Reviewed by: Keisha
This tour was amazing and worth every penny! We decided to do the circle tour on our first island day as an introduction to the Big Island and we couldn’t be more happy about it. Our guide, Jim was so knowledgeable and had such a soothing voice, his storytelling and information were great. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/09/02 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/31 |
Reviewed by: BigIslandEye
A lot of people will complain about this tour if they don’t see lava and that’s on them. If you need to see lava, do your research and book appropriately. I’m frustrated that we couldn’t see lava shooting into the sky but we saw a perspective that not many others will ever see. I would have booked a waterfalls or other tour but it was a great family experience and the pilot Wesley was great.
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/09/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/25 |
Reviewed by: Sujata
Dave was very knowledgeable he picked up on time from airport on time and we could cover entire island on one day very nice lunch and breakfast on time amazing tour
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2021/08/31 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/29 |
Reviewed by: Deb P
This was a very interesting adventure. Our tour guide, Don, was fantastic. and helped make it a very enjoyable trip. He was very accommodating and made sure we saw as much as time would allow. Very long day but lots of good information and local lure.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Elite Volcano Hike from Hilo Hotels |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/08/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/18 |
Reviewed by: Nasreen Kassam
Bryce, our driver, was amazing! Made the tour everything it was. We all enjoyed the amazing tour with friendly employees and clean vehicle.
Thank you!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/08/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/10 |
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!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/08/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/08/01 |
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.
| Rating: | |
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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: 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: 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: Amanda
We had a great time with Jim! The trip was very informative and we learned much about the history of Hawaii. I would suggest taking this tour at the beginning of your vacation so that you can explore in-depth some of the places we visited. The winery and tea tour was amazing! I learn so much about tea and the winemaking process in HI!
Thanks so much!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/07/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/07/12 |
Reviewed by: Mary A.
Hank was a wonderful guide and truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a great day! Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting an introduction to the island!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Private Tour from Kona/ Kohala (up to 10 passengers) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/07/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/07/05 |
Reviewed by: Debbie M
We enjoyed the trip and thought we'd see at least one waterfall in addition to the volcanoes. After paying $670 for my husband and I, we were really put off by the "begging" for a tip for the pilot - the staff told us thee time about how to tip the pilot - felt it was really cheesy. We always tip and don't need to be told three times. Also, we asked about validating parking and were told absolutely not.
On the positive side, the pilot was very knowledgeable, took us over volcanoes and had was very skilled - we felt safe.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | 60-min Flight |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/28 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/06/25 |
Reviewed by: Julia W
The good- our guide Garry was incredibly knowledgeable about the rocks, plants, birds, very accommodating regarding bathroom breaks and stops along the way, and incredibly kind and thoughtful. We have nothing but raves for him. The company on the other hand was a bit of a pain in the butt. We first booked this tour as a party of 6, and we were told that these tours booked in groups of 9, so they would be adding in 3 additional fares to the tour group. Later they informed me that my son was too young for the group tour, but the private tour had no age restrictions. For an extra ~$400-500 we booked the private tour, since we wanted a tour that would let us see the lava glow at night, and this was literally the only tour that did that. However, even though we were paying so much extra for a private tour, they said that they couldn't accommodate us by going to any stops different from the usual tour, they couldn't start/end earlier, and they were unable to provide pick up/drop off from our hotel 15min away. Then, a few days before the tour, they called to tell us that because the lava flows stopped, they were changing the tour from 10a-10p, to 7a-7p, and adding a stop at Rainbow falls to make up for the loss of the lava flow at night. No dinner meal. Still unable to pick up/drop off from the hotel. And unwilling to make any time changes. I would have appreciated some compromise for our requests considering the extra costs of the private tour or some discount since they were both unable to accommodate our requests and had changed the original nature of the tour significantly.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Volcano Unveiled - Private Charter (up to 12 passengers) |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2021/06/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/27 |
Reviewed by: Jayjay
I went solo. There were 2 tour guides. They were informative and funny. I threw up because of road sick and maybe too much caffeine and food coma in the morning (I assumed - I ate my bf&coffee b4 the tour started and ate their bf & tasted their coffee again). The lady guide took care of me well. Other people in the trip were nice too. Some lady gave me a motion sickness pill and some lady asked me how I was feeling. Thanks!
