All Reviews for Top Big Island Sights & Attractions

You see everything on this tour!!! Delicious coffee!!

Awesome evening all guided, pick up and drop off back near the hotel, very awesome tour

Crystal clear waters, fun to go through sea caves, thrilling

Really fun filled day, my whole family had a blast!

really awesome to go over the eye, esp with active lava

This tour was AMAZING from start to end. Yes this is a pricer tour to book; however, you truly get a ton for your money. This is a long event; we got picked up at 2pm and back around 10pm. The pickup location was very convenient right in Kona Town. You are provided a solid dinner, dessert, and hot beverages while stargazing. You get to sit back and relax during the drive and enjoy the wealth of knowledge from the tour guide. Speaking of, our tour guide Art was absolutely outstanding! He was knowledgeable, approachable, and entertaining. Also the star-gazing area is private to tours and had a high level telescope for easy viewing. We were fortunate enough to see a really big shooting star during our viewing. We were also provided super warm parkas which was great because it is quite chilly at the summit. I could go on and on about this tour but I would 100% book this again and personally recommend this specific tour to family and friends.

P.S. Did we say how amazing Art was?!

We loved going on this tour! It was great to learn about the local traditions of Waipio Valley and to view it on the only tour available at the time. The group mentioned it as one of the highlights of our Big Island trip!

The tour was everything we hoped for. Fernando was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable about Hawaiian history, religious significance of Mauna Kea and stargazing.

I participated in a tour on October 30. I had originally planned a different night tour, but it was canceled on the day due to bad weather. I had been recommended the manta ray tour by a local Lyft driver, so I hurriedly booked the evening tour for that day. In the end, it was a great decision.

Listening to the explanations from the Japanese guide made for a reassuring boat trip. It was also a wonderful memory to see the sunset sinking into the sea and to spot baby whales along the way.

As for the mantas, I was able to see about six of them. They shared the videos and photos taken with a GoPro, which allowed me to focus on the mantas in front of me without getting distracted by filming. The mantas gracefully swam just a meter away, and after watching them for a while, I completely lost track of everyday life and felt as if there was only the mantas and myself in the world.

After returning to the boat, we were served warm cocoa. It was soothing and comforting for my slightly tired and chilled body.

Since this seems to be an experience you can't have on Oahu, I highly recommend participating in this tour if you visit the Big Island.

10/30にツアー参加。
元々別の夜ツアーを予定していたのですが、それが悪天候で当日キャンセルとなりました。
マンタツアーのことは、事前にLyftの地元運転手からお勧めされていたので、急いで当日夕方のツアーを予約しました。
結果的には大正解でした。
日本人のガイドさんの説明を聞きながら、安心した船旅となりました。
途中で海に沈む夕陽や、子どもの鯨を見ることができたのも良い思い出です。

肝心のマンタは、6枚ほど見ることができました。
GoProで撮影した動画や写真を共有してもらえたので、撮影に気を取られず、目の前のマンタに集中することができました。
1mの距離で身を翻し、優雅に泳ぐマンタ。
しばらく見ていると、日常は完全に頭から消え、世界にマンタと自分だけしかいないような錯覚に陥りました。

船に戻ってからは温かいココアを振る舞ってもらえました。
少し疲れて冷えた身体に染み渡るココアでした。

オアフ島では体験できないイベントらしいので、ハワイ島を訪れたらぜひ参加してもらいたいツアーです。

I booked the Manta Ray Night Snorkel Canoe for my 12 year daughter & I. This totally exceeded my expectations! I still cannot believe how many mantas we saw & how close they were. Our crew took great care of us & had a great sense of humor.

We had a group of 4 and knew we wanted to do a helicopter tour and this place knocked it out of the part the pilot (Wade) was amazing and all of the staff was great at communicating! They make it convenient by being able to call or text and ensure that you will be comfortable before going up in the air! Would definitely do this again if we ever return to the area! Mahalo!

In addition to a wonderful manta ray sighting experience, we were also treated to a spinner dolphin show on the way. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable and great with our 7-year old. We really appreciated the smaller boat for a more intimate and personal experience. The hot chocolate on the way back was a really nice touch! Would absolutely recommend Iruka and we would go again with them next time we are back in Hawaii.

Just be patient with the sightings! We didn't get much activity with the mantas until right at the end and it was totally worth it.

Well worth the money since getting up to the site is nearly impossible logistically for a rental car. More importantly, our guide, Gage, was so exceptionally knowledgeable on everything from astronomy to Hawaii geography.

I was anxious about renting a car for the first time, but I arrived without getting lost. The weather was clear, and the view was fantastic. The staff were all cheerful and friendly. They took photos for each group, and the cows that were around made for great memories. I'm in my 60s, but it was totally fine.

