All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Hawaii

This was my 4th adventure with Waipio on Horseback, and as always, the guides / handlers and the horses were the best! Despite the frequent rains in Waipio Valley, the horses are in wonderful condition and well matched by the guides based on the skill of the rider from novice through advanced rider. The horses and the valley make for a great adventure and enjoyment in a very special environment.

This was my first time participating, and the color of the sea was emerald green. When I went snorkeling, I immediately saw many beautiful fish. My parents in their 60s also tried snorkeling for almost the first time and enjoyed it. On the way back, we even spotted a whale in the distance.

As others have commented, when I participated, we were the only Japanese people, and all the explanations were in English, but there were no issues, and they kindly taught us how to use the snorkeling equipment. We drove to the meeting point with a rental car, but since it's very close to the Sheraton, taking a taxi there would also be a good option.

I thought an hour and a half would be enough, but once we were there, it went by so quickly that if I have the chance again, I would like to participate for a whole day.

初めて参加しましたが、海の色はエメラルドグリーンでシュノーケリングをしたら、すぐにたくさんのきれいな魚がたくさん見れました。
60代の両親もほぼ初めてのシュノーケリングでしたが、楽しんでいました。戻るときは、遠くにクジラも見れました。
他の方もコメントされていますが、私が参加した時も日本人は私たちだけで説明などは全部英語でしたが、特に問題なく親切にシュノーケリングの
使い方など教えてもらいました。集合場所まではレンタカーで行きましたが、シェラトンからすぐなのでそこまでタクシーで行く方法でもいいかと
思います。
1時間半で十分と思っていましたが、実際に行ってみるとあっという間でまた行く機会があれば一日参加してみたいです。

I usually don't exercise at all, so paddling was very tiring for me. No matter how slow I was, the instructor waited for me, which was reassuring. Since we wore vests while snorkeling, it was enjoyable even in areas where I couldn't touch the bottom.

普段全く運動をしないのでパドルをこぐのがとても疲れました。
どんなに遅くてもインストラクターの方が待っていてくれたので安心でした。
シュノーケルはベストを着用するので足のつかない所でも楽しかったです。

Kyle and Kira were WONDERFUL!!! My 12 year old son, Brandon, and I, felt very safe and confident. I was worried about getting in and out of the kayak, but Kira made me feel very comfortable about it. We LOVED the entire excursion, and would definitely do it again, when we visit. We had the most perfect weather, too. Thank you Kyle and Kira!!! You guys ROCK!!!

It was really great! The boat docks not too far from the shore, and you swim from there to a floating platform that looks like a raft. You can borrow a wetsuit, a buoy, and a snorkel.

Even though it was night, the underwater lights were quite bright, so I didn't feel scared. On that day, about six mantas appeared, swimming right next to us at the surface and doing flips, which was an absolutely breathtaking experience.

I got so absorbed in it that I lost track of time. I definitely recommend it, but since they are wild animals, there's no guarantee you'll see them. In fact, when I participated two years ago, I didn't see any.

Also, it was an English tour, but even for us, who don't speak much English, it wasn't a problem. I think if you can snorkel, you'll be just fine.

とってもよかったです！
船は岸からそんなに離れない場所に停泊し、そこから浮いているイカダのような場所まで泳いでいきます。ウエットスーツと棒状の浮きとシュノーケルは貸してもらえます。
夜の海ですが、海中のライトがかなり明るいので怖いとは思いませんでした。
すると、マンタがこの日は６枚ほど現れ、海面に浮いている私たちスレスレに泳いで宙返りを何回もして、もう息をのむほどの体験でした。
本当に夢中になってしまい、時間が経つのを忘れてしまいます。
ぜひおすすめしますが、野生の物なので必ず見えるわけではありません。
実際、２年前に参加した時は空振りでしたので。
あと、英語のツアーですが、英語のさほどできない私達でも問題無かったです。シュノーケルができる方なら問題ないと思います。

This was my second trip to the Big Island. I was looking for something interesting to do with my parents and kids when I happened to become interested in a waterfall, which is a power spot, and decided to join a tour.

I was with a family from the West Coast of the United States during the tour. Although it was in English, we enjoyed nature by picking guava and kukui nuts, squeezing sugarcane juice, and discovering fish!

The highlight was swimming in the seventh waterfall pool and diving from a cliff, which truly felt like a return to childhood. The final lunch was at a breathtaking spot beyond a ranch. We were able to experience the grandeur of the Big Island, and both the kids and adults were very satisfied.

二回目のハワイ島。両親と子供と一緒に何か面白い体験はないかと探していましたら、たまたま滝＝パワースポットに興味をもち、参加。
ツアーには、アメリカ西海岸からきたファミリーと一緒に。ツアーの間中、英語でしたが、グァバやククイナッツの実をとったり、サトウキビの汁をすったり、魚を発見したりと、自然満喫！
極めつけは、七つ目の滝壺で泳いだり、崖からダイブしたり、なんとも童心にかえったようか体験でした。
最後のランチも牧場を過ぎた絶景スポット。ビックアイランドの雄大さを体験でき、子供も大人も大満足でした。

The staff were friendly, which was great. I was very satisfied with my participation. This time, I didn't have a camera capable of capturing the starry sky, so I thought I would like to prepare my equipment and participate again.

スタッフの方がフレンドリーでよかったです。参加して大満足でした。今回は星空を写せるようなカメラではなかったので装備を整えてまた参加したいなぁと思いました。

This Luau was fun and we were glad we went. The entertainment section was a little hokey but still good. I thought the open sessions before dinner including temporary tattoos, hula instruction, and making fish from banana leaves were very fun. The Mai Tais were great too!

I participated on December 9.
It might be a bit early for whale watching, as they appeared briefly in the distance, disappeared when we approached by boat, and then reappeared again when we moved away.
Since it was the beginning of the season, I wondered if the captain wasn't familiar with the points, so I thought a bit more patience was needed.
Unfortunately, I couldn't understand much since no Japanese was spoken, making it a disappointing tour.

１２月９日に参加致しました。
まだクジラウォッチングには時期が早いのか
遠方にちらっと現れ、船で近付くといなくなり、
離れると、また遠方に現れる　の連続でした。
シーズン初めで船長がポイント慣れしていないのか
もう少し、我慢が必要かなと思いましたね。
日本語は全く通じないので説明含めほとんど理解できず
残念なツアーになりました。

This time, we participated with two families (four adults and three children aged ten). It was less than a 30-minute drive from our accommodation in Waikoloa to Honokohau Marina, and we were blessed with clear skies on the day of our trip. We sped to the snorkeling point in about an hour, encountering a large pod of dolphins along the way. To our surprise, we also saw three whales up close, which got the kids really excited. We were told that such encounters at this distance are quite rare. It was incredibly impressive. The snorkeling was filled with beautiful fish. The lunch on the boat was exceptional as well. The kids said they want to go again next time. While it's a fun tour for adults, I believe it's a must-do adventure for families.

今回は、２家族（大人４人・子供１０歳３人）で参加しました。宿泊先のワイコロアからホノコハウマリーナ迄３０分弱と近く、当日は雲一つない晴天に恵まれスピード感満点のボートでシュノーケルポイント迄約１時間。途中イルカの大群。さらには何と３頭のクジラをまじかで見れました。これには子供たちも大興奮。なかなかこの距離で遭遇出来ないとの説明。凄い迫力でした。シュノーケルも綺麗なお魚達が沢山。ボート上でのランチも格別。子供たちから、次回も又行きたいと言われました。大人だけでも楽しいツアーですが、家族ずれにはマストなアドベンチャーだと思います。

When I reached the summit of Mauna Kea, a sea of clouds spread out before me, creating a magnificent view. However, there were more clouds above, and I couldn't see the sunset. As the night sky darkened, I was disappointed because I had hoped to see a sky full of stars. But thanks to changing locations and being persistent, the clouds gradually cleared, and I was thrilled to see a sky full of stars! Next time, I will join a stargazing and sunrise tour.

マウナケア山頂に着くと雲海が一面に広がって雄大な景色。しかしその上にもさらに雲が広がりサンセットが見えなかった。暗くなった夜空にも雲がかかり、満天の星を期待していたので『ががっかり』と思っていたが、場所を変えて粘って頂いたおかげで、徐々に雲が取れて行き満天の星を見られて感激！次は星空＋サンライズツアーに参加するぞ。

The sunset and starry sky were amazing, and the tour's structure, as well as the staff's thoughtfulness and explanations, were wonderful. If I have the chance to visit the Big Island again, I would definitely like to participate again. Thank you for providing such great memories! My friend lost their phone at the summit, but I am very grateful that it was found safely.

サンセットも星空も最高で、またツアーの構成、スタッフの方の気遣いや説明などもすばらしく、またハワイ島に行く機会があれば是非参加したいと思いました。とてもよい思い出をいただきありがとうございました！
友人が山頂で携帯をなくしてしまったのですが、それも無事探して頂き大変感謝しています。

I experienced night snorkeling for the first time. It was quite dark and the waves were strong, which was a bit scary, but I felt safe holding onto the bar and floating. Seeing a manta ray up close was also a little frightening, but it was moving. The swimming time was just right, and even though it was December, once I got into the water, it wasn't cold. However, it was cold after getting out, so a bath towel is essential. When I participated, the waves were strong, and I took motion sickness medication, but I still got seasick, so I recommend being fully prepared.

ナイトシュノーケリングを初めて体験しました。
真っ暗で波も強くて少し怖かったですが、バーに捕まって浮いていられるので安心でした。間近でマンタを見れたのも少し怖かったですが、感動的でした。
遊泳時間もほどよく、１２月でしたが一度海の中に入ってしまえば寒くありませんでした。上がったあとは寒いのでバスタオルは必須です。また私が参加したときは波が強く、酔い止めを飲みましたがやはり船酔いしてしまったので、準備万端で臨むことをおすすめします。

Kira was our guide and she was fabulous! We saw hundreds of spinner dolphins and beautiful coral while snorkeling. We had a kayak picnic with amazing pineapple and treats. We climbed rocks and jumped off the end of the world! Truly my favorite thing we did while on the big Island. Thanks!

Unfortunately, during this tour, there was a lot of gas at the summit of Mauna Kea, and we could only see Venus. However, our guide searched for a spot on the way back where we could see stars, and we were able to hear a bit about the stars.

Since it was close to a new moon, I was looking forward to using my DSLR and tripod, but this also turned out to be a good memory.

I plan to come back for a revenge tour.

The quality of the trip depends on the guide.

Thanks to the guide here, I really made some wonderful memories.

今回のツアーでは残念ながらマウナケア山頂ではガスが多く金星しか見れなかったですが、ガイドの方が帰路途中で星が見えてる場所を探して星のガイドを少しですが聞けました。
新月に近かったので一眼と三脚持参で楽しみにしてたのですが、これもこれで良い思い出になりました。

またリベンジする予定です。

旅の良し悪しはガイドできまります。

ここのガイドさんのおかげで本当に良い思い出ができました。

A trip highlight! The trip is challenging but not overly so, the staff were very personable and funny. They were able to account for everyone's skill level to make the trip enjoyable. Seeing wildlife from so close was great. Just bring your sunscreen -- would go again in a heartbeat!

We participated as a family of four. While enjoying dolphin watching along the way, we arrived at the snorkeling point about an hour after departure. It was like a cove surrounded by coral, with no waves, and we were able to see various fish. The Zodiac is a large rubber boat, but it goes quite fast, so it gets pretty cold on the way back after getting out of the water. I recommend bringing a thick bath towel or something like a fleece.

家族4名で参加しました。途中イルカウォッチングを楽しみながら、出港から約1時間でシュノーケリングポイントに到着。珊瑚に囲まれた入江のようなところで、波もなく、色々な魚を観ることができました。ゾディアック号は大きなゴムボートのような船ですが、かなりスピードも出るので、海から上がった帰りは結構寒くなります。厚手のバスタオルか、フリースのようなものを持って行くことをお勧めします。

Unfortunately, on the day of our visit, the waves were so high that swimming was prohibited at the beach, and we were informed that we couldn't be taken to the underwater cave located about three miles away. However, they explained everything very politely and offered us the option to cancel or enjoy activities in the bay at half price, so we ended up having a great time kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the bay. In the end, we were very satisfied.

当日はあいにくビーチでも遊泳禁止が出るほど波の高い日で、３マイルほど先の入江にある（らしい）海中洞窟までは連れて行けないとのこと。とても丁寧に説明してくれたのとキャンセル又は半額で湾内で遊んでもよいとのことだったので、湾内カヤックとスタンドアップパドルを楽しみました。結果的に満足できました。

I can only speak a little English, but I was really drawn to the idea of exploring caves by kayak, so I signed up.

At first, I was a bit confused by the speed of the conversation during the explanations, but all the staff members were really nice, so my anxiety quickly disappeared.

Although we couldn't actually explore the caves because the waves were too high (it seems this happens quite often), we paddled out about half a mile into the open sea and were able to see the grandeur of the Big Island of Hawaii, which was very moving.

However, we were confident in our physical strength and had some kayaking experience, so we were fine, but I heard that it was tough for those who were beginners.

英語は片言くらいしか話せないけれど、カヤックで洞窟探検というのにすごく惹かれて申し込みました。

やはり最初は説明の時の会話の早さに戸惑いはしましたが、スタッフのみなさんがすごく感じのいい方ばかりだったので、すぐに不安はなくなりました。

しかも洞窟探検自体は波が高くて出来ませんでしたが(そういうパターンけっこう多いらしいです)、その分1/2マイルほどの距離まで海原に漕ぎ出して、ハワイ島を見ることができ、その雄大さにとても感動しました。

ただ私たちは体力にも自信があったし、カヤックも経験ありなので平気でしたが、初めての方が大変だと言ってみえました。

I am deaf and participated with my friends, and I was very happy and greatly helped by the staff who were very considerate and kind! The summit of Mauna Kea had breathtaking views and was very moving. I was glad to see the sunset and the starry sky beautifully. I learned how to take pictures of the starry sky from the staff, and I was able to take beautiful photos, which made me the happiest.

私は聾者で友達と一緒に参加したのですがスタッフさんが色々と気遣って親切して頂いたので、とても嬉しかったし大変助かりました!!マウナケア山頂は絶景の連続で見晴らし良くてとても感動しました。サンセットも星空も綺麗に見られて良かったです。スタッフさんから星空の撮り方を教わって綺麗に撮ることも出来たので、それが１番嬉しかったです。

So many things make this the best zip line on the big island including NINE zips, the last one a tandem AND over 1100 ft long but the absolute best part was the tour guides Kalei and Kalani. In fact, Kalani was our ATV tour guide 4 years ago when we were last there. They made this a very fun adventure and encouraged my hubby who was fearful of heights; even he loved it, after the first one! Truly amazing scenery and very fun, patient, and experienced guides. Safety was definitely a priority for them but made our adventure extra special. Thank you Kalei and Kalani!!!

I was worried about the bad weather since the day before, but somehow I made it to the summit. I was moved to see a white rainbow before the sun set. Although there were many clouds, I was able to catch a glimpse of the sunset. However, on the way down, there was a snowstorm! Is this really Hawaii?! The guides desperately searched for a spot to observe the starry sky, and we descended quite a bit, but we were able to see a beautiful starry sky.

Since this tour is heavily influenced by the weather, if you expect too much, you might feel a bit unsatisfied. Next time, I want to see the sunrise.

前日から天気が悪く心配しましたが、どうにか山頂まで到着。太陽が沈む前に白い虹を見ることができ感動。雲が多かったものの、どうにかサンセットを見ることができました。ただ、下山中吹雪！これがハワイ?!って感じで。ガイドさんたちが星空観測できる場所を必死で探してくれてだいぶ下まで降りてきましたが綺麗な星空を見ることができました。
天気に左右されるツアーだけにあまり期待しすぎると物足りないかもしれません。
今度はサンライズを見てみたいな。

I had visited for work before, but this time I came for a relaxing vacation.
During the two stops, I enjoyed snorkeling.
I saw whales, a pod of dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish in the distance... I had a great day.
For lunch, I had a hamburger.

Since there is no pickup, you have to make your own way to the meeting point, and everything is in English, so if you're okay with that, I think you'll have a wonderful day.

今まで仕事で訪れていたので、今回はのんびり休暇で訪れました。
2回の停泊で、シュノーけリングを楽しみました。
遠くにクジラ、イルカの群れ、海がめ、トロピカルフィシュ。。1日楽しめました。
昼はハンバ＾ガ＾です。

ピックアップが無いので、自力で集合場所まで行かなければならないのと、全て英語なので、それが大丈夫であれば、素敵な1日が過ごせると思います。

We kayaked to the middle of a pods of dolphins and watches them swim around us. They exhaled loudly when swimming. We then kayaked to Captain Cooks memorial all the while getting a history lesson by our guide and the low and dirty on Captain Cook. At the memorial the corels were right in our face and then there was a drop into abyss all within a 10-20 feet from the shore. We saw many corels and fish when snorkeling and everything was crystal clear and right in front of us.

とても楽しいです。初心者レベルのシュノーケリングにも適しています。

very much fun
ok for beginner level snorkelers as well

I participated with my husband. About eight years ago, I joined the same tour, and there was stargazing with telescopes, but that was not included this time, which disappointed my husband. I think it was due to the weather, but it would be disappointing for first-timers. The sunset was wonderful. However, it was extremely cold, so my previous experience was helpful. I think it's a good idea to bring Heattech or similar clothing.

主人と参加しました。八年前くらいに私は同じツアー二参加しましたが、望遠鏡による星空観測がありましたが、それが無くて主人はがっかりしていました。天候の関係化と思いますが、初めての人には残念だと思います。サンセットはすばらしかったです。ただものすごく寒かったので、前回の経験が役立ちました。ヒートテックなどを持っていくといいと思います。

We decided to take this tour with my two teenage children and my parents. We had a fabulous time. My husband and daughter enjoyed the cliff jumping while the rest of us snorkeled. The trip was very relaxing and enjoyable.

The content of other tours was terrible, so I arranged this tour on-site. It was a great decision to make such a bold change! I ended up repeating it during my stay.

The ocean around the Big Island is incredibly blue and beautiful, and I will never forget the excitement of discovering dolphins spinning on the surface!

This tour uses a small boat with a limited number of participants, allowing for greater maneuverability and dropping us off very close to the dolphins, making it easy to meet them. The boat is comfortable with minimal rocking, but since there is no shade on the boat, I recommend taking proper sun protection measures. Also, I tend to get cold easily, but even in December, the water temperature was around 26°C, and the spring (short-sleeved, short-pants wetsuit) was included for rent, so I was comfortable in the water.

To ensure everyone could swim with the dolphins, our guide Daisuke provided thorough explanations and instructions, making it a lot of fun. For those who are first-timers or not confident swimmers, they also lend flotation devices, and Daisuke guided everyone in turn to swim closer to the dolphins. Therefore, I believe anyone can participate with peace of mind.

Daisuke's guiding style felt very natural, and it was soothing to feel like we were sharing the ocean with the dolphins. When I made eye contact with a dolphin, it was such an emotional moment that it brought me to tears. I absolutely love the time spent floating in the sea, watching the dolphins!

I participated alone, but the atmosphere with the other guests was friendly, and it felt like everyone was connected through the dolphins, which made it very enjoyable. It was a delightful tour!

他のツアーの内容がひどくて、現地でこちらのツアーを手配しました。思い切った変更をして大正解でした！滞在中リピートさせて頂きました＾＾

ハワイ島の海はとても青くて美しく、イルカちゃんたちが海上をスピンしているのを発見したときの感動は忘れられません！

こちらのツアーは、少人数制の小さいボートなので、小回りも利いてイルカちゃんに一番近いところからドロップでき、楽々イルカちゃんに会うことができました。
揺れも少なく快適なボートですが、ボートに日よけがないため、日焼け対策をしっかりされることをおすすめします。また、わたしはとても寒がりなのですが、12月でも26℃くらい水温があり、スプリング（ウエットスーツの半そで半ズボンタイプ）もレンタルにセットされているので、海の中では快適でした。

イルカちゃんとたくさん泳げるように、ガイドのDaisukeさんが丁寧に説明や指導してくれて、とても楽しめました。初めての方や泳ぎに自信がない方には浮き具も貸してくれて、参加者全員がイルカちゃんとより近くで泳げるように、Daisukeさんが順番に誘導してくれたりもしました。ですので、どんな方でも安心して参加できると思います。

Daisukeさんのガイドの仕方がとても自然で、イルカちゃんと一緒に海を共有している感じがして、とても癒されました。
イルカちゃんと目が合ったときは、涙が出るほどの感動の瞬間でした。ぷかぷか海に浮いて、イルカちゃんたちを眺めている時間がわたしは最高に好きです！

わたしは一人参加でしたが、他のお客さんとも和気あいあいな雰囲気で、みんながイルカちゃんを通してつながっている感があって、とても楽しかったです。気持ちの良いツアーでした＾＾

Mauna Kea has been called the world's observatory. Nowadays, there are others, like the Hubble Space Telescope floating in space and those in Chile, South America. While in Japan, I knew there were many constellations from star charts, but I couldn't actually see them. When I went to the mountain and darkness fell, the first constellation I saw was Cassiopeia, with five stars visible at a very low position. That's right! This is Hawaii, around 20 degrees north latitude, so the circumpolar stars appear very low. The North Star is also at a height of 20 degrees, while where I live is at 35 degrees north latitude, so it appears at a height of 35 degrees. The Milky Way was clearly visible, and I was once again moved by how many stars there were. The Swan constellation was also clearly visible with the guide's explanation. On the way back in the car, looking east, I saw Orion about to rise from the mountain. The three stars in the middle were vertical to the mountain range. It is known that the three stars of Orion are at a 90-degree angle to the horizon when they rise and set, but this time, participating in this tour, I was able to confirm it for the first time. It was very cold, but there was a service for warm drinks, which was comforting.

マウナケア山は世界の天文台と呼ばれてきた。今ではその他、南米のチリや宇宙に浮いているハッブル望遠鏡もある。日本にいるときは星座早見盤では星座がたくさんあることは知っていたが、実際には見ることができなかった。山に行き、暗闇が訪れ、まず最初に見えたのが、カシオペア座、とても低い位置に5つの星が見えた。そうだ！ここはハワイ、北緯20度ぐらいだから周極性もとても低く見える。北極星も20度の高さ、わたしが住んでいるところは北緯35度だから35度高さに見える。銀河もくっきり見え、あらためて、こんなにも星があったんだ、と感動した。ハクチョウ座もｶﾞｲﾄﾞの説明で、きっちり見えた。帰りの車の中で、東の方向をみると、オリオン座が山から今にも登ろうとしていた。真ん中の三つ星が山並みと垂直になっていた。オリオン座の三つ星は、登るときと、沈む時には地平線と90度になることで知られていたが、今回、このツアーに参加して初めて、確認することができた。とても寒かったが、温かい飲み物のｻｰﾋﾞｽがあり、ほっとさせられた。

This is a repeat visit following last May.
The live performance by the cool brothers and the MC who skillfully entertains with humor is fantastic.
The dancers perform elegantly, passionately, and with dazzling intensity.
It’s so amazing that time flies by in an instant.
I will definitely come to see it again.

昨年５月に続いてのリピートです。
渋いお兄さんたちの生演奏に、話術巧みに笑いで沸かせるＭＣさん。
そして優雅に、激しく、きらびやかに、情熱的に踊るダンサー。
あまりにすごくて時間が経つのがあっと言う間。
絶対にまた見に来ます。