Reviewed by: Steve
Crew was very nice and captain had a great story, but we were ones that had little luck with manta's. We did see one or two, but it took a full hour in water, where some of my party began to get sick and missed it. The most disappointing part was absolutely no cruise. Do not expect a cruise. We coasted for 5 min and went out where I could snorkel on my own. I really thought we would sail for a bit and get snacks instead of one piece of pineapple. Understand you are hanging onto a ladder the whole time. I get it for safety reasons, but not what I expected. There is no real snorkeling where your swimming around. No boat lights other then ladder. I felt we were using other boats lights, where we were the last ones to ever see anything, unless we got lucky. Our ladder had lights. I thought this was also a 3 to 4 hour tour. It took 5 or 10 min. To get where we were going, then hour in water, then go home. No drinks on this, and hit and miss with hot chocolate. I highly recommended actually sailing first and open the sails like they said would happen and choosing this boat in the first place. My party was disappointed. My kids were troopers and stayed out with me and saw the one manta, before turning back where the rest of the people holding onto the ladder didn't see it. At least give us a cruise first with this cool boat.
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| Packages: | Sunset Sail & Manta Ray Snorkel - Special Group Rate for 6+ Passengers |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/18 |
Reviewed by: James Henderson
Great experience!!!! Tour guide was very knowledgeable, experienced, super friendly, and accommodating! Loved this!
We are happy you enjoyed the tour. Hope you will join us again!
Mahalo,
Jeannie
Kailua Bay Charter
The Glass Bottom Boat
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/18 |
Reviewed by: グーフィー
We participated as three siblings, and all of us were able to stand. The teachers were very kind and taught us well. Although none of us could speak much English, they used very simple words and gestures to communicate, so we didn't have any trouble.
姉弟三人で参加しましたが、全員立てました。
先生たちが、とても親切に教えてくれます。3人ともほとんど英語が話せませんが、ごく簡単な言葉やジェスチャーを交えて教えてくれるので、困りませんでした。
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| Packages: | グループレッスン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/09 |
Reviewed by: keryl
Captain Steve was hilarious and Michael was a great assistant captain. Both Steve and Michael were entertaining and very knowledgeable about the southern part of the island of Hawaii. We saw dolphins, tons of colorful fish snorkeling, traveled to look inside sea cave and had more food than we needed! It was a truly amazing day on the ocean with Sea Quest!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 5-hour South Kona Expedition with Lunch (3 Snorkel Stops) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/15 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/12 |
Reviewed by: MR2 のヒロ
The feeling of tension and excitement alternated, making it an hour that flew by in no time! If I have the chance, I definitely want to try it again!
緊張と興奮の感覚が交互に交錯してあっとゆう間の一時間でした!機会があれば是非もう一度トライしてみたいと思います!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | キラウエア火山と壮大な自然遊覧(2017年12月14日までのご参加) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/19 |
Reviewed by: タツヤ
I felt uplifted when I was given a lei upon entry! The all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink options, along with the show, were fantastic!
入場時にレイをかけてもらって、気分が上がりました!
食べ放題、飲み放題でショーも見れて最高でした‼︎
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | スタンダードシート |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/24 |
Reviewed by: VA family
A perfect size group for this expedition. Captain Steve was knowledgeable and interesting.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 3-hour Captain Cook Cruise (1 Snorkel Stop) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/11 |
Reviewed by: Caryq
Best thing we did in Islands. Great staff. Doors off small helicopter was of course windy, but also awesome.
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| Packages: | Popular! Shared Doors-Off Flight [40 mins] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/10 |
Reviewed by: Julie
We arranged our dinner plans through Veltra for a great luau experience which was spectacular.
We came to Hawaii for our honeymoon.
Everyone at the luau were very friendly in greeting everyone and keeping us posted on the weather which ended up being nice vs pouring rain.
I hope we can come back again with our kids.