初めてのレンタカーで不安でしたが、迷わず到着できました。
快晴で見晴らしも最高でした。スタッフさんたちは皆明るく親切です。
グループごとに写真を撮ってくださいます。ところどころにいる牛さんたちも写ったりしていい思い出になりました。60代ですが全然大丈夫です。

Due to the decrease in Japanese tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were only two of us Japanese among about 20 people on the same tour (most were from the mainland United States). The guide was Japanese, but the explanations during the transfer were in English. However, they provided us with individual guidance in Japanese, so we were able to enjoy the experience without any issues. When watching the sunset from Mauna Kea, it was colder than I had imagined. They do lend out down jackets, but depending on the season, I recommend dressing warmly in advance.

The stargazing was amazing. As soon as we got off the van, I was moved by the breathtaking starry sky that I had never seen before. We were able to see Saturn through a telescope, and there were opportunities for photography as well. I'm really glad I participated. If you want to see the stars beautifully, I recommend checking the lunar phase before joining.

コロナ禍で日本人観光客が減少した為、同じツアーの役20人中日本人は私たち2人でした（他はアメリカ本土の方が多かったです）。ガイドの方は日本人ですが、移動中の説明は英語でした。私たちには個別に日本語でガイドしてくださったので、何も問題なく過ごすことが出来ました。マウナケア山からサンセットを見る際は、想像以上に寒かったです。ダウンを貸して頂けますが、時期によっては事前に厚着していく事をおすすめします。
そして、星空観測は最高でした。バンを降りた途端に今まで見たこと無い満点の星空に感動しました。望遠鏡では土星も見せていただき、写真撮影もありで、本当に参加して良かったです。星を綺麗に見たい場合は月齢を確認しての参加をお勧めします。

Stefan waited after others had left, and got us the most amazing photos and memories. Thank you to Stefan for caring for the guests.

I was able to enjoy snorkeling in two spacious locations with excellent visibility! There were plenty of fish, and I was thrilled.

There were several types of soft drinks available for unlimited refills, and breakfast included fruit and pastries, while lunch consisted of sandwiches with a choice of fillings, which were delicious. Chips were also served as a snack. The service was great, with sunscreen provided as well.

There were about 20 participants, and my husband and I were the only Japanese people. Naturally, everything was in English, so I couldn't understand most of the explanations. However, the staff taught us how to use the snorkel through gestures.

Overall, snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay was beautiful and amazing! I highly recommend it if you're going to the Big Island.

少人数でゆったり二箇所、透明度抜群な所でシュノーケリングを楽しめました！魚も沢山いて感激しました。
ソフトドリンクは何種類かあり飲み放題、朝食はフルーツとデニッシュ、昼食はサンドイッチで具材も選ばせてもらえおいしかったです。おやつにポテチもでました。日焼け止めも置いてあったりとサービスはよかったです。
参加者は20人ぐらいいて、日本人は私達夫婦だけでした。当然すべて英語なので、説明もほとんどわからなかったです。ただスタッフはジェスチャーでシュノーケルの使い方を教えてくれました。
とにかくケアラケクア湾でのシュノーケリングは綺麗で最高でした！ハワイ島に行くならオススメです。

It was a fantastic tour! From the ease of meeting the guide at a local pick up point, the his knowledge of the islands, the geography, and of course the telescopes and sky, to the use of parkas, pants and gloves... it was a wonderful experience! We went on an almost full moon night so only the brightest of stars were visible, but we were still able to see Saturn and Jupiter through their telescopes. Dress warm... and have a great time!

Stefan was a great guide and we loved how he made a concerted effort to make sure that we got some amazing photos with the sunset and stars.

I was really anxious because I didn't understand the explanation before riding in English, but once I got on and started walking, everything worked out. Once I got used to it, I was able to spend the best time enjoying the wonderful scenery.

乗馬前の説明は英語で全くわからなく、不安でしたが、乗って歩きだしたらなんとかなりました
慣れてきたらすごい素敵な景色をみながら最高な時間を過ごすことができました。

Seeing Mantra rays glide gracefully beneath you was a highlight of my trip to Hawaii. I highly recommend Iruka.

First timers snorkeling, we have so much fun and our guides very friendly and helpful

I must admit I almost didn’t book this tour because of the duration. I’m so glad we did though!! This tour was a fantastic blend experiences. Our guide was super knowledgeable and kept us engaged in conversation just enough. When we had stops to explore the coffee farm, black sand beach, lava tube, nighttime lava flow. None of the stops felt rushed or lingered too long. I would highly recommend this. It was one of the best experiences we had on our trip.

First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Stefan Weich. I have participated in various tours in the past, but none have been as good as this one. I was impressed by the attentiveness and clear explanations. Above all, as a photographer, he took wonderful photos, which will be a great keepsake. Thank you very much.