We went to 6-7 places. I like the black sand beach the most. Walking through the volcano tube was fun. But another volcano attraction was not I expected because we couldn’t get too close to the volcano. It was dangerous Lol. So I couldn’t get a clear pics of the crater.
Big island is a black island (in my opinion) because of dry black lava spreading all over the island.
They picked me up in the morning and dropped me off at the Kona airport in the evening. I flew for a day trip. Call them when you arrived at the airport. They need a reminder. I think my tour guides were Gary and Gabbie. I bought this trip to celebrate my bday. Great serviceThank you!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Standard Tour |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2021/05/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/05/27 |
Reviewed by: Sandy and Phil
We were only on island for two days, so we had to make the most of it. Rich picked us up promptly and we set out with a total of nine passengers. The van was comfortable, and Rich had water and lunch ready for us, along with clean jackets and umbrellas for the chilly rainy segments of the trip. The drive was safe and pleasant, and Rich regaled us with information and stories. At each stop, he allowed us ample time and shared interesting information.
This was a wonderful day, and we not only saw the island but also learned a lot. Highly recommended, especially if you can get Rich as your driver/tour guide!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Pick-up from Waikoloa Hotels |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2021/04/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/04/05 |
Reviewed by: David Embrey
Awana was awesome. He did a great job from the start by getting out group of 20 together in one van. His knowledge of the island’s as well as the big island was extensive. Never a dull moment he kept us laughing and taught us a great deal. All stops were as promised. Would do the tour again
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2021/03/12 |
| Activity Date: | 2021/03/10 |
Reviewed by: Joyb
Awesome awesome awesome. We had a volcano tour on 3/8/20 with Mike. He was the best. He was especially good with our very inquisitive grandson. He was knowledgeable also!!!! He was great great great!!!!
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Deluxe Volcano Tour |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/30 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/08 |
Reviewed by: Steve and Michelle
We had a wonderful experience. Our tour guide Daniel was excellent. Informative and witty. We highly recommend this complete island tour. The steam vents at Volcanos National Park highlighted the day!!.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/14 |
Reviewed by: yokky
This was my eighth time on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the helicopter tour allowed me to see the entire island, leading to new discoveries!
今回で8回目のハワイ島でしたが、ヘリツアーによりハワイ島全容を観ることができて新しい発見がありました!
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/22 |
Reviewed by: Hirocy
For my wife, who has difficulty walking, navigating uneven terrain is challenging, and even short distances can take time for able-bodied individuals. Therefore, instead of sightseeing by car, we chose the helicopter experience for the first time. Although it was disappointing that there was no lava flow, I was moved by the size of the crater when viewed from above. We also saw whales, and I am grateful to the pilot who helped us find them. I had requested a pilot who could speak Japanese, but since there were no other Japanese participants, it couldn't be helped. I was worried the day before due to strong winds that could have taken the steering wheel from me, but the ride was smooth and comfortable. My wife was also in high spirits. It was great to make effective use of our time.
足が不自由な家内にとっては、凸凹したところを歩いたりするのは困難で、健常者にとっては短い距離移動でも時間がかかったりするので、車での観光ではなく、初体験のヘリを選択しました。溶岩が流れていなかったのは残念でしたが、火口を上空から見ることが出来、その大きさに感動しました。また、鯨も見ることが出来ました。捜して下さったパイロットに感謝。日本語の出来るパイロットをリクエストしていましたが、他に日本人参加者がいなかったので仕方ありません。前日の午後は車のハンドルが取られる程の強風だったので心配しましたが揺れもなく快適。家内もハイテンションでした。時間が有効に使え良かったです。
Dear Hirocy,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the helicopter tour of the Big Island with your family. Helicopter tours are a recommended way to see areas that are not accessible by land and to take in the vast scenery. We hope you enjoyed spotting the whales that are currently in season as well. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.
We look forward to serving you again.
