Reviewed by: KI
I participated in the 1.5-hour morning course. It's about a 45-minute drive from the hotel in Waikoloa, and renting a car is the best option. The instructions are given in English, and they speak slowly and clearly.
First, there is an explanation of the flow of the activity, filling out documents, and safety precautions. After that, they provide a lecture on how to ride a horse, and they stay with you from start to finish.
At first, we walked slowly, and then we were able to pick up speed at good spots, which was really enjoyable. Riding through the grasslands, mountains, and along the sea while taking in the great outdoors was an amazing experience.
午前の1時間半コースに参加しました。ワイコロアのホテルから45分程度、レンタカーでの移動が最適です。
英語での案内で、ゆっくりと分かりやすく話してくれます。
最初に流れと書類記入、注意事項などの案内があり、その後乗馬の仕方についてレクチャーしてくれ、最初から最後まで一緒に付いてくれます。
最初はゆっくりと歩き、途中スピードを出して良いスポットでスピードを出して楽しめました。
草原、山、海と大自然を見ながらの乗馬は最高の体験でした。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/23 |
Reviewed by: mm
I was able to see about four waterfalls.
The scenery of Waipi'o Valley was also beautiful.
You can walk around the Botanical Garden in about an hour. It’s very worthwhile.
I swam in the waterfall pool. You can borrow a jacket for free, so even if you're not a good swimmer, you can still enjoy it. There is one place to change, but I couldn't use a shower.
Along the way, I was happy to receive water, juice, and snacks!
The guide was very friendly and a good person. Since I can't speak any English at all, I couldn't understand most of the explanations (I was prepared for that), but I think it’s a great tour for those who can understand. You can hear a lot of interesting stories!
I was glad that the weather was nice all day! ☀️
滝は4つくらい見れました。
ワイピオ渓谷の景色も素敵でした。
ボタニカルガーデンは1時間位で一周できます。見応えたっぷりです。
滝壺で泳ぎました。ジャケットが無料で借りれるので泳ぎが下手でも楽しめます。着替えるところ(一つ)はありますが、シャワーは使えませんでした。
道中、お水やジュース、お菓子もいただけるので嬉しかったです!
ガイドさんもとてもフレンドリーで良い人でした。私自身が英語が全くできないので説明がほぼ理解できませんでしたが(覚悟はしてました)理解できる人にとってはとっても良いツアーだと思います。色んな話が聞けます!
一日中天気に恵まれて良かったです☀️
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/23 |
Reviewed by: Andrea
This was definitely the highlight of our Hawaii trip. Will definitely try it again!!! 10/10 will recommend their service.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/22 |
Reviewed by: Kristen
We are SO glad we booked this tour with Iruka; we had an absolutely incredible time with tour guides Trevor, Diego and Tamaya (so sorry if I'm misspelling your names or missing anyone) who were so knowledgable and accommodating. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island; a bunch of the rays got so close to us, we felt super safe and loved the hot chocolate afterwards!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/12 |
Reviewed by: Steve S
We had a group of 4 and had an excellent afternoon. Our guide was very knowledgeable and warm and friendly. The van was comfy and had big windows for viewing scenery along the drive. The starts were amazing as was the sunset.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour with Dinner |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/16 |
Reviewed by: Stepheeee
You need to check this out if you are not an experienced ATV rider, the tour guides are very patient and chill.
You will arrive to a beautiful area, check in, bet your gear and go over a few house rules. HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO USE THE PROVIDED GOOGLES (not your sunglasses)! The road gets pretty dirt heavy and become difficult to see.
It's a short ride but they take you to a small water hole where you are given the opportunity to jump off the rock and into the water and afterwards a drive back.
Wear something that you can get dirty, do not wear white and do not bring items you do not want to get dirty. The dirt is like a clay color and sticks.
Our tours guides were great ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hey Stepheee,
Thanks for the review and great advise for future guests. Glad you had a great time!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Solo Rider ATV Package (Driver Only) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/17 |
Reviewed by: Rachel D
This stargazing experience was absolutely fantastic! James did an amazing job with explaining what we were seeing and keeping the group engaged. He was informative yet entertaining…and the pictures almost look unreal. As our family returned to the hotel, our kids raved about how much fun they had. Definitely an experience not to miss!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/15 |
Reviewed by: John
This was an outstanding dinner and show. Food was delicious and drinks were always being served. You never had to ask for drinks because there was always someone walking by with a tray full. The show was amazing and educational. The Dancers were incredible and the women were beautiful!
I highly recommend it!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Stefanie Säuberlich
We always felt safe. The support was great. We were there with our 2 sons (4 and 11 years old). Everything worked great and everyone was very attentive. We were able to enjoy it completely as a family. Seeing the manta rays was an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended!
Aloha Stefanie! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing about your exciting experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/08 |
Reviewed by: しろ☆
I participated with my 2-year-old and 4-year-old children. The kids were able to see manta rays while my husband and I took turns. The conditions seemed good, and we were able to see more than five manta rays up close. I took some motion sickness medication just in case, but the kids didn't get seasick at all and had a great time. Thank you for taking photos with the sunset from the boat and for the hot chocolate. I brought warm clothing, so I wasn't cold at all, and everything was fine. I will definitely go again when I visit the Big Island! ♡
2歳と4歳の子供達と一緒に参加しました。
子供達は船上から、私と主人は交代でマンタを見せていただきました。
コンディションも良かったようで、間近に5枚以上のマンタを見る事ができました。
酔い止めは一応飲みましたが、子供達も全く酔う事なく、楽しめました。
船上から夕日と一緒に記念撮影していただいたり、ホットチョコレートをいただいたりありがとうございました。
防寒着も持って行ったので寒くもなく、大丈夫でした(^^)
またハワイ島に行った際には絶対行きますね♡
Aloha Shiro☆,
Thank you for participating with your family at Manta University. You were well-prepared with motion sickness medication and warm clothing! I'm glad to hear that your whole family enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the day when your children grow up and can snorkel together with you.
We sincerely await your next participation.
Mahalo!
Aloha しろ☆様
この度はご家族でマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
酔い止めや防寒着など事前準備がバッチリでしたね!ご家族皆で楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しくおもいます。
お子様が大きくなって一緒にシュノーケルできる日も楽しみですね。
次回のご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/28 |
Reviewed by: Gabriel Vieira :)
My fiance(who i proposed there in the Luau)and i just love the party so so much!!! Everything were amazing! All the workers were so nice, incredible shows and tasteful food!!! We recommend 100% for everyone!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/07 |
Reviewed by: あかね
I never expected to see manta rays so close, which was a bit scary but also moving. The hot chocolate I had on the boat was also very delicious.
まさかこんなに近くでマンタが見られるとは思っていなかったので、少し怖さもありつつ、感動しました。
船で飲んだホットチョコレートもとても美味しかったです。
Aloha! Akane,
Thank you for participating in Manta University.
The hot chocolate after coming out of the sea is warming, isn't it?
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your encounter with the manta rays.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of the sunset and the sea. The sunset truly conveys your emotions!
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
Aloha! あかね様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
海から上がった後のホットチョコレート、温まりますね。
マンタとの出会いを楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しいです。
美しい夕日と海の写真を掲載くださりありがとうございます。あかね様の感動が伝わってくるような夕日です!
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしています。
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/14 |
Reviewed by: Houston
The food was ok. The entertainment was ok. I’ve been to a luau before and this time was just ok. It wasn’t worth the price.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Ohana Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/05 |
Reviewed by: とまと
The content of the show was very good!
The seasoning of the food was not as expected...
I was seated at the very back, but I could see well if I stood up in the back.
ショーの内容はとても良かったです!
ご飯の味付けは期待通りではなかったです、、
席が一番後ろでしたが、後ろで立てばよく見えました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 一般席 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/03 |
Reviewed by: Peggy H
- Hawaiian History, Flowers, Trees, Birds, Fish & Tame Wild Horses - Fabulous Scenic Views
- Enjoyed The Delightful Pick Up Spot
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Waipio Valley Shuttle & Off-Road Tour Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/02 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Really enjoyed the dinner, we were nervous but it was soooo delicious!!
Mahalo for joining us and taking the time to share a kind review! We are so happy that you enjoyed dinner! Best wishes to you and yours!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/10 |
Reviewed by: Jules
The crew was great, the manta turn out was amazing, and the boat ride is short (which is ideal for when you’re cold and ready to get warm again haha). We got lucky that it was a small group so there were plenty of options to sit and have a lovely view of the sunset while heading out. 10/10 would do again.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/29 |
Reviewed by: Kazu
Watching the sunset from the boat before heading to the manta point was the best situation.
Seeing the manta up close was amazing!!
It's incredible to see them so near.
It gets a bit chilly when you come out of the water, so I recommend bringing something to wear.
マンタのポイントに行く前に、サンセットを船上からみて最高のシチュエーションでした。
マンタも間近に見れて感動!!