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| Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/10 |
Reviewed by: Monique
Was amazing experience easily the best dolphin swim I have ever done. We got to see a bit of the coast line and the guides were very friendly we would definitely come back again
Aloha! Thank you for having joined us. We are very glad that you have enjoyed the wonderful encounter with wild dolphins! Please come back to our tour again :) Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Dolphin Swim & Snorkel (No Transportation) (until 2018/03/31) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/09 |
Reviewed by: Erin
Wonderful luau!! Would highly recommend!! Came here with my brother who was visiting and we had a blast. Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Ohana Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/08 |
Reviewed by: Jon
Kevin made the trip worthwhile. The seas were choppy, the wind was blowing, but the voyage was very worthwhile.. He took two very inexperienced kayakers and made a very safe and enjoyable trip out of it.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Dolphin Watch Kayak & Snorkel Sea Cave Tour [4 hours] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/08 |
Reviewed by: Craig Dombrowski
We liked it very much. The narratot, the history, the various outfits, the sincerity of all who performed. And yes, the food was good.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Ohana Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/05 |
Reviewed by: サッチー
I had a wonderful time. The food was also very filling! However, since I am learning hula, I participated with the image of the best hula dancers in mind, so I felt a bit unsatisfied.
楽しいひと時を過ごしました。ご飯もボリューム満点!
ただ、フラを習っているので、最高のフラダンサー達をイメージして参加してしまったので、少し物足らない感じがしてしまいました。
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/03 |
Reviewed by: Naomi
It was amazing, the good was great and entertainment was excellent
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/11 |
Reviewed by: Sarah
Crew members were great, accommodated 6 toddlers very well! Friendly and professional. Great live music and guided tour. Food was excellent and we got to see a school of dolphins swim along with us! Would recommend for sure!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/10/03 |
Reviewed by: ころなり
I was able to see the dances of each island in the Pacific, learning about their similarities and differences. There were also efforts made to ensure participants enjoyed themselves, such as celebrating birthdays and cheering together.
The meals offered a considerable variety, and even taking small portions resulted in quite a large amount. As mentioned in previous experiences, the order in which you go to get food is determined by your seating, so it’s not an all-you-can-eat situation from the start time. It might have been tough waiting and getting hungry (laughs).
If you don’t have the opportunity to see traditional shows (or have never eaten traditional cuisine) during your stay, I think this is a great option.
太平洋の島々のそれぞれの踊りを見せてくれて、似たところ違うところを知ることが出来ました。参加者の誕生日を祝ったり、一緒に掛け声をかけたりなど参加者が楽しむための工夫もされています。
食事は結構な種類があり、少しずつ取ってもかなり大量になります。前の体験談にもあるように席によって食事をとりにいく順番が決まっていますので、スタート時刻から食べ放題と言う訳ではありません。待っている間におなかへってツラかったかな(笑)。
滞在中に伝統的なショーを見る機会がない(または伝統料理を食べたことがない)なら、いいとおもいます。
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/28 |
Reviewed by: Tomo
The front seat of the doorless helicopter was by the window.
The endless expanse of lava fields.
The active crater is still erupting.
Since it was daytime, I couldn't see the bright red lava very well, but the long-awaited aerial journey to the ocean entry was amazing!!
ドアなしヘリの前座席 窓際でした
どこまでも続く熔岩の大地
今も活動している噴火口
お昼間なので真っ赤な溶岩はあまり見れませんでしたが、念願のオーシャンエントリーまでの空の旅は最高でした!!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 2017年12月14日までのご参加 |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/30 |
Reviewed by: 浜のピアノおやじ
"Riding out into the bay" means we're already in the Pacific Ocean! While I was wondering if it was really okay, under the excellent guidance of our guide, we smoothly paddled the kayak and successfully tackled the challenge of exploring the caves. After the kayak tour, we returned to Keauhou Bay for snorkeling. I lost track of time as I became completely absorbed in snorkeling with the many fish swimming among the corals. If you look closely, there are people along the shore of Keauhou Bay, but in the middle of the bay, it was just the two of us, which made for an incredibly luxurious activity that left us very satisfied.
「湾の外に乗り出す」って、もうそこは太平洋!本当に大丈夫かななんて思いながらも、ガイドさんの見事な指導のもと、悠然とカヤックを進め、洞窟へのチャレンジも見事にこなしました。カヤックツアーの後はケアウホウ湾に戻ってシュノーケリング。サンゴの間に泳いでいるたくさんの魚と一緒に時間のたつのも忘れてシュノーケルに夢中になっていました。よく見ると、ケアウホウ湾の岸辺には人がいますが、ワンの真ん中はうちの夫婦二人の独占で、なんとも贅沢なアクティビティに大満足でした。
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| Packages: | 海中洞窟探検プラン(2018/12/31まで) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/03 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/04 |
Reviewed by: Good
Very exciting to see the dolphins on our outing as well as the tropical fish below. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of info on what we were seeing! Excellent outing.
