Big Island
We had a great experience on board! The guides were educational and friendly! Our children (3y & 14m) had a lot of fun and enjoyed being able to see all the creatures! We saw turtles, an eel, and so many fish!
Tianna was our pilot and was a phenomenal one. She handled that very tiny helicopter without a problem. I have a tendency to be motion-sick and I had zero problems with her at the stick.
We were disappointed that there wasn't any lava flowing but we got great views of Kilauea's craters and the changes since we were last on the Big Island. She made sure everyone got a good view of what we were seeing and was quite knowledgeable about the area.
They give you advice about what to wear and I fully advise everyone to pay attention to it. Temp in the chopper was ~50°F with buffeting winds from the rotors. Because we listened, we were comfortable. The only complaint was the wind was strong enough to make my eyes water and it was hard to see at times. That said, it was a fun experience and I highly recommend it.
My family loved this tour. Great for kids. We loved not having to get in the water to see coral and fish.
We had hoped the weather would clear, but, unfortunately, despite our tour guide’s best efforts to find some clearing, we were beaten by the weather. Our guide, Hunter, was extremely knowledgeable and tried really hard to wait for some sign of being able to observe anything, but had to cancel with no luck. I can imagine it would have been spectacular to see and hear the wealth of information he would have been able to provide if we could have seen it.
Food was great especially the pork and salmon. Show was nice, small if you’ve been to some on the other islands. But overall a nice evening.
I was lucky to be in a small group for this tour so the guide was very flexible with the schedule and we had enough time to enjoy each place. Our guide was a very knowledgeable local man who knows a lot about Hawaiian history and how the different spots we visited have changed through time.
All the stops we made at the volcano's park were totally worth it but my favorite spot in this tour was the Akaka Falls, what a gorgeous place!!!
Mahalo for spending the day with us Laura! Glad you enjoyed your visit...and yes Akaka Falls is a magical place!
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!
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 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。
It was a nice experience. The service was outstanding as the whole crew was very polite and always ready to assist. The ride itself was a bit rough.. not sure off it was just on that day due to the wind and current being strong or the captain was driving too fast lol.. but I did get a bit dizzy. The food Wass tasty and the views, info and music were also on point.
Mahalo for joining us! We are glad that you enjoyed outstanding service! Thank you for the five star review and kind words! Best wishes to you and yours!
We had a great time on the boat. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and it was the perfect activity for a group with kids and grandparents. Everyone got to see fish and turtles up close in a way that was easy and enjoyable for a group not up for snorkeling
This is a must do. It was fantastic. Our pilot was Wade and he was very
informative
Great day to see all parts of the Volcano Park! Nice they have Hilo side tours as we were nervous when staying on Hilo side.
I chose this boat because my group had 2 little ones, 3yrs and almost 1yr old. This was perfect for them. We all enjoyed the lessons and the guide who was very attentive to everyone! I highly recommend this tour
Mahalo for the wonderful review, and for recommending us. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Hope to see you again soon.
One of the most fun nights! Shawn was an awesome host. We laughed, hung out in lava tubes and enjoyed the stars! So fun that it was just us... not a big group. We created a memory that we will have for a life time!
Aloha Cindy and Family, mahalo for the review and the kind words! I am very glad that you all had such a great time! I too enjoyed taking you all on our adventure and still get a big smile thinking about the laughs we had. Thanks again and looking forward to our next adventure together! A hui hou, Shawn
We prefer private charters and snorkeling trips and Aloha Kona Tours did not disappoint. We had such a good time on our Sept 9th cruise we booked a night time Manta Ray cruise the very next day!
On our first cruise we got to see turtles and dolphins and actually got to snorkel with a 25 foot whale shark. It was outstanding! The Captain is excellent and the Crew is very friendly and knowledgeable! The Captain was accommodating to our request for our outing to make the trip very personalized.
On our second night Manta Ray cruise we enjoyed a stunning sunset cruise and tour of the city from the water. Then we snorkeled with the Manta Rays for about 30 minutes. They have all the gear and the Crew was so accommodating. Three of us got in the water and swam with the Rays and our fourth person was a little shy but the Crew made sure she got to see the Rays up close without leaving the boat.
Both trips were truly unforgettable and amazing! The boat is beautiful and comfortable.
Thanks Aloha Kona Tours,
Jim, Jodi, Debye and Larry
Amazing views, good food, and lots of history to learn about hawaii
We are thrilled to have had you as our guest! Thank you for sharing! We hope you're able to join us again someday soon!
The Oceanfront Royal Kona Luau was so beautiful. I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to see a beautiful sunset and a great performance. I absolutely loved the ambiance and the show. The food and food service was just ok and the event felt very touristy, so many people.
This experience was incredibly relaxing and objectively beautiful. The staff was incredible, with their insight, attentiveness, and even some local recommendations for the rest of our trip. They even managed to snap a few amazing photos of us. The only question was the check in down the road from the dock, but that was easily figured out! Would recommend to anyone. Far better value than a dinner cruise in my opinion.
Aloha Amanda,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip and your interactions with our crew. And you're absolutely correct that our check-in location is a few minutes' drive from the boat dock (but we do our best to make sure both locations are easy to find).
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 day with us. Mahalo for sharing that beautiful photo with us too!
