All Reviews for Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

I have to say, the staff was fantastic. We came as a family - 2 adults and one 12-year old. One of us adults (me) got motion sickness on this trip. My 12 year old had to bear the brunt of the paddling as we were sharing a kayak. I was dreading the trip back from our snorkeling stop. The guides could see that we were struggling (because of my nausea and the high seas) and they tethered us to their kayak and helped us in. We continued to work our paddles but I think we might still be on the water today if it weren't for their help. My husband was in a single kayak and he did fantastic and had a great time. We certainly cannot blame anyone for my sea sickness except me but the staff was very nice about it and extremely helpful. Thanks guys for all of your help! My husband and son are ready to go again but I think I'll sit the next one out.

We had an amazing experience that we couldn't have on our own. The stargazing was wonderful, thanks to the favorable weather, and the sunset was truly breathtaking. I would love to participate again when I come back to Hawaii. Thank you very much.

自分たちでは、体験できない素晴らしい感動をいただきました。星空の観測も天候に恵まれ素晴らしく、サンセットに至っては、大感動でした。又ハワイ島に来た時には、参加したいと思います。有難う御座いました。

I did this helicopter ride with my husband and 12 yr old son. It was fantastic! We got lucky and had a sunny day, and the views of the island were amazing. We saw some lava flows, we saw waterfalls, and the pilot shared lots of information. We saw a house that had recently been destroyed by lava flow, and all that was left was a bit of roof. We had never done a helicopter ride, and I was a bit nervous about it. We rode with the doors on. It was very smooth, and the views made me forget to be nervous. I felt very safe actually. Our pilot (Aaron) was completely competent and friendly and knowledgeable. I got to sit in the front, next to the pilot. My husband and son sat behind us and they had a great time. Its expensive, but its worth doing at least once. You'll get a view of the island that you can't see any other way.

I'm not a big fan of group activities, but since it's difficult to visit Mauna Kea on your own, I decided to sign up despite it being a bit pricey. To conclude, my two middle school children said it was the most fun they had during our eight-day trip. I also enjoyed it, but I couldn't fully rejoice because I had some concerns about the cost-performance ratio (laughs). However, I was able to enjoy many unique landscapes, so that was great!

あまり団体行動は好きではないのですが、マウナケアは個人で行きづらいので、ちょっとお高いですが申し込んでみました。
結論から言いますと、中学生の子供二人が今回８日間の旅中一番楽しかったと申しております。私も楽しかったですがＣＰがちょっと･･･というのが頭にあり、手放しで喜べないかな（笑）。でも変わった風景が沢山楽しめたのでよかったです！

Nearly 14000 fts above sea level. You will able to see very beautiful sky!!! The tour guide has wonderful knowledge about stars positions. It's worth it.

My family had a wonderful time on this snorkel adventure! Even though only 3 of us were signed up for the afternoon activity, the staff was extremely friendly, courteous, and flexible.

We had a wonderful ride out to Captain Cook's monument, with stops along the way to explain some of the history for that part of the island. The snorkeling equipment was in very nice shape and fit well. The reef was very nice, with a wide variety of fish, and plenty of time to see everything. There were plenty of refreshments and snacks, including fresh pineapple and guava waiting for us when we finished snorkeling. On the ride back, out guide took us further out into the ocean to see if we might see any whales or dolphins.

All in all, this was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon of our last day on the island.

We participated as a family. Thank you for preparing prescription goggles for my nearsighted son. We had the precious experience of being surrounded by dolphins. It was an indescribable emotion. The staff were very kind and their work was professional! When I called the day before, they properly informed me about the meeting place and precautions, which was very helpful. Not only did we see dolphins, but we also spotted manta rays and whales. I felt the beauty of nature on the Big Island, as well as the warmth of the people. The other families who participated were also very friendly, making it a fun time. I absolutely recommend this tour!