先ずは、Mr.Stefan Weichに感謝しています、過去色々ツアーに参加しましたが、今回ほど良かったツアーは無かったです、気配り・明朗な説明等、感激しました、何よりも写真家でもあり、素晴らしい写真を撮って頂き、非常に記念に残ります、ありがとうございました。

Had a fantastic time doing the afternoon snorkel. The crew was helpful and shared interesting facts and stories about the island as we sailed. We had plenty of time to snorkel. The boat was comfortable as well with plenty of spaces to sit in the shade or sun. We also loved the fresh water showers to rinse off coming out of the ocean. We will definitely be booking with Sea Paradise again in the future.

Have done this tour 5 years ago with a different vendor. Was much better with other tour group but did not recall who it was when I booked this trip. Things I did not like about this tour:
1. Was not notified I could have been picked up in Kona. So we drove over an hour when we did not have to. Another couple drove all the way to the visitor center for the same reason 2. Dinner was marginal at best. 3. Star viewing from the visitor center parking lot?? Are you kidding me? Why? Light pollution, less clear skies..what a joke. I lay that blame on the tour guide, Maka. 4. Guide is not passionate about astronomy but he can be a good guide at times. Sadly, as the night wore on so did his personality. 5. Gloves were only proffered when a man complained. Hand them out with the coats.

Bottom line: do the tour but with a different group.

In August 2022, when travel was still strict due to COVID-19, I went to the Big Island and enjoyed a private charter. Since it was my first time in Hawaii, I don't have anything to compare it to, but I felt very safe and secure because it was private.

By the way, according to our guide, Mr. Nawata, we were the first Japanese guests after COVID.

The positives were:
- Since it was private,
1. The schedule was flexible.
2. I could keep a close eye on the children who are not strong swimmers, ensuring their safety.
3. Although they had solid COVID-19 measures in place, it felt even safer since there were no other families around.
- We saw dolphins jumping when we arrived at the bay.
- The children were satisfied seeing beautiful fish.

The trip from Honokohau Harbor to Kealakekua Bay took about an hour one way, and we spent about an hour in the water, but the kids seemed to enjoy it enough, and the breeze on the boat was pleasant.

While it is somewhat more expensive compared to shared boats, we were able to do things that wouldn't be possible without the private charter, and I believe it was a great experience for the children. For families or groups of four or more, especially those with relatively small children, I think it's definitely worth it to go for a private charter.

まだコロナで渡航が厳しい2022年8月にハワイ島にいってプライベートチャーターを楽しみました。初めてのハワイだったので比較対象がないのですが、プライベートだったので、安心安全でとてもよかったと思います。
ちなみに、ガイドの縄田さんによると、コロナ後初の日本人だったそうです。

良かった点としては、
・プライベートだったので、
①スケジュールの融通が利く。
②泳ぎが得意でない子供たちにもしっかり目が届いて安心安全。
③コロナ対策もしっかりしていますが、それ以上に他の家族がいないので安心。
・湾に着いた時にイルカがジャンプしているのが見れたこと。
・子どもたちもきれいな魚が見れて満足していたこと。

出発地のホノウコウ・ハーバーからケアラケクア湾までは片道1時間、往復2時間ほどで海に入れたのは1時間ほどでしたが、子どもたちは十分満喫したようでしたし、ボートの風は気持ち良かったです。

乗り合いのボートと比べると多少値段は張りますが、プライベートではないとできないことができ、子どもたちにもとてもいい体験になったと思います。
それなりの4人以上の家族・グループ、特に比較的小さな子供のいる方にとっては、プライベートチャーターにする価値は十分あると思います。

Dylan was a fantastic guide! He put an interesting spin on the whole tour, and he taught us a lot about the geology of the island as a whole. Every part of the tour was great. The coffee farm had a wonderful view, the bakery was great, the beach was very unique, and the volcano + hike were really cool. The fact that they'd brought a telescope made it even easier to see the laval.

The original schedule had to be changed due to bad weather, and we had to turn back at the Onizuka Visitor Center, but I was very grateful for the option to reschedule to another day when there was availability. The sunset view from the summit was absolutely stunning and very impressive. Additionally, the stargazing tour at another location was not only beautiful because of the clear night sky, but the guide's explanations of the constellations were easy to understand and very helpful.

当初の日程は、悪天候のためにオニズカビジターセンターで引き返すことになりましたが、空きがあった別の日に振り替えてもらえた対応はとてもありがたかったです。
山頂から眺めるサンセットはとても素晴らしく、見ごたえがありました。また、別の場所に移動しての星空観測ツアーも、星空がきれいであることはもちろんですが、ガイドさんによる星座の説明がわかりやすくてよかったです。

Very friendly staff and fun facts about manta rays throughout the snorkel trip. We got to see 4 different mantas throughout our trip and they come up so close to you it’s amazing. 10/10 would recommend.