こんなに近くで見れるなんて最高です。
海から上がる頃には、少し肌寒いので、羽織る物を持って行かれる事をお勧めします。
Aloha! Kazu,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the sunset and your encounter with the manta rays. We hope you'll join us again. We look forward to seeing you!
Mahalo!
Aloha! Kazu様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加くださりありがとうございました。
サンセットとマンタとの出会いを楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しく思います。
また是非ご参加くださいね。お待ちしております!
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/24 |
Reviewed by: Richard Robertson
MUST DO!
This was a great tour - really educational and fun. Be prepared for rain, you are in the rainforest and it rains a lot. Our guide came prepared with umbrellas and rain jackets, flashlights for the lava tube, water and snacks.
Andre, our tour guide was amazing, experienced and incredibly knowlegable of the volcanoes, land, plants and trees, Hawaiian culture, plus more, and the history of all mentioned. He made sure we were always entertained during the approx. 8 hour trip.
Would recommend shorts, closed toed shoes (sneakers fine) suntan lotion, somewhat water repellant light jacket (in case your tour does not provide).
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Evening Volcano Explorer |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/20 |
Reviewed by: kinari
The horse was very cute, and the view while riding was amazing, offering a panoramic view of the Big Island of Hawaii. It became an unforgettable experience.
お馬ちゃんがとっても可愛くて、乗馬中の景色もハワイ島が一望できて最高でした。忘れられない体験になりました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/25 |
Reviewed by: Brett Lapp
It was very cool. Every one was very kind and accommodating. Guide was informative and pilot was very good. We saw a couple sharks and tons of other fish. Kids loved it! (12 and 10) Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Kona Submarine |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/22 |
Reviewed by: むらひろ
When I checked in a little before 9 AM, I was a bit confused because the parking gate was closed, but after checking in, I smoothly rented a helmet, boots, and a jacket, and it didn't take long for the guide to help me choose a horse and get mounted.
Riding along with the guide across the vast grounds during lunch was very refreshing. My horse was Oliver, who had stylish striped hair, and my wife rode Vodka, a chestnut horse; both were great horses.
Along the way, our guide Jessica took some photos for us, and we returned a little after 11 AM, slightly exceeding our scheduled time. It became a wonderful memory.
ちょっと早めの9時過ぎにチェックインした際にパーキングのゲートが閉まっていたので少し戸惑いましたが、受付後はスムーズにヘルメット、ブーツ、上着のレンタルを受けて、ガイドさんに馬を選んでもらって乗り込むところまではすぐでした。
ランチの広大な敷地をガイドに沿って馬と共に進むのはとても爽快でした。
私の馬は立髪がおしゃれにシマシマになったOliver、妻は栗毛のVodka、どちらもいい馬でした
途中ガイドのジェシカが写真を撮ってくれたりして
時間は予定より少し超過して11時過ぎに帰着となりました。
とても良い思い出になりました
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/23 |
Reviewed by: なんだかんだパンダ
I’m not good at English and it was my first time riding, but the 90 minutes flew by. We leisurely trotted through the beautiful grasslands with the best views, and at the end, we picked up the pace for the last 50 meters, which made my backside a bit sore, but it was so much fun! When I looked back, there was a rainbow, which made my heart even lighter. Japanese people don’t have a custom of tipping, but I happily gave about 10%—$10 per person for my family of three.
英語も苦手、乗馬も初めて、だけどアッと言う間の90分でした。
最高の景色の草原をパカパカゆっくり巡って、最後の50メートルを少々スピードを上げて走って多少お尻が痛かったが、とっても楽しかった!
振り返ると虹が出ていて、心が更に晴れました。
日本人はチップを払う風習がありませんが、10%程度の一人10ドル×家族3人分を気持ち良くお渡ししました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/18 |
Reviewed by: かいりつ
This was my first time participating. Since it was also my first time riding a horse, I felt a bit anxious, but I decided to join. It seemed like we were the only participants this time, so we had the guide all to ourselves. As it was my first time riding, I was initially focused on controlling the horse, but the scenery was magnificent and we moved slowly, allowing me to enjoy it. The only sounds I could hear were the wind. The view consisted of grasslands and the sea below, with cows grazing. It was a sense of relaxation that I can't experience in Japan. I will definitely participate again next time I come.
今回初めて参加しました。乗馬自体も初めてだったので少し不安でしたが参加することに決めました。今回は私たちだけが参加だったようでガイドさん独り占めでいきました。私は乗馬初めてなのでまず馬の制御に気を取られていましtが景色は雄大でゆっくり進んでくれるので楽しめました。聞こえてくるのは風の音だけ。見えるのは草原と眼下に見える海、草を食べている牛たちのみ。
日本では味わえないリラックス感でした。今度来た時も絶対参加します。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/21 |
Reviewed by: Kathy M.