家族で参加させていただきました。
近視の息子の為に、度付きのゴーグルまで用意していただいてありがとうございました。
イルカに囲まれるという貴重な体験が出来ました。
これは、言葉では言い表せない感動でした。
スタッフの方は、とても親切で、そして、仕事はプロフェッショナル！前日に電話した時も、きちんと集合場所や注意事項をおしえてくれたので、とても助かりました。
なんと、イルカだけでなく、マンタ、クジラまで見れました。
ハワイ島の自然の素晴らしさだけでなく、人々の温かさも感じました。一緒に参加したご家族の方も、とてもフレンドリーで、楽しいひと時でした。
このツアー、絶対お勧めです！

I participated in the afternoon tour. I received a reservation confirmation email that mentioned to call for confirmation the day before, but it might be a bit challenging for those who can't speak English.

I drove to the location with a rental car. The parking lot was far from the office and hard to find, so having a map in advance would be helpful.

The boat was fairly large, and I didn't feel seasick at all. We encountered dolphins along the way. There were light snacks and drinks available on board.

The sea was incredibly beautiful, and I was able to see many fish, coral reefs, and sea urchins. There was also a slide, which was fun.

I was surprised to see an elderly woman, who looked to be over 80 years old and bent over, entering the water! Of course, she had someone accompanying her.

Since it wasn't summer, it was cold when we got out of the water.

アフタヌーンツアーに参加。
前日に確認の電話を！と予約確認メールであり電話しましたが、英語なのでしゃべれない人はちょっと大変かも。
レンタカーで現地へ。駐車場が事務所から離れていて分かりにくかったので、あらかじめ地図などあると助かります。
船はまぁまぁ大きく全く酔いませんでした。途中イルカに遭遇。
船内では軽いスナックと飲み物あり。
海はすごく綺麗で沢山の魚やサンゴ礁ウニなど観ることができました。滑り台もあり楽しめました。
また、もう80才以上ではないかと思われる腰の曲がったおばあさんが海に入っていたのにはビックリです！！もちろん1人付き添っていましたが。
夏ではないので、海から上がった時は寒かったです。

Every year when I go to the Big Island, I always visit Mauna Kea. No matter how many times I say it, I am always moved by the starry sky.

毎年ハワイ島に行ったら必ずマウナケアにはいきます。
何度言っても星空には感動します。

I had a truly valuable experience in nature. I definitely want to participate in this tour again.

大自然の中ですごく貴重な体験ができました。
また絶対参加したいツアーです。

Great, fun day splashing around off the Kona coast. Nothing wildly new, unless you've never done this sort of thing before. Getting buzzed by a pod of spinner dolphins and the 20-ft cliff jump were highlights. Just be aware: you're looking at several hours of direct sun here, so best buy the aloe first.

I wanted to see the birds on the Big Island, so I participated even though I don't understand English. There were about ten participants, and I felt a bit flustered during the introductions in the car. Everything was explained in English, but there was a participation agreement in Japanese, so I thought it would be nice to have some explanation notes in Japanese. Although I couldn't understand the language, I enjoyed myself thanks to the guide and the consideration of the other participants who wanted everyone to have a good time, and I was able to see the birds properly. I think it's a good idea for participants to know how to use binoculars and some basic English.

英語がわからないけど、ハワイ島の鳥をみたかったので参加しました。
参加者は１０名程度で行きの車の中で各自の自己紹介があって焦りました。
説明とかもすべて英語ですが、参加誓約書は日本語のものがあったので日本語での説明メモがあったらいいなあと思いました。
言葉は理解できませんでしたが、楽しんでもらおうというガイドさんや他の参加者の方の気遣いで楽しめましたし、鳥もちゃんと見れました。
参加する方は双眼鏡の使い方と簡単な英語は知っておいた方がいいと思います。

It was phenominal. Incredible views and good commentary from the pilot. I would definitely recommend a wind breaker if going with the doors off.

I don't think it's ever possible to drive up to 4000 meters. Fortunately, I was able to see both the sunset and the stars (it seems to depend on the weather). The cold is manageable since they lend you a jacket and pants, so there's no need to worry too much; regular clothes (long sleeves and long pants) are sufficient.

4000mまで車で行けることは一生ないと思います。夕日も星も運良くよく(天候によるようです)見えました。寒さもジャケットとズボンを貸してくれるので、特に心配することはなく、普段着(長袖・長ズボン)で十分です。

Overall, it was an incredibly exciting experience. It was a fun time.