Mahalo and a hui hou,
Your Ocean Sports 'Ohana
This was a nice event to scratch off a tourist’s list. Great performances tied to Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. Food was good. Had options for kiddos.
It was amazing!
The service was excellent.
Their experience and knowledge were abundant, and I learned a lot.
I will definitely rely on them again next time.
最高でした!
サービス内容が素晴らしいです。
ご経験、知識も豊富で勉強にもなりました。
次もまたお世話になります。
The Luau is great! Many food options and authentic Hawaiian food too!! The show was very informative and exciting to watch during the Luau. We enjoyed it very much!
Overall a great evening. Missing pig ceremony is the only regret.
Dancers and fire workers were all very good.
Wish they would have had table appetizers like a few years ago. They did not offer Lei for purchase. When we asked valet for a Lei they were rude and said for guests only.
Location was pretty but no view of ocean.
Food was nicely presented and tasty.
The staff was amazing and very attentive! The only drawback was the food, I wasn’t impressed at all! The guy playing the music was great! The guide that was narrating could not be heard where we were sitting! I think they need to upgrade their speakers!
Amazing crew, food, music and best sunset so far this week. Strongly recommend.
Aloha!
Mahalo for joining us and the five star review! We are grateful for you kind recommendations!
I couldn't see any fish while snorkeling. When I experienced it on Oahu before, I was able to see a lot.
シュノーケリングで魚等が見ることができなかった。以前オアフ島で体験した時は沢山見ることが出来ました。
ご参加いただきありがとうございます!
私たちは、脆弱なサンゴ礁を保護するために、約25〜30フィートの水深で停泊します。ゲストがボートの近くにいると、残念ながらオープンウォーターでは魚が少なくなります。
安全ブリーフィング中に、クルーはゲストに対して、サンゴや魚が豊富な約10〜15フィートの水深で岸に近づいて泳ぐように指示します。
Thank you for joining us!
We moor in about 25-30 feet of water in order to protect the fragile coral reef. When guests stay near the boat unfortunately the fish are less plentiful in the open water.
During our safety briefing our crew instructs guests to swim closer to shore in about 10-15 feet of water where the coral and fish are plentiful.
Wonderful night out on the water. Dominic was very charming while sharing his knowledge and experiences. Dave was also helpful and engaging. Thank you for the experience. Love to come back for a repeat.
Aloha,
Thanks for taking the time to provide feedback about your Sunset Cruise. We're so happy to read that you enjoyed the trip and your interactions with Dave and Dominic. We know there are a lot of activities to choose from when you're on the Big Island and we're honored you chose to spend part of your day with us.
We, too, look forward to your return!!
Mahalo and a hui hou,
Your Ocean Sports 'Ohana
I stayed at the Royal Kona Resort, which overlooks the show venue. As mentioned in the reviews, you can also see it from the poolside, but if you want to see the entire show, which lasts just under an hour, I think it's better to sit in the venue. If you expect good seating and service, the premium seats would be a better choice.
As I read in the reviews beforehand, I lined up 15 minutes before the reception started to get a good seat. Upon entry, we chose our drinks at the counter in order, and then we had to go pick them up ourselves. In the premium seats, they come to take your drink orders and bring them to you.
When the meals are ready, they guide each table. I didn't have high expectations for the food, so I took a small portion, but I was able to finish it all, so I think it wasn't that bad.
The show started earlier than I expected, before sunset, and it ended with the sun going down. The dancing included Polynesian dances, including fire dancing, which got the audience involved and excited. At the end, you can take a commemorative photo with the performers on stage in the background. You can also purchase photos taken of your group upon entry.
ショーの会場のロイヤルコナリゾートに宿泊して、たまたま会場を見下ろせる部屋でした。また、口コミ通り、プールサイドからも見えますが、1時間弱のショーを全部見るなら会場の席に座って観た方がよいと思います。席の位置やサービスを期待するなら上級席の方が良いでしょう。
事前に読んだ口コミ通り、良い席に座れるように受付開始15分前から並びました。入場時に飲み物カウンターで順番に飲み物を選んで手渡され、後は自分でカウンターへ取りに行きます。上級席では飲み物の注文を取りに来て、持ってきてくれます。
食事は準備ができるとテーブル毎に案内されます。もともと食事には期待していなかったので少なめに取ったのですが、残さずに食べられたのでそれほど悪くはなかったと思います。
ショーは思ったより早く、日が落ちる前に始まり、途中で沈みました。踊りはハワイ島というよりもファイアーダンスも含めたポリネシアンダンスで、会場から参加を募ったり盛り上がりました。最後には舞台上の出演者を背景にした記念写真が撮れます。また、入場時にグループ毎に撮影した写真を購入することもできます。
It was a beautiful day and the crew was friendly and funny. Gear was provided and they had snacks available before lunch. The guava juice was especially delicious.
The swim itself was fantastic. There were so many colorful fish and one of the crew showed us a starfish. We enjoyed the adventure so much that snorkeling is officially our new favorite hobby.
A wonderful experience with outstanding hosts. The privacy and attention to detail was unbelievable. The lunch lacked greens/salad that we thought would be included. Snorkeling was less than expected visually. Overall the adventure of a lifetime for a mature couple. A wonderful experience with outstanding hosts. The privacy and attention to detail was unbelievable. The lunch lacked greens/salad that we thought would be included. Snorkeling was less than expected visually. Overall the adventure of a lifetime for a mature couple.