-4 foot rays like we have in our aquarium and was initially very surprised (terrified) by the 12-15 wingspan on some of these beautiful creatures. They got right up in our personal bubble/faces/immediately underneath bellies and legs so do be ready for up-close amazing experience.

Do not bring a bunch of stuff/items as they end up dripped on and/or in the way. If the weather is warm all you need is shoes that are okay getting wet/dripped on, and a towel. They provided water and light packaged snacks on the return trip.

Just got back from our tour, but if you're questioning of splurging, take these into consideration: these are based on my experience tonight.

1) liking the convenience of a tour guide driving to the summit. But if the sunset view is what you’re after- you can drive to the summit yourself. Everyone follows the rule of leaving the observatory after sunset. Totally understandable. STUNNNNING views. Keep in mind it’s gravel paved and quite treacherous at night- but doable.

2) huge upset: if stargazing is what you’re after- like me. I was disappointed that they only show THREE views through telescope. Three. That’s it. First was a cluster of random stars. Second, after math of a super nova. Third was millions of stars what believed to be pulled in by a black hole. Amazing stuff, but that’s all you get. I was reading other previous reviews and they seem to enjoy more bang for their buck. The tour guide did go over the constellations using a laser and showed some stars in the sky without needing the telescope- but if you’re wanting to see planets, stars up close, we were limited to three.

3) food was okay- salty lasagna. Just save some few bucks and bring your own food.

4) bundle up-long sleeve and pants, close toe shoes is a must. It gets cold at night. They do offer parkas and gloves.


Would I want to do this again? Not after tonight. It was overpriced for what they offer.

Sam was fantastic - really gave us all an exceptional tour of the night sky and was very knowledgable and great with the kids too!

Watching these huge sized manta rays glide beneath us was surreal! Best experience hands down.

Of course you can’t predict rain in Hawaii but you can have spots to seek cover. The event did pass out rain plastic but only once at the beginning and we did not get any.

Once the rain passed there was no attempt to wipe chairs so even if the rain stopped you were still soaked.

The hurried the show to see a quick fire dancer set but that was not that good.

Even without the rain you couldn’t see. The tables in rows made it difficult. The food was ok. The drinks didn’t not taste like any alcohol was in them just super sweet drinks. Overall I was not happy with the event.

Kool show super packed parking was crazy I recommend parking off site because 200 people plus a fishing tournament and whatever else is happening in the area leaving at the same time it took 45 min just to get out of the parking lot.

We had so much fun on this tour. Really great snorkeling. We found eels, puffer fish, and even an octopus.

From the captain to his crew to the boat, it was all perfect. We had the perfect day even with a 17 month old with us. The crew and captain Dante were so accommodating and welcoming. We would definitely recommend this tour for your family.