On the last day of my stay, it became an even better memory. I want to see it again!

とにかく、最高に盛り上がれる。
楽しい時間でした。

滞在最終日にしてさらにいい思い出になりました。
また観たい！

It was a compact tour of kayaking, snorkeling, cliff diving and sea-cave watching, though the weather didn't allow sea-cave exploration on that day. The overall experience was worthwhile for a first-timer. The tour made it much easier for route guidance, picking up kayaking tips, tying up kayaks when snorkeling and quick onshore energy supplement. It might be a little demanding physically for individual rowers. Yet the staff were very experienced, helpful (and encouraging for beginners).

Had a good time. I'm athletic so asked for a single but was put in a double kayak with my father since girls are "weak". My father got sea sick so we were towed back even though I wanted to do the rowing. I never did get the exercise I wanted and never saw the sea caves so was pretty disappointed. My brother went on to see the caves in his single kayak. We were told that the activity would be over at noon but my brother came back at 11 a.m. We had to wait around til noon for our ride which was also a little disappointing. Wouldn't do this activity again under the circumstances.

My husband and I were first time visitors to Hawaii. Going to a luah was one activity we chose. We took advantage of the preferred seating and felt it was worth the money. We were seated right in the front, were able to go first to the buffet and received $5 off our picture and paid only $5 for parking. The entertainment was truly amazing. The food was o.k but we didn't expect a whole lot. The dancers even stood at the exit so you could get a picture with them.

The participants were all newlywed couples. At first, my husband and I, a couple in our forties, felt overwhelmed by the intense lovey-dovey atmosphere around us and regretted coming. However, once we saw the sunset from the mountaintop and the starry sky, those feelings faded away. The overwhelming nature was truly moving. It was that wonderful. The guide was also very interesting and passionate, which added to the experience.

参加者は新婚旅行のカップルばかりでした。なので、最初私たちアラフォー夫婦は周囲の激しいラブラブムードに押されてしまい、来たことを後悔しましたが、山頂からの夕日、そして満天の星空を観たらそんなことはどうでもよくなりました。圧倒的な自然は感動です。それくらい素晴らしかったです。ガイドさんがとても面白く熱い人だったのもよかったです。

On March 4, 2012, I participated in a tour with Aloha Kona Tours for my honeymoon. During this time, if you're lucky, you can see not only dolphins but also whales.

We were fortunate enough to encounter whales. Moreover, we were much closer than typical whale watching experiences (within 10 meters). In fact, they were swimming right under the boat. On our way back after swimming with the dolphins, a whale jumped right in front of us. I was so excited that I couldn't say anything other than "Wow!" (It was the same for Mr. Nawata from Aloha Kona Tours, right? lol)

There are various discussions about Japan's whaling practices, but I think this experience is one that everyone should have if possible. It had a significant impact on my personal perspective.

There were also plenty of dolphins. I was able to swim while dolphins were right in front of me. Experiencing "swimming with a pod of dolphins" is something you definitely can't do in Japan. Dolphins are just so cute, and there were even mother and baby pairs. I was able to swim multiple times by anticipating the movement of the pod. I got so excited that I swam too much.

As for what to bring, in addition to swimwear, it's a good idea to have a waterproof digital camera. I'll post some photos as well.

Thanks to Mr. Nawata and Ms. Tsuyako from Aloha Kona Tours, I had a safe and incredibly fun experience. (In fact, they were enjoying it with us, too! lol) Honestly, if you're going to the Big Island, you should definitely join this tour.