VELTRA Customer Service
Hirocy様
この度は体験談をご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
ご家族とハワイ島のヘリコプター遊覧をお楽しみいただけたとのこと、大変うれしく思います。
ヘリコプター遊覧は陸路では行けない場所をくまなく、かつ広域で見ることができるのでおすすめの観光方法です。
また今がシーズンのクジラも見えたとのこと、いかがでしたでしょうか。
素敵なお写真のご投稿もありがとうございます。
またのご利用をお待ちしております。
VELTRAカスタマーサービス
| Rating: | |
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/21 |
Reviewed by: Stan Flouride
I took 2 tours with Wild Orchid in the same week and because of the weather and cruise ship schedule we reversed the order of the Hilo/rain forest and volcano tours. This allowed us to avoid hoards of tourists from the ships and getting stuck behind huge buses on Hawaii's narrow roads.
At Lee's suggestion we started our volcano tour much earlier than scheduled and avoided traffic and site congestion.
I was the only guest but it's clear that Wild Orchid's tours are never very big. This is much more conducive to an educational and intimate tour.
A long time resident of the island, Lee knows its history and its people well and works hard to share his affection with you. He knows the geologic, botanical, and human history of Hawai'i thoroughly and imparts it well.
My time here is limited but if I had time I'd take a third tour with him.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 6-Hour Private SUV (Up to 7 passengers) |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/03/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/03/03 |
Reviewed by: TT's mom
Pick up was right on time!
Our guide Matt was very knowledgeable and passionate about Hawaii island from legends to Hawaii original plants and animals. He kept entertaining us until his voice got hoarse! My favorite part of the tour was definitely the lava tube. it's really amazing!! The way to and from the lava tube is super bumpy and rough. If you get motion sickness, you should take medication for it. I brought kids (12 and 10) with us and they enjoyed themselves as well. Hiking was very mild so anyone can enjoy this tour, I think.
| Rating: | |
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| Packages: | Daytime Standard package |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/18 |
Reviewed by: ぱいなぽー
It was my first time on a helicopter. I boarded it thanks to the opportunity provided by "Tōdai Ō." We were blessed with great weather, with no wind or clouds, making it a very elegant journey.
It was quite a distance from Kona, and the round trip was challenging. However, I highly recommend it as we got to see the crater from above, as well as the beautiful ocean and ʻōhiʻa lehua. It was an exhilarating two hours from start to finish.
人生初のヘリコプターでした。東大王がきっかけに搭乗しました。お天気に恵まれ、風も雲も無く、とても優雅な旅になりました。
コナから距離があり、往復は大変でした。ですが、火口を上空から眺めたり、綺麗な海やオヒアレフアを見れたり、おすすめです。終始大興奮の2時間でした。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 基本プラン |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/11 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/02/08 |
Reviewed by: kazu
I have visited Oahu, Hawaii several times with friends. However, I wanted to see the volcano, so I participated alone for the first time. The flight I booked was canceled, but I was recommended another course and joined that instead. Due to the weather, I couldn't achieve my original goal, but I enjoyed the experience of riding in a helicopter and traveling alone. I was able to participate with peace of mind thanks to the prompt response I received. Thank you very much.
ハワイ、オアフ島は何度か友人と訪れています。
ただ、火山が見たくて一人初めて別行動で参加させて戴きました。申し込んだ便は中止になり別のコースをお勧めして戴き参加しました。天候の為当初の目的は果たせませんでしたが。ヘリコプターに乗れて一人旅を経験できて楽しかったです。敏速な対応をして頂き安心して参加出来ました。ありがとうございました。
Dear Kazu,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
We sincerely apologize for the cancellation of your desired tour. However, we hope you enjoyed the helicopter tour of the Big Island along with the landing at the waterfall, which is one of our recommendations. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos as well.
We look forward to serving you again.