Thank you so much for your nice review. Glad you enjoyed the tour.
Mahalo!
Jeannie
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Kona Glass Bottom Boat Cruise from Kailua-Kona Pier |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/25 |
Reviewed by: Y.I
It felt like a private tour since it was just the two of us. Our guide, Kevin, was very kind and great. However, the weather was not ideal, and it was disappointing that we couldn't enter the sea caves during the tour due to the rough waves. We also didn't see any dolphins... well, it can't be helped; it's due to the weather.
私達夫婦だけだったのでプライベートツアーみたいでした。
ガイドのケビンさんはとても親切で良かったです。
ただ、天候がイマイチで、波が荒く海中洞窟ツアーだったのに、入れなかったのが残念でした。
イルカも見えなかったし・・まあ、仕方ないですね、天候のせいですから。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 海中洞窟探検プラン(2018/12/31まで) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/11 |
Reviewed by: Kay
Paddling through the vast ocean in a sea kayak was a bit intimidating at first, but once I got on, the sea, the waves, and the refreshing breeze felt absolutely wonderful. The scenery on the Big Island of Hawaii is stunning, and as I moved forward in front of the gentle slopes of Mauna Loa, it became the best experience to float in the ocean with such magnificent nature before my eyes.
大海原をシーカヤックで進む・・というのはちょっと恐怖を覚えましたが、いざ乗ってみると海と波と気持ちよい風がとっても気持ちよかったです。ハワイ島は景色が最高で、マウナロアのなだらかな斜面を前にして前進していきます。あんな大きな自然を目の前に海に漂うのは最高の経験となります。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 海中洞窟探検プラン(2018/12/31まで) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/22 |
Reviewed by: YOSHIKO
Everything was a first experience! My two daughters, one in third grade and the other over 20, teamed up while my husband and I paired up to challenge ourselves with kayaking. Although we didn't progress as smoothly as we hoped (it was quite physically demanding), it was very fun and interesting! The view of the land from the sea was also amazing! However, at the beginning, the staff reminded us to apply sunscreen properly, but I didn't have any with me, so I just applied it before leaving in the morning. By the evening, my shoulders, legs, and forehead were bright red and a bit painful. Make sure to carry sunscreen with you!
何もかもが初体験!小学3年と20歳を超えた娘2人がペアーを組んで、私と旦那が組んで それぞれカヤックに挑戦。思うように進まないものの、(結構体力は使いましが)とても楽しくおもしろかったです(笑)海から見る陸の景色も最高!ただ、始めにスタッフの人が 日焼け止めをしっかり塗って下さい!っと言っていたのですが、日焼け止めを持ち歩いてなかったので、朝出かける前に塗ったまま参加。夜には肩や足 おでこが真っ赤になって少し痛い思いをしました。日焼け止めは持ち歩いて(笑)
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| Packages: | 海中洞窟探検プラン(2018/12/31まで) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/23 |
Reviewed by: Dona
The trip took too long time for nothing, visiting some stores which mean wasting time & money! also you can't see that much Lava in the morning!!! only the smoke! The guide was too knowledge but talking a lot which cause me headache! Since the tour started till finished he was talking no relaxing! after we finish the park he took us to the mall for 45 min!! It's totally wasting time, I prefer to go by car alone and see a lot of sight rather than this tour!!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Volcano Adventure |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/08/31 |
Reviewed by: Karen from MO
We enjoyed the Island Breeze Luau. We were seated with a great group of people and enjoyed talking with them.. The show was very well done. The fire dancer at the end was especially good. The food was very good and had a lot of choices on the buffet.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Ohana Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Stephany
It was a great snorkeling experience. They did a great job all around. Seeing Dolphins is a guarantee. They hang out just off the coast on the way to and from the snorkeling location. The food they served was great and included (breakfast/lunch). They provide some drinks for free with the food. Any smoothies or alcoholic drinks you must pay for and there is a bar on the boat for that. They provide rash gaurds, towels, fins, snorkels, various floatation devices (noodles, boards, etc...). I did start feeling a little sea sick and missed out the last 15 min of water time before we headed back. So I would recommend taking some Dramamine if you get motion sickness.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/21 |
Reviewed by: Rebecca Thom
Absolutely amazing experience! Swam with so many dolphins; loved every moment. We were the only ones booked on to the boat so we literally had our own private tour! Our guide was lovely and gave us great information and stories about the island. We also got lots of time to snorkel and even saw two white tip reef sharks! Would definitely recommend this tour!