2012年3月4日にハネムーンでAloha Kona Toursのツアーに参加しました。
この時期は運が良ければイルカだけでなく、クジラも見ることが出来ます。

私たちは正にそれで、クジラと遭遇できました。
しかも、よくあるホエールウォッチングとは比較にならない近さでした。(10m以内)
というかボートの下を通ってました。
また、イルカと泳いだ帰りにも目の前でクジラがジャンプしました。
興奮しすぎて「すげぇ！」以外の言葉が出てこなかったです。
(Aloha Kona Tours縄田さんもでしたよねw）

日本人は調査捕鯨の話などでいろいろありますが、この体験は出来ればした方がいいと思いました。
私個人の考え方にとてもインパクトを与えました。

イルカもたくさん居ました。
目の前にイルカが居る状態で泳げました。
「イルカの群れと泳ぐ」なんて体験は絶対に日本では出来ません。
イルカはとにかくカワイイです。親子連れとかも居ました。
群れの移動に先回りして何回も泳ぐことが出来ました。
テンション上がり過ぎて泳ぎ過ぎました。

持ち物としては水着等以外にも防水タイプのデジカメがあった方がいいです。
写真も投稿しておきます。

Aloha Kona Tours縄田さん・つやこさんのおかげで、安全にとても楽しい体験が出来ました。
(むしろ一緒になって楽しんでましたね(笑)）
お世辞抜きにハワイ島へ行くならこのツアーに参加すべきです。

Since I am into diving, I went for snorkeling in the bay without expecting too much. It was beautiful.
There were plenty of fish, the reef was stunning, and the water clarity was high.
I think the clarity was comparable to that of the remote islands in Okinawa.
Drinks, snacks, and pineapples were all-you-can-eat.

On the way back, we encountered a pod of dolphins, and further away, there were whales.
It was fun on the large boat without any seasickness.

ダイビングやってるので湾でのシュノーケル、まぁそこまで期待しすぎず行きました。美しかったです。
魚も豊富リーフも美しい、透明度も高い。
透明度は沖縄の離島クラスかと思います
ドリンク、お菓子、パイナップルが食べ放題でした。

帰りにイルカの群れに遭遇、さらに遠くにはクジラ。
大きな船で船酔いも無く楽しかったです。

I participated in February, and honestly, it was quite cold at first since the sun hadn't risen yet. However, the sunrise I saw while kayaking out to sea was truly beautiful. It was my first time kayaking in the ocean, but once I got the hang of it, I was surprisingly able to paddle as I wanted, and it was fun.

The sea where I went snorkeling had very beautiful coral. The morning hours are very affordable, and after the tour, I was able to use the whole day, making it a fulfilling day.

二月に参加し、しかもはじめのうちは陽も登る前だったので、正直いって寒かったです。でもカヤックで海に出て行っている途中で見た朝日は本当に綺麗でした。海でのカヤックは初めてでしたが、コツを掴むと意外と思い通りに漕ぐことができ、楽しかったです。
シュノーケリングをした海はサンゴがとても綺麗なところでした。
朝の時間は格安ですし、ツアー参加後も一日をまるまる使えて充実した一日を過ごせました。

There are not enough superlatives to describe this experience. For a landlubber from eastern Canada this is an adventure that will not likely be repeated. The staff at Sea Paradise are friendly, proffessional and extremely knowledgable. I would not hesitate to book with them again. Can't wait for my DVD to arrive so I can relive it all over again.

One experience that can only be had on the Big Island of Hawaii is manta night snorkeling. Plankton gather around the light from the Sheraton Hotel in Keauhou Bay, attracting manta rays that come to feed on them. This is something you should definitely experience at least once. The night boat and snorkeling can be cold, so I recommend bringing a warm jacket. Also, if you are prone to seasickness, it's wise to take some medication beforehand. However, I believe you will have a great experience that you won't regret.

ハワイの中でもハワイ島でしかできない体験がマンタ・ナイト・ショノーケリング。ケアウホウ湾のシェラトンホテルが出す光にプランクトンが集まり、そのプランクトンを食べにやってくるマンタ。これは一度経験した方がいいでしょう。夜の船、シュノーケリングは寒いので温かい上着なども持っていくといいと思います。また船酔いする方は薬も飲んでおいた方が無難だと思いました。でも、後悔しない良い体験ができると思います。

This is a fine way to see the reef, at a depth beyond comfortable SCUBA range. The crew is very professional and obviously happy to be doing what they do.

