Hilo Town Attractions

We signed up for a snorkeling trip online. Mind you, we’ve done these trips before where they take us out on a catamaran and find some secluded bay where we can go and check out the tropical fish and coral reef and maybe... more a chance at a sea turtle.

Well, this trip was not quite the same. We did find a secluded bay that had a nice cool reef and tropical fish but we got there by use of a Ford expedition (which had no AC by the way). We then traveled to a second spot by car, where we did get a chance to see a sea turtle, but not much else.

Our snorkel guide was very kind and considerate and made sure that everybody in our small group of four was safe. But it seemed like he was working with one arm tied behind his back, because he had to hunt out the two places for us to dive.

It was a rainy warm trip but had a lot of fun. Devon was a great guide and although we did not see any turtles we saw plenty of fish and coral. Also learned a lot about the local area and history. Very helpful for gettin... moreg our son, who is not a strong swimmer and new to snorkeling, into the water. Our guide explained everything very well and emphasized safety and respect for the land, sea and marine life.

Our guide Devin was very accommodating and knowledgeable! He was thorough when discussing safety in the reef and how best to use the equipment. He seemed to enjoy the experience as much as we did even though we know he... more does this every day! We were thrilled to be able to commune with sea turtles as they relaxed in the sunshine. He then navigated us through the coral reef and pointed out a bunch of wildlife we might have never have seen on our own. The snacks and drinks at the end of the tour were exactly what we needed after swimming for an hour and a half. We appreciated the personalized experience and would absolutely do this again!

I signed up my 2 children (age 18 and 15) for Scuba Diving Beginner offered by Hilo Ocean Adv. through VELTRA. Prior to our arrival in HI, I called up this company and made sure my young adult and teenager met the requir... moreement which they did. Based on the recommendation of the lady on the phone, I purchased a second oxygen tank so my kids could have extra fun time diving. If I remember it well, 1 tank is good for an hour use, so upgrade to a second oxygen tank means extra hour of fun. Being competitive swimmers, my children love snorkelling and did Snuba (snorkel and scuba) many times without any problem. But, on Jan 2nd, things didn't turn out so well for my 15 y o teenager. He wasn't able to "equalize" his ears. I'm not so sure what this means, but he basically wasn't able to go down under water at all and pitifully had to stay afloat all the time with one of the instructor, the whole time! Needless to say, my poor boy coulnd't enjoy this diving and of ocurse, had to give up the upgrade of extra time of the 2nd oxygen tank. My young adult girl also gave up the second tank so both kids could be done and picked up on the same time. My husband then talked to the instructors and was promised a refund for both kids' unused 2nd oxygen tank but it needed to be processed through VELTRA, where we bought this activity from. I thought it made sense but didn't feel comfortable since I wasn't issued any confirmation receipt and all was just a verbal talk from this person whose name I know of but unsure of his status within this company.Sure enough, 3-4 days later, VELTRA came back to me and said Hilo Ocean Adv. management did not authorize and/or approve of the refund. However, VELTRA -thumbs up and bravo to the outstanding service!- despite of all this, refunded me the cost of those unused second tanks. With this, I'm very happy with Veltra and will continue using their service for my upcoming trips! But Hilo Ocean Adv.? Never want to go back ever again!!

Was a good tour! Wish it was a sunny day, but still a bit of an adventure. Basically rained on us the whole tour! Also wish we would have gone further down the Hamakua Coast line!

Chad and a guys name I can’t remember (lol, sorry guy but he was nice) met us at the general store and took us to the Blacksand beach. At first, my wife was very claustrophobic and was having trouble snorkeling but Chad ... moreworked with her and was very patient and before long she was swimming like a guppy! We had a wonderful time and saw a bunch of turtles! I recommend this tour. It was better than what the cruise ship offered for less money. We would definitely go again.