VELTRA Customer Service
kazu様
この度は体験談をご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
ご希望の回が中止となってしまい、大変申し訳ございません。
しかしながら、弊社のおすすめでもある滝への着陸とともにハワイ島のヘリコプター遊覧をお楽しみいただけましたら幸いです。
綺麗なお写真もご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
またのご利用をお待ちしております。
VELTRAカスタマーサービス
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/17 |
Reviewed by: Brenda
What a thrill it was to fly over the various lava fields and craters on this lovely island. The pilot was very informative and told us stories about some of the people who were affected by these lava flows. He also explained what had happened in the past and what is happening now to the changing landscape as we viewed from above. A highlight of our trip for sure!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/02/08 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/27 |
Reviewed by: Roderick & Debra
From the moment we took off to the theme song of Hawaii 50 (one of my highlights), this ride was sensational. From the front row, we soared over volcano craters, lava flows, waterfalls and macadamia nut farms. To miss out on seeing Big Island from the air in a helicopter is to miss out big time. Save money in every way you can before your holiday to include this in your Hawaiian itinerary. Sara our pilot was super friendly and very knowledgeable about everything we saw below us and very keen to answer all our questions. Although I wondered if the ride would be scary, it was not at all. We sat in comfortable chairs, safely buckled up, and soared through the sky as if on a magic carpet. This helicopter ride was one of the best activities I've ever done in my life and I will never forget it. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this a wonderful experience.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/24 |
Reviewed by: Flow
We had a great time on this tour. We were able to see many different places on the island and our tour guide Awana had great knowledge of the island. The tour is a lot of driving but the van is decently comfortable and they have frequent stops to get out and stretch.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/20 |
Reviewed by: Mary & Lloyd
My husband and I booked the Deluxe Circle Island Tour with Kailani Tours online @hawaiiactivities.com a few weeks before we left for our 20th anniversary on the Big Island. We loved our driver/tour guide Alana from the beginning...she was so personable, caring and knowledgeable (a former teacher). The Mercedes van was very comfortable for the 7 people on our tour and we were well provided for with plenty of water and snacks (even with my gluten free limitations). The tour was fabulous, from the Kona Joe coffee farm, lunch/tour at Volcanoes Natl Park, amazing Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, all the way to Rainbow Falls (yes, we saw a rainbow there) and beautiful Akaka Falls! It was great to see the highlights of the island at the beginning of our vacation to get the "lei" of the land so to speak, on the Big Island. This way the remainder of our trip could be spent leisurely exploring the Kohala Coast where we were staying. We highly recommend it to everyone!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Deluxe Tour - Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls & Volcanoes |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/19 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/27 |
Reviewed by: Elise
The tour was wonderful! Rob, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had plenty of time at each of the stops, and really got to explore the island. The hikes in Volcanoes National Park were easy, and we got to see a variety of areas and sites. The waterfalls and black sand beach in the afternoon were beautiful. Absolutely loved the day and the tour!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Volcano Adventure |
| Attended as: | Solo Travelers |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2020/01/06 |
Reviewed by: Tanya
The total experience is awesome! We had a looong day without questions. But the guider made sure the tour was full of fun, stories and care, we didn't feel exhausted.
Started from the lava cave, which is cooler than I expected. Black beach is beautiful. The newly formed lava flow is stunning, also sad when we heard stories from local residents, sorry for their loss. Didn't spend much time in the national volcano park, but it was exactly what we needed, also good timing enjoying the sunset there. 3-courses dinner in the volcano house was perfect, with yummy food and wonderful view overlooking the whole crater. Last but not least, stunning stargazing with professional telescope. Sorry I'm terrible at remembering people's name, thanks very much, our lovely & kind & interesting driver & guider!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Deluxe Volcano Tour |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2020/01/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2019/12/14 |
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Dear Yokky,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
We are very pleased to hear that your eighth visit to the Big Island of Hawaii was blessed with good weather and that you enjoyed the helicopter tour. Landing at the waterfall is also one of our recommended options. Thank you for sharing the wonderful photos that capture the essence of the Big Island.
We look forward to serving you again.
VELTRA Customer Service
yokky様
この度は体験談をご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
8回目のハワイ島もお天気に恵まれ、ヘリコプター遊覧をお楽しみいただけたとのこと、大変うれしく思います。
滝への着陸も弊社おすすめのオプションとなっております。
今のハワイ島が感じられる素敵なお写真もご投稿いただきありがとうございます。
またのご利用をお待ちしております。
VELTRAカスタマーサービス