Check-in at Keauhou Bay. This tour is mainly targeted at mainland tourists who are participating in overseas tours, so all the guidance is in English. However, if you've received a basic education, you should be fine. The staff are friendly and respond kindly. Kealakekua Bay has high transparency and calm waves, making it an ideal environment for snorkeling. You'll be welcomed by a variety of tropical fish. Also, if you're lucky, dolphins might come by. With breakfast and lunch included at this price, it's quite reasonable.

ケアウホウ湾でチェックイン。チェックイン時から海外ツアーへ参加しているんだとわかる本土系観光客をメインターゲットにしたツアーです。だから案内等は全て英語ですが、義務教育を受けている人なら大丈夫です。スタッフはフレンドリーで親切に対応してくれます。ケアラケクア湾は透明度が高く波も少ない湾でシュノーケルにはもってこいの環境。色とりどりのトロピカルフィッシュがお出迎えしてくれます。また運が良いとイルカもやってくるそうです。朝食、昼食とついてこのお値段なので納得です。

The meeting spot was Kevin. When I greeted him with "Hello," he responded with "Konnichiwa!"—he's a guide fluent in Japanese. In fact, he's been living in Japan for 25 years! From the meeting point, it was a 3-minute walk to the departure location, where we learned how to paddle a sea kayak before setting off. After paddling for about 30 to 45 minutes in Keauhou Bay, we snorkeled in a spot where we could see down to about 10 meters deep. When we got tired of snorkeling, we climbed up on some rocks for snack time. It was a very Hawaiian Island activity, and I was quite satisfied. A hat is essential for sun protection.

待ち合わせ場所にやってきたのはケビンさん。ハローと声をかけると、こんにちは！と返してくる日本語堪能なガイドさんです。というより日本に２５年？も住んでいたのですからたいしたものです。待ち合わせ場所から出発地点までは徒歩３分でシーカヤックの漕ぎ方を教わってから即出発。ケアウホウ湾を３０分~４５分ほど漕ぐと水深１０ｍぐらまで見える場所でスノーケリング。スノーケリングに疲れたら岩の上に登りスナックタイム。すごくハワイ島らしいアクティビティーで満足でした。日焼け対策に帽子は必須です。

I participated with my mother in her 60s. I was a bit worried about her joining due to the speed of the boat, but we were both very satisfied. I think elderly people can participate as well. The staff was very accommodating, and during snorkeling, they supported my mother, who couldn't swim, by providing a float that allowed her to look down and see the fish.

Fortunately, we were lucky enough to encounter whales and dolphins. There were no staff members who spoke Japanese, but I think as long as you can communicate a little, you can enjoy the experience without any issues. It's more thrilling than regular whale watching, and I highly recommend it.

60代の母と参加しました。
スピードの出るボートとのことちょっと高齢の母の参加を心配していましたが大満足です。高齢の方も参加できると思います。スタッフの対応もよくシュノーケリングの際は泳げない母をサポートしていただき下を覗けるビート板のようなものにつかまり魚を見せてあげることができました。
ラッキーなことに鯨とイルカにも遭遇することができました。
日本語を話せるスタッフはいませんが少し意思疎通ができれば問題なく楽しめると思います。
普通のホエールウオッチングよりスリリングでお薦めです。

If you participate expecting typical rafting, you might feel it's a bit different.

Instead of the thrill from drops, it feels more like riding a rubber boat at high speed on the ocean, similar to jet skiing.

Honestly, I got a bit bored since there were no drops, just fast speeds.

Still, I appreciated the service spirit of the captain, and it was great to actually see wild dolphins and a whale in the distance.

The snorkeling spots were nice, though I wouldn't say they were astonishingly beautiful.

一般的なラフティングをイメージして参加すると少し違うものだと感じます。

段差があってその落差でドキドキというよりかは、ゴムボートに乗って海面を速いスピードで移動していく、ジェットスキーのような感覚というと近いかもしれません。

途中、落差がなくスピードが速いだけなわけで正直飽きてしまいました。

それでも、野生のイルカやクジラを探して見に行ったり、船長の方のサービス精神は感じました。
実際に野生のイルカと、遠くにクジラがみれてよかったです。

シュノーケルは驚くほどとはいえませんが綺麗なポイントです。

The crew were great and getting to see some whales and a calf was awesome!

Thanks for the great time!