All Reviews for Toddler-Friendly (Ages 2-4)

Two years ago, I was so moved during my first participation that I wanted to meet the dolphins again, so this is my second time.

This time, they mentioned that the waves were rolling and the sea's transparency wasn't great, so if we could see the dolphins at all, it meant they were quite close. However... it was incredible! There were so many dolphins, and they were super close. They are just so cute... it was the best.

It seemed like the dolphins were enjoying themselves, as if they understood our guide, Daisuke. The photos he took of us from underwater turned out beautifully, and I was really touched.

Last time was in October, but this time in January, we also had the chance to see whales, and even though they were far away, we did spot some... Thank you to Captain Nawata for searching so hard for them.

I will definitely go back to be healed again. Of course, I will also go to see the manta rays.

２年前の初参加で感動して、またイルカちゃんに会いたくて２回目の参加です。

今回は、波がうねっているということで、海の透明度がいまいちなのでイルカちゃんの姿が少しでも見えたらかなり近くにいると思ってくださいね。ということでしたが・・・
とんでもない、めちゃめちゃ近くにたくさんