Big Island
Overall impression: encompasses true Hawaiian culture. Staff: very friendly and helpful. Performers: Wonderful!
Food: Could use improvement, for the price of the entire experience, could be better
Advertise that the photos at the end cost money or please include it complementary in the package. Mahalo!
Great evening. Food was excellent and entertainment was even better. Loved the evening with my wife and friends! Venue was perfect with the scenic views.
Incredible tour but our Tour guide, Anson really brought the island and the tour to life. Honestly enjoyed the tour to the max but we would pay to just hang out with Anson again. Lol. I'm sure all the guides are great and extremely courteous.
All the jokes we made he would rebuttal and be involved all while still maintaining his poise and professionalism. It's the little things guys and this tour has it all. Thank you From the bottom of our hearts.
We had a lot of fun on the tour Ridge was amazing and gave us a lot of good local history and knowledge. If he didn't know the answer to a question he found it out for us. We'd highly recommend this tour to anybody looking for a great day on the island.
Aloha, Barbara!
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! Ridge is indeed a fantastic guide, always eager to provide local history and insights. We're thrilled to hear you had a lot of fun and enjoyed the tour. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another great day on the island in the future! Mahalo again!
The boat crew went out of their way to make sure each and every one of us was taken care of and having a good time. The mantas were surreal. This is something everyone needs to experience!
Aloha Alex! Thank you so much for joining our tour and for sharing about your experience. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon! Mahalo
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the port to reach the spot beyond Kona Airport. Perhaps due to the strong winds, there were waves, and the impact on the boat was significant.
Several other boats gathered at the spot, and we all waited for the sunset. As soon as the sun went down, we jumped into the water, grabbed onto the float, and just floated. Manta rays appeared almost immediately. One after another, three of them swam right in front of us, opening their large mouths. The sheer power of it was breathtaking.
With the support of the crew, including Tamae, I felt safe participating. I highly recommend it.
港から2〜30分でコナ空港の先のスポットまで行きます。風の強い日だったためか波もありボートへの衝撃は大きかったです。
スポットには数隻の他の船も集まり、みんなで日没を待ちます。
陽が沈むとすぐに海に入ってフロートに捕まって、ただ浮いていればOK。本当にすぐにマンタが現れました。次々と現れてあっという間に3頭?匹?が大きく口を開け目の前をくるくると泳ぎます。あまりの迫力に声が出てしまうほど。
たまえさんをはじめクルーのみなさんのサポートもバッチリなので、安心して参加できました。おすすめです。
Dear Hikari-tai Kinoko-sama,
Aloha!
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are delighted to hear that you were able to enjoy your encounter with the manta rays with both excitement and peace of mind.
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
光りたいキノコ様
Aloha!
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。マンタとの出会いを感動と共に安心して楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
I never expected to see manta rays up close like this! They kept doing flips right in front of me over and over again! I was filming with my GoPro, and there were times when the manta's fin brushed against my hand, which is an experience you don't usually get! On the way to the manta spot, I enjoyed a beautiful sunset while being rocked by the boat, and I had such a wonderful time!
こんな間近にマンタが見えるとは思ってなかった!
ってぐらいすごい目の前を何度も何度もマンタは宙返りで来てくれました!
GoProで撮影していたのですが、手にマンタのひれがあたるときもあったりして、こんな体験普通はできないですよね!
マンタのスポットに行くまではボートに揺られながら、綺麗なサンセットも見れて、すごく素敵な時間を過ごせました!!
Dear Hiro Tama-kun,
Aloha!
Thank you for participating in Manta University this time.
Also, thank you for sharing so many photos. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed yourself through the pictures.
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
ひろ玉くん様
Aloha!
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきましてありがとうございました。
また、たくさんの写真を掲載くださりありがとうございます。写真からも楽しんで頂けた様子が伝わってきて嬉しく思います。
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
I rode with a 9-year-old, and it was incredibly exciting. We went through the jungle, climbed up and down, which was quite thrilling (maybe because of my driving?). Ducks followed us at the pond, and we got to do some fishing. The view of the white-capped Pacific Ocean from the cliffs was amazing. Along the way, we saw some rare flowers and tried some fruits; it was a packed two and a half hours. In addition to our group of eight, there were two Western couples, and we had two friendly guides for our party of ten. I highly recommend it.
9才の子と乗りましたが大興奮でした。ジャングルを通ったり、登ったりくだったりかなりスリリングでした(私の運転のせいか?)
池であひるがついてきたり、釣りさせてくれたり。崖から白波の太平洋を見下ろすのは最高です。途中珍しいお花を見たりフルーツを食べてみたり盛りだくさんの2時間半でした。私達8人のほかに2人欧米人カップルがいて、10人パーティーに優しいガイドさんが2人付いてきてくれました。オススメです。
It's only in English, but it's okay even if it's broken.
The horses seem to be trained and will walk the course on their own.
There are moderate ups and downs, so it doesn't get boring.
The entrance can be a bit hard to find, so be careful.
You can only get there by rental car or charter tour, but this breathtaking view is a must-see!
英語のみですが、カタコトでも大丈夫です。
馬は調教されているようで、勝手にコースを歩いてくれます。
アップダウンも適度にあり、飽きません。
入口は少しわかりにくいので注意が必要です。
レンタカーかチャーターツアーでないと行けないですが、この絶景は必見です!
We were the only Japanese participants, and although we didn't understand the content of the conversation, it felt good to be part of an overseas tour.
For lunch, it was labeled as BBQ, but it was a small, cold hamburger that had been prepared in advance. Since this was one of the reasons we chose the tour, I wish they had made adjustments if there were any changes. I don't think the tour was bad, but I felt it was expensive in terms of cost performance.
日本人は私たちだけで、話の内容はわからないものの、海外のツアーに参加している感覚もよかったです。
昼食は、BBQと書いてあったのですが、作り置きの冷えた小さなハンバーガーで、昼食も選んだ理由だったので、変わったのであれば、修正しておいてほしかったです。
ツアーは悪くなかったと思うのですが、コスパとしては、高いと思いました。
It was a once in a lifetime experience. The manta rays came right up to us and almost brushed up on us. It was so beautiful as well as seeing all the glowing plankton and other fish. the staff on the boat were friendly and informative. at the end they gave us hot chocolate and soup to warm us up. definitely recommend this company.
This was the BEST flight I've ever done on Big Island. The doors-off was the way to go. It was a 4-seater with only 3 of us on-board so we each got a window seat.
Tips:
-Bring/wear a windbreaker. It gets VERY chilly with the wind.
-Sunglasses are a must
-Cameras or cell phones for photos must have a wrist strap
The trip was great. Nice being out on the ocean. Catamaran felt safe. Captain and crew were friendly and competent. Lots to drink plus snacks. Always a beautiful sunset. Highly recommended. Would do it again. Mahalo!
There were about 15 participants, and a guide was at the front and back. The gathering and dispersal felt casual, as we just came to the bay and then left, so I think it's good to come in swimsuits and leave in swimsuits. There were public restrooms nearby. If you have a certain level of English or some canoeing experience, you'll feel more comfortable participating. Also, the light snacks provided were small bags of snacks and about one can of juice. They lent out life jackets for children. The snorkeling masks were one size, so the kids used their own goggles. It was a beautiful bay with very clear blue water, and it was a wonderful half-day tour while feeling the nature of Hawaii. Thank you very much.
参加者が15名くらいで、先頭と後尾にガイドさんがついてくれました。集合も解散もラフな感じで湾の辺りに来て帰るという感じなので、水着で来て水着で帰るくらいの心構えだとよいかなーと思います。公衆トイレは近くにありました。ある程度英語ができる方、もしくは多少のカヌー経験者だと、より安心して参加できるかなと思います。また、軽食はスナック小袋とジュース1缶程度でした。
子ども用ライフジャケット貸し出ししてくれました。シュノーケルマスクはワンサイズだったので、子どもたちは持参のゴーグルを使用しました。
とても澄んだブルーの綺麗な湾で、ハワイの自然を感じながらのツアーで素晴らしい半日になりました。ありがとうございました。
My family and I (two kids 11 and 8 plus my spouse) had a blast on the Spirit of Aloha Kohala Coast Snorkel Tour with Lunch & Drinks - Hawaii Nautical / Snorkel Sail. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer! Our captain was entertaining, the crew knowledgeable, and the facilities were clean. Equipment was sufficient and the waters were clear and calm. I highly recommend!
The zip line experience was excellent! Ages 8-45 in our group all loved it!!
We weren’t sure about the waterfall swim/kayak, the kids said this was their favorite part of the time at Umauma, even better than zip lining!!
Highly recommended for people of almost any age!!
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
Aloha Angel
Thanks for taking the time to review your Glass Bottom Boat Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip and got to spend some time on the beach afterwards. We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your morning with us.
We really appreciate those beautiful photos you posted too!
Mahalo and A Hui Hou
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。
Aloha! Lavender,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
Also, thank you for writing about the preparations for those considering participation through your experience.
We sincerely look forward to your next participation!
Mahalo!
Aloha! ラベンダー様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。ツアーを楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
また、体験を通して参加を検討してくださっている方への事前準備などについて記述してくださりありがとうございます。
次回のご参加も心よりお待ちしております!
Mahalo!
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。
Aloha Ludwig,
Thank you for participating in Dolphin University (Kona Campus).
Unfortunately, it seems you weren't able to meet the dolphins, but I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the tour.
We hope that next time you'll be able to meet the dolphins, so please consider re-enrolling. We look forward to seeing you!
Mahalo!
Aloha Ludwig 様
イルカ大学(コナキャンパス)へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
残念ながらイルカとは会えなかったようですが、ツアーを楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
次回こそはイルカと会えますように、是非再入学してくださいね。お待ちしております!
Mahalo !
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。
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。
Aloha! Thank you very much for participating in Manta University. I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed it. We sincerely look forward to your next participation with your children. Mahalo!
Aloha! 子だくさん親父様
マンタ大学にご参加いただきありがとうございました。
楽しんで頂けたようでとても嬉しく思います。お子様とのまたのご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
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
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。
Aloha! Shawn,
Thank you for participating with your family at Manta University.
I'm glad to hear that you had a great time meeting many mantas.
Please join us again with everyone. We look forward to seeing you!
Mahalo!
Aloha! Shawn様
ご家族でマンタ大学へのご参加いただきありがとうございました。
たくさんのマンタと出会って楽しんで頂けたようで嬉しく思います。
是非また、皆様でご参加くださいね。お待ちしております。
Mahalo!
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!!
Fun and sunny day on the gorgeous Captain Cook bay!
We got lucky and got a few mantas so the night was worth it!
Aloha Kara! We are so happy you were able to experience the magic of snorkeling with Manta Rays! Thank you for joining our tour, we hope you come back soon. Mahalo
So much goodies in 1 day- we loved the Kona coffe and cannot stop thinking about it!