Mahalo for taking the time to submit a review of your Dolphin & Kealakekua Bay Snorkel tour with Kona Ocean Experience and for your recommendation! We're so glad to hear that you had an amazing experience with viewing the wondrous marine life of the Kona Coast area, and that you enjoyed learning about our Hawaiian culture and history, too!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Kealakekua Bay Snorkel & Dolphin Watching Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/08/29 |
Reviewed by: はく☆
We used this for our honeymoon! We stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village and also made reservations for a show.
We had booked premium seats, but after reading reviews, we learned that if you don't arrive early, you won't get good seats. So even though the meeting time was 5 PM, we arrived at 4:45 PM. We were guided to the very front of the long table, right in front of the stage. The seating is really based on the order of arrival. If you want to see up close, it's better to line up early!
They also guided us to the food quickly, so we were able to eat without waiting! However, since it was a buffet, if others who were not in the premium seats were still on their first round, it was hard to go back for seconds. So if you're a big eater, I think it's better to take two plates at once!
Drinks were ordered at the table, which was convenient! Most of the options were cocktails, and my husband only had Corona beer.
The narration for the show was all in English! If you don't understand English, you won't have any idea what they are talking about. It was really just for viewing. My husband didn't understand any English, so it felt like just watching the show for him.
ハネムーンで使用しました!ヒルトンワイコロアビレッジに宿泊し、ショーの予約もしました。
プレミアム席の予約をしていましたが、クチコミをみてその中で早めに行かないといい席にならないとのことだったので17時集合でしたが16:45には集合しました。長机の一番前、ステージ真ん前へ案内してもらいました。席の案内は本当に来た順です。真ん前でみたいのであれば早めに並んだ方がいいですよ!
料理も早めに案内してくれたので、待たず食べることができました!ただ、ビュッフェですが2回目を取りにいくには他の人がまだプレミアム席ではない人がまだ1回目だと全然取りにいけないので、ものすごく食べる方は2皿持っていった方がいいと思います!
ドリンクは席での注文なので楽でした!ほとんどカクテルばかりで旦那はコロナビールオンリーでした。
ショーのナレーションは全て英語!英語がわからないと何を話しているか全くわからず。本当に鑑賞のみです。旦那は英語が全くわからなかったので、ショーのみって感じでした。
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | プレミアムシート |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/22 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/19 |
Reviewed by: はるこ
It was my first kayaking experience under the guidance of the staff, and I managed to make it to the open water without capsizing. I also enjoyed snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Hawaii Island. Although I didn't encounter any dolphins, it was a wonderful experience! Thank you!
スタッフの方の指導の下、初めてのカヤック体験でしたがどうにか転覆せずに沖まで行くことが出来て、綺麗なハワイ島の海でシュノーケリングも楽しめて、イルカには逢えなかったけど、とてもいい経験になりました!ありがとうございました!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 海中洞窟探検プラン(2018/12/31まで) |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/16 |
Reviewed by: M.TAKAKO
Reserving with a higher budget was definitely the right choice! I was able to see a powerful show from the front row, which was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and even took videos on my phone, allowing me to create great memories. The meal was also very satisfying, leaving me completely full. 😊
予算を高い方で予約したのは大正解でした!
最前列で迫力のあるショーを見る事ができてとても良かったです。スタッフの方もとてもフレンドリーで携帯で動画を撮ってくださり良い思い出を残す事が出来ました。食事もお腹いっぱいになるほどで大満足でした(^^)v
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | プレミアムシート |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2017/09/21 |
| Activity Date: | 2017/09/17 |
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Thank you for taking the time to review your manta tour. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the staff and also sorry to hear you did not fully enjoy the trip. We, unfortunately, do not always get the opportunity to sail prior to the manta tour. As stated on the website, factors such as mooring availability water conditions and weather play a great part in what happens on each individual tour. If I could have it my way, every night we would have just enough wind cruise out to sea while watching a glorious sunset (No rain). Return back to the manta site to find our mooring available, at this point the wind would calm and the sea would be flat and upon entering the water all of Kona's manta rays would gather under our raft for the entire hour. Everyone would be happy, but alas this does not happen as often as I wish it would.