All Reviews for Top Places to Visit in Hawaii

The crew and view was amazing! You can see A-Bay at its best. Blue waters, sea turtles and beautiful fish. Calm waters and blue skies with shade. Kids will absolutely live this short and safe tour. Bring your swimsuits for afterwards and enjoy the sandy coastline. Plenty of trees, restrooms. The Marriott has a walking trail with fish ponds too! Mahalo, Angel

I was worried about whether I would be able to see manta rays based on the reviews, but I did! They came surprisingly close, almost within reach of my hands and feet, so I had to be careful not to touch them at all. Since ocean accidents are scary, I chose a tour that provides explanations in Japanese. Fortunately, there wasn't much price difference for the manta tour, so I went with this one.

I had read in reviews that the boat ride from the port to the manta point was long, and that some people experienced seasickness or found the rocking of the boat difficult. However, since I have never had severe seasickness in the past, I thought that for those who enjoy being out in the sea breeze and taking in the ocean views (especially during sunset, which I think is a precious experience), a longer boat ride could actually be a lucky thing.

The Japanese tour guide was wonderfully attentive and a lovely person, and I really liked them as a person. The cocoa we had on the boat was also delicious.

What I wish I had brought were two bath towels—one for drying off and one to cover my legs—because while the water was a comfortable temperature in a wetsuit during the hot July weather, it was cold once we got back on the boat. I also recommend bringing a warm jacket or something to wrap around your neck and shoulders, as well as warmer clothes and underwear to change into after swimming, along with socks. It would be best to have a thermos to keep hot tea or something to drink on the way back.

Manta rays are adorable, and I recommend this tour for anyone who loves soothing sea creatures like dolphins. I would like to join this tour again next time.

口コミからマンタ見れるのか不安でしたが見れました。
しかも予想外に手や足で触れてしまいそうなくらい近くまで来てくれるので、こちらが一切触れないように体を気をつけないといけません。
海の事故はこわいので、日本語で説明してくださるツアーを選びました。幸いにマンタツアーで価格差はあまりなかったので、こちらにしました。
口コミでは港からマンタのいるポイントまでの乗船時間が長い、船酔いしたり揺れるのが辛い、というのも事前に見ていましたが、過去に酷い船酔いをしたことがなく、海風に当たりながら海の景色（ちょうどサンセットが観れる時間だと貴重な体験だと思います。あとイルカが私達の時は船と一緒に泳いでくれました。）を観るのが好きな人にはストレス発散効果もあり、船に乗る時間が長い方がラッキーではないか、と思いました。
添乗員の日本人の方は、気配りも素晴らしく素敵な人で、私は人として好きな方でしたし、船上でいただいたココアも美味しかったです。
持っていけばよかったと思うのは、7月の暑い時期ですが、海の中はウェットスーツを着てちょうどいい温度ですが、船に上がると寒かったので、バスタオルは拭く用と足に掛ける用の2枚、首や肩には暖かい上着や首に巻けるもの、ホテルに帰るまでに水着から着替える用の普段の服より温かい服装と下着、靴下です。
帰りにホットのお茶などを飲めるように保温水筒に入れておくとベストです。
マンタは可愛らしくて、イルカなどの海の癒し系の生き物が好きな方におすすめです。
次回参加する場合もこちらのツアーにしたいです。

After five years of waiting due to the opposition to the observatory expansion and COVID-19, I was finally able to participate in the sunset tour. The company advertised having Japanese-speaking guides, but due to the impact of COVID-19, it seems they laid off most of the Japanese guides because there were many domestic (U.S.) users. During my visit, the guide was an American with experience working at a U.S. military base, and aside from casual conversations near the Onizuka Center and confirming the meeting time, everything was in English. The explanations along the way, including stories about Hawaii's only Army training base, were all in English, but even with my limited English knowledge from middle school to university, I understood about half of it. Of course, the meeting time and important notes were explained in Japanese, but I felt the English explanations were sufficient.

For the stargazing, two vehicles were used in the parking lot between the summit and the center, with only two Japanese participants. We were divided into two groups for English and Japanese explanations, and one person who spoke Japanese provided dedicated explanations. The photos taken during that time, as well as the best photos that the guide had likely taken previously, were received directly through the Aiphone communication feature. Previously, we would receive them later via the website, but with Aiphone, we could do it on the spot by pairing our phones. It seems that those using phones with OS like Samsung might not know how to do this, so I wonder what they do? After returning to the meeting place and dispersing, I was given a ride to a nearby hotel. I was spared a 20-minute walk at night, but this was only because everyone else returned to their cars from the meeting place or were from nearby hotels, so it was just a coincidence that I got a ride. I heard that if Japanese tourists return, Japanese tours might resume.

The tour itself was fantastic, just like everyone else's experience, but I have two final points. The emergency toilet near the summit is very dirty, so it's better not to use it. Let's use the facilities at the Onizuka Center instead, as we will stop there after stargazing, which should take about three hours. Lastly, remember to give a tip when you get off the vehicle. A few years ago, during my first visit (at the time of the "B-class Gourmet Tour"), I completely forgot to tip because it was an all-Japanese tour, and that experience still gives me a bit of trauma. This time, I prepared three levels of tips in my pouch according to my satisfaction and handed them out at the end. If the explanations had been given in both English and Japanese twice, I would have given 20%, but this time I gave about 15%.

　天文台増設反対の封鎖とコロナ等で5年越しでサンセットツアーに参加できました。同社は日本語ガイドがあるのが売りでしたが、コロナの影響で景気のいい国内(米国)利用者が多くなったので、日系人のガイドをほとんどレイオフ?したみたいです。今回利用時は、在日米軍基地勤務経験がある米国人ガイドさんでしたが、オニヅカセンターや展望台付近の雑談や集合時間の確認以外はすべて英語でした。途中の説明は、ハワイ唯一の陸軍訓練基地の話など英語オンリーでの説明でしたが、特に英語は中学から大学までの勉強でしかしたことない私でも、半分くらいは分かりました。もちろん、集合時間、注意事項等は日本語で説明してくれましたが、先の英語の説明で十分わかりました。また、天体観測は、2台の車が、山頂からセンターの間の駐車場で行いましたが、日本人は２人だけで、英語と日本語の説明の二つのグループに分かれましたが、日本語が話せる1人が専属で説明してくれました。その時撮った写真や、以前ガイドさんが撮ったと思われるベストな写真は、Aiphoneの通信機能でそのまま受け取りました。以前は後日ホームページでの受け取りでしたが、Aiphoneだとその場で携帯付き合わせてできます。サムスン等のOSを使った携帯はやり方がわからないみたいなのでどうするんでしょう?集合場所に戻り解散してから近くのホテルまで送ってもらいました。夜道を20分ほど歩かなくて済みましたが、あくまで、他の方が全員集合場所から各自が車で帰ったり、直近のホテルの方だったので、たまたま、送ってもらうことが出来ました。日本人がまた戻ってきたら日本語ツアーが再開されるかもとのことです。ツアーの素晴らしさは申し分なく他の方と同じですが、最後に2点。山頂付近の緊急用トイレは非常に汚いので使用しない方が良いです。オニヅカセンターで済ませましょう。天体観測後にも寄るので、しょうみ3時間くらいでしょうか。最後にチップは降車時に渡しますので忘れないようにしましょう。私は、数年前、最初の利用の時(当時の「B級グルメツアー」)、完全に日本人だけのツアーでその快適さから錯覚してチップ忘れたことがあり、今も少しトラウマになっています。今回も満足度に合わせて3段階のチップをポーチに用意して、最後に渡しました。途中の説明が英語と日本語で2回してくれたなら20％渡したと思いますが、今回は約15％程度としました。

The luau show and the buffet-style dinner were both great. The free-flowing Hawaiian cocktails were also a nice touch. The price was a bit high, but it was worth the splurge.

ルアウショーもビュッフェスタイルの夕食もよかったです。フリードリンクのハワイアンカクテルも。料金はお高めでしたが、奮発した甲斐がありました。

My child (a middle school student) wanted to participate, so our family joined in. We paddled about 2 km out into the bay. It was quite serious. We couldn't go through the cave, and since I was a beginner at kayaking, we just peeked around the entrance area. We also had some time to enjoy snorkeling.

子供(中学生)が参加したいとのことで、家族で参加しました。
湾の外を片道2kmぐらい進みました。結構本格的でした。
洞窟は通り抜けできず、カヤック初心者のため、入り口近辺で覗き込む感じでした。
シュノーケリングを楽しむ時間もありました。

Unfortunately, I couldn't see the dolphins, but I was able to meet a sea turtle while snorkeling. It was great to swim up close (you need to stay 3 meters away). I also received videos that were shared with me. Additionally, I was informed about other beaches where I could see sea turtles, and I was able to see them in person. Thank you very much.

イルカには残念ながら会えませんでしたが、シュノーケリングでウミガメに会えました。
間近で泳げて良かったです。(3mは離れる必要があります)
動画も撮って共有いただきました。
また、ウミガメに会える海岸も教えていただき、実際に見ることもできました。
ありがとうございました。

I arrived about 10 minutes ago and took a seat in the middle. It seemed that the seats in the front were reserved separately, so I couldn't choose those.
I used the hotel parking lot, and the staff took note of my number. I wonder if it was discounted? It was $5.
I enjoyed the show, and the food was delicious and representative of Hawaii. The sunset was also wonderful.
However, I felt that the number of dishes was a bit lacking considering the price.

10分前ぐらいに着き、真ん中ぐらいの席に着きました。前方の席は別予約の席となっているようで、選べませんでした。
ホテルの駐車場を利用しましたが、係の人が番号をメモを取っており、安くなったのか？5ドルでした。
ショーは楽しめましたし、料理もハワイらしいもので味は良かったと思います。夕日も素晴らしかったです。
ただ金額からすると品数が少なかったように思いました。

Our tour guide Addison was awesome. Excellent in setting tour expectations and safety guidelines from the start. His knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, volcanology, and astronomy was impressive. VIP treatment. Don’t miss this tour on your visit to the Big Island.

Thanks Addison and team.

- Dave T.

It was reassuring to have the Japanese guide Tamae with us. The day before, there were only two manta rays, but on our day, we counted six at the same time. You don't usually see this many even while diving. Tamae mentioned that it's rare to see so many manta rays. Our 10-year-old child was also able to participate comfortably. After disembarking, Tamae shared videos of our tour above and below the water via AirDrop. It was fantastic.

日本人ガイドtamaeさんが一緒で安心でした。前の日2枚だったマンタが我々の日は自分達で数えられたところでは同時に6枚。ダイビングでもこんなには見れません。前の日は2枚だったマンタ。tamaeさんもこんなにマンタ多い事は先ず無いとお話しされてました。10才の子供も安心して参加させて頂きました。下船後、tamaeさんが我々が参加していたツアーでの水上と水中の動画をエアードロップで供与してくれました。最高でした。

I participated on August 9, when there was an impact from the typhoon. Since I was staying in Waikoloa and there were strong winds with whitecaps, I thought this might be canceled as I headed to the port. However, the area around Keauhou Bay was very calm and sunny ☀️, and I was moved by the wonderful scenery and the blue of the ocean. It was a tour that even a couple like us, who are nearing retirement age, could enjoy very much. The staff were cheerful and kind, and we had a fun day. It was fascinating how the weather varied so much in different places on the Big Island.

参加したのは、台風の影響がある８月９日でした。ワイコロアに宿泊していたので強風で白波も立っていたので、これは中止かな？と思いながら港に向かいました。ところが、ケアウホウ湾の方はとても穏やかで快晴☀️、素晴らしい景色と海の青さに感動的しました。私たちのような還暦近くの夫婦でもとても楽しめるツアーでした。スタッフの皆さんが明るく親切で１日楽しかったですハワイ島は、場所によってずいぶんとお天気が違うので不思議でした。

This was my first time sea kayaking. Noni explained how to paddle in an easy-to-understand way, so I was able to get started smoothly. I was thrilled to be able to go to Dragon's Throat. Snorkeling in a spot close to the shore was also fun, as I saw many beautiful fish. Thank you!

今回初めてのシーカヤックでした。ノニさんがわかりやすく漕ぎ方を教えてくださったのでスムーズに入れました。ドラゴンスロートまだ行けて感激。岸に近い場所でのシュノーケルも綺麗なお魚がたくさん見えて楽しかったです♪ありがとう

- Just getting on the helicopter is exciting.
- If you're in the front seat, the excitement during takeoff is even greater.
- The explanation of the mountains by the Japanese pilot Toshi (also known as Sushi) is easy to understand.
He also responds well to active questions.
- I’m glad I purchased the in-flight and flight path recording. The change in passengers' expressions during takeoff was a nice memory.
- I wish I had added the landing option near the waterfall.

・ヘリコプターに乗機するだけでも興奮する．
・前席であれば、離陸時の興奮はより高まる．
・日本人パイロットのToshi（別名sushi）の山の説明もわかりやすい．
　積極的質問にも対応してくれる．
・乗機中の機内＆航路記録は購入して良かった．離陸時の乗客の表情の変化も記念になりました．
・滝付近に着陸オプションをつければ良かったです．

I was anxious about whether I would actually see manta rays, but I was able to see many of them. They came close enough that it felt like I could touch them, and the experience was incredible. According to the instructor, there is about a 90% chance of encountering manta rays. There was also a Japanese-speaking instructor, which made me feel more at ease during the tour. I participated with my family, and it became a wonderful memory.

実際にマンタが見れるのか不安がありながら、参加しましたが、多くのマンタを見ることが出来ました。触れそうな距離まで近くに来ることもあり、迫力が凄かったです。
インストラクターの方によると、約90%近くの割合でマンタに遭遇できるだとか。
日本語インストラクターの方もいて、安心してツアーに参加できました。
家族で参加しましたが、とても良い思い出になりました。

I fulfilled a long-held dream of seeing the perfect starry sky from Mauna Kea. I prepared thoroughly and participated on a new moon night, expecting the best view of the stars. The starry sky from Mauna Kea exceeded my expectations. I was also able to see the Subaru Telescope, and the guide's explanations were detailed, allowing us to take many photos. Although I dressed warmly, it was still quite cold, and when I was freezing, I enjoyed a warm cocoa, which was a thoughtful gesture that warmed my heart. I would love to participate again.

マウナケアからの満点の星空を見てみたいという長年の夢が叶いました。
しっかりとした準備をして最高の星空を期待し、新月の夜に参加しました。
マウナケアからの星空は期待以上に最高でした。
スバル天文台も見ることができ、またガイドさんの説明も詳しくて、写真もたくさん撮っていただきました。
着込んでは行ったものの、流石に寒く凍えていた頃、温かいココアをいただき、心遣いに温まりました。
また参加したいです。

We had blasting time at the 7 Zipline tour!! It was an amazing experience to fly on top of the waterfalls, Our tour guides both Zoey and Emma were so fun and took care of us in every step of the Zipline with safety!! Me and my sons were able to experience the Zipline on top of the big waterfalls more than 500ft who was an amazing memory this summer!!

This whole event and trip was astonishing. I never had an opportunity to see the sky like this ever before. The trip was well organized and our guide Nate was so brilliant and he explained each and every part of the sky so beautifully in addition to having us watch different planets through the extraordinary telescope that he brought. The whole sky is so active in the night where we were able to see bunch of shooting stars, starlink satellites and other individual ones. I probably will do this again next time when I am in Big island!!

Fernando was our tour guide and he was great. We had the perfect weather. Its was an amazing experience! Definitely need the parka even though it was August. It was 44 degrees at the top and got colder after the sun set.

Fun and sunny day on the gorgeous Captain Cook bay!

We got lucky and got a few mantas so the night was worth it!

So much goodies in 1 day- we loved the Kona coffe and cannot stop thinking about it!

We had a family of 10 with kids. They all had a great time. The dancers were beautiful. The kids especially liked the fire dancers. The food was great with a great variety. The bar service was fantastic. The only negative was the heat at that time of day. But other than that we had a blast! Would do it again!

The show was good and the service was great. Loved the lei. I found out that I am not a fan of Hawaiian cuisine. That is just me.

Kssjhbs bsuysgw Judy he Judy be iugebhaie smudge jsuuhe

There were not enough life jackets provided for the number of people on the tour, so I had no choice but to search for an emergency life jacket (which was covered in dust) under the chair and wear it. Other families also had their children wear the emergency jackets while the adults jumped into the sea without any life jackets. The waves were quite high, and I felt a real danger to my life.

I was able to see the manta rays properly, but due to the confusion with the life jackets, my viewing time ended up being about 15 minutes shorter than those who entered the water earlier, which was really disappointing.

ライフジャケットがツアーの人数分用意されておらず、仕方なく緊急用のライフジャケット（ホコリだらけ）を椅子の下から探して着用しました。他の家族も子供のみ緊急用を付け、大人はライフジャケットなしで海に飛び込む始末。波も相当高く、命の危険を感じました。
マンタ自体はちゃんと見れましたが、ライフジャケットのゴタゴタで、先に入水した参加者より鑑賞時間が15分程短くなってしまったのが、本当に残念です。

We participated as a family of six and had a private tour. It was everyone's first time, but our guide Noni provided careful instruction and guidance in Japanese. For those who are not proficient in English, I recommend the Japanese guide.

The outward journey was quite challenging due to the headwind, but Noni regularly checked in on everyone's condition to decide whether to turn back, and we managed to reach the cave. The return trip was quick.

Considering everyone's stamina, we decided to do the snorkeling in the bay. We had a very enjoyable and fulfilling time. Noni took a lot of photos for us!

Although it was an early morning course, the sunlight became increasingly intense, so a rash guard (preferably with long sleeves) and a hat are essential. Wearing gloves might make paddling easier. Shoes that can get wet are recommended, but going barefoot is also fine.

You can bring valuables in a waterproof bag, but I think just a phone and a tip would suffice. You will receive one bottle of water, but if needed, you might want to bring an extra bottle.

I'm not very good at swimming, so I felt safer snorkeling in the bay. They also lent me a kickboard, which made snorkeling enjoyable. Noni mentioned that the waves are calmer in the morning in Hawaii, and since the tour ends by 10:30, you might feel a bit tired, but you can make good use of the afternoon, so I recommend the early morning course.

家族6人で参加。貸し切りでした。みんな初めてでしたが、ガイドのノニさんが日本語で丁寧に指導、誘導してくれました。
英語が得意な方以外は、日本語ガイドがおすすめです。
行きは向い風でなかなかハードで、ノニさんが、みんなの体調も考慮しながら、引き返すかどうか、都度確認してくれながら、なんとか洞窟まで辿り着きました。
帰りはあっという間でした。
みんなの体力的なものを考えてもらい、シュノーケリングは湾で行うことにしました。
とても楽しく充実した時間をすごせました。
ノニさんが写真をたくさん撮ってくれました！
！
早朝のコースでしたが、段々と日差しがキツくなるので、ラッシュガード（できれば下も）帽子は必須。軍手があったほうが漕ぎやすいかも。
靴は濡れてもいい靴で。裸足でも大丈夫です。
貴重品は防水バッグに入れて持っていけますが、携帯とチップくらいでいいと思います。
お水を１本もらえます。必要であれば自分でも１本くらい持って行ってもいいと思います。
私は泳ぎがあまり得意ではないので、湾でのシュノーケリングの方が安心でした。ビート板も貸してもらえたので、シュノーケリングも楽しくできました。
ハワイの海は早朝の方が波が穏やかだとノニさんが言ってましたし、10時半には終了するので、少し疲れていますが、午後からの時間も有効に使えるので、早朝コースがおすすめです。

Best crew ever! They were kind and helpful and overall awesome! Would definitely use again

Fewer Japanese participants joined the tour, and since it was an English tour, I was disappointed that I couldn't understand the explanations during the bus ride. We took a 45-minute break at the Onizuka Visitor Center to acclimatize to the altitude, but there was no place to change, so I changed in the restroom. I wore Heattech top and bottom, jeans, and a fleece, with a light down parka on top. At the summit, I was lent ski pants and a warm jacket, so I was well-prepared for the cold. My hands were only cold from holding the camera.

The meal consisted of sandwiches distributed at the Visitor Center, which were very delicious, but there were no drinks provided. Since it was drizzling, I didn't feel like sitting at the outdoor tables and chairs, so I stood and ate in a corner of the center. During the stargazing, I enjoyed warm cocoa.

I was very satisfied with both the sunset and the starry sky, but I'm wondering how to receive the photo data taken during sunset and stargazing. There has been no email contact since the next day. I called but reached voicemail and left a message...

参加する日本人が少なくなっており、英語ツアーだったので、往路車中の解説はよくわからず残念。高地に慣れるためにオニヅカビジターセンターで45分間の休憩、着替えの場所はなくトイレで着替えました。ヒートテック上下にGパンとフリース、その上にライトダウンパーカーです。山頂でスキーパンツと防寒上着を貸して頂き、防寒は万全でした。カメラを持つ手が冷たかったくらいです。
食事は、ビジターセンターで配られるサンドイッチでとても美味しかったのですが、ここでは飲み物無し。小雨模様だったので、外のテーブル＆椅子に座る気になれず、センターの隅っこで立って食べました。星空観察の時には温かいココアを頂きました。
サンセットも星空も大満足だつたのですか、日没時と星空鑑賞の際に撮って下さった写真データをどう受け取るのか？翌日以降、メール連絡もありません。電話しても留守電で、メッセージは残したのですが…

Initially, the manta rays did not appear on the scheduled day, but I was able to participate the next day and see them (it's quite rare not to see manta rays). I have been longing to join this tour for about six years, and since I had planned it for the early part of my stay, I was glad to have the opportunity to retry. It did take a fair amount of energy, though...

If anyone is going to the Big Island, I highly recommend this tour! It was disappointing not to see the manta rays on the first attempt, but I truly appreciate the staff for their generous support, including arranging the retry!

当初予定した参加日にはマンタが現れず、次の日に参加して見ることができました（マンタに会えないのはかなり珍しいとのことです）。
6年ぐらい前からこのツアーに参加したいと切望しており今回の滞在の最初の方に予定をしていたため、リトライができる結果となり、よかったと思っています。体力はそれなりに使いましたが・・・
ハワイ島に行かれる方がいたら、おすすめのツアーです！
1回でマンタが見れないのは残念でしたが、リトライの手配も含めてスタッフの方に手厚くサポートしていただいて本当に感謝です！

The sunset and stargazing were both amazing. Especially the stargazing, as the moon wasn't out, allowing us to see the Milky Way clearly. The only complaint I have is that the van we used for transportation was full and quite cramped. The travel time was long, and the roads were bad, so I hope this can be improved. (The driver was also lamenting about it...)

サンセット、星空観測とも最高でした。特に星空観測は月も出ていなかったのて天の川まではっきりとみることができました。
唯一不満な点として移動に使ったバンは満車でかなり窮屈なものでした。移動時間も長く途中道も悪いので改善して欲しい。（ドライバーも嘆いていたけれども。。）

The sunset was incredibly beautiful... I was moved. And the starry sky was breathtaking. I was finally able to see the starry sky that I had wanted to see for so long, and my dream came true! I was so happy.

とっても美しい景色にサンセット…感動しました。
そして満天の星空は圧巻でした。ずうっと観たかった星空を観ることができて、ついに夢が叶いました！
嬉しかったです。