We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I especially appreciated the small group size - eight people - which meant that we were able to watch the mantas without getting in each other's way. My sister and I were at the end of the line, opposite each other. This meant that as the manta rays turned over and swam upside down just under the light board - only a few inches away from us - we could look right down their throats. I was amazed at how clean and empty their large mouths were. It was fascinating to see their gills from the inside as well as the outside.
It was wonderful to watch the mantas swim. They move so smoothly they hardly seem to be propelling themselves. The patterns on their backs fluoresce in the light, so they're easy to see.
We watched by lining up on either side of a board, holding on to it and floating stretched out away from it, with flotation devices like pool noodles under our ankles. This keeps our bodies away from the mantas, which is for their protection, not ours. (The mantas are harmless. No teeth, no sting. They eat plankton, not people!)
Two tips:
1. The staff had us put the pool noodles under our ankles, but in that location, it's easy to lose the noodle. Try putting it just below your knees instead. It's much easier to keep in place that way, and if your knees are at the surface, the rest of your legs will be also.
2. If you do lose your noodle, don't panic or kick. Keep your head down, relax, stay as flat as you can, and allow the water to support your body. Staff members will retrieve the noodle and slip it under your legs again. Kicking disturbs the mantas, and the stress is bad for them.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Kathy M.
On the whole, I'm glad I went. It was a lovely day, the boat was comfortable, and food great. The trip included a plant-based breakfast and lunch, with Kona coffee and alcoholic drinks available for purchase. The boat stopped twice on the way out so our guide could explain what we were seeing along the shore.
All the staff members were delightful and took good care of us.
Unfortunately, Kealakekua Bay did not offer the variety of sea life I experienced in other Hawaiian locations. I wonder if the reef has been affected by global warming. My prior experiences were 20 years ago, so things may be different now.
My experience was complicated by the fact that the corrective face masks were only available in a medium, which was too large for me. Consequently, I had major water leakage and was unable to spend much time snorkeling. One of the staff explained that supply chain problems have limited the availability of corrective masks. That's a good reason for bringing your own!
My sister, who had her own mask, explored more widely and commented on the relative scarcity of sea life, although she did see one kind of fish that was new to her.
Nevertheless, the trip was fun. I enjoyed my run down the slide - my sister's dared me to do it!
A number of snorkeling tours go to Kealakekua Bay. I looked at the other tour boats there and concluded that ours was the best. All in all, it was a great way to spend the morning. (Did I mention that both breakfast and lunch were delicious?)
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours] |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Mako
I had a bit of fear during the night snorkeling tour, but there was a Japanese female staff member who frequently checked in on us, which made me feel at ease to participate. I was thrilled to see twelve manta rays. The hot chocolate on the boat afterward was soothing. We also received wonderful underwater footage, creating lovely memories. Thank you very much.
ナイトシュノーケリングツアーで少し恐怖もありましたが、女性日本人スタッフの方がおられて、たびたび声をかけて下さるので安心して参加させていただきました。
マンタが12まいも見ることができて感激しました。
終わってからの船の上でのホットチョコレートは身体にしみわたりました。
すばらしい水中での映像も頂いて、素敵な思い出になりました。
本当にありがとうございました。
Aloha! Mako,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are very happy to hear that you were able to enjoy it with peace of mind. Please come visit us again sometime. We are looking forward to it from the bottom of our hearts.
Mahalo!
Aloha! Mako様
この度は、マンタ大学にご参加くださりありがとうございました。
安心して楽しんで頂けたとのこと、スタッフ一同とても嬉しく思います。
是非またの機会に遊びに来てくださいね。心よりお待ちしています。
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/14 |
Reviewed by: Maggy
This was such a breathtaking experience! Trevor and Diego were excellent captain and crew, with a great sense of humor too. They ensured I felt safe which was huge because I had never snorkeled before. I would recommend this company to anyone who asks, they provide everything you need including prescription goggles which was an amazing surprise. Diego also gave us manta ray facts as we were snorkeling and we loved it. The night began with a sunset boat ride, leading into the manta ray snorkel, and then a quick boat ride back to the harbor with snacks and hot cocoa. I will never forget this experience.
Aloha Maggy! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/15 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Great way to celebrate our honeymoon. HWV goes above and beyond to make you feel like family on this evening.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Premium Package - Alii Seating |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Kara
We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!
Aloha Kara! Thank you for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our tour. 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: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/04 |
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Aloha Kristen! Thank you so much for joining our Manta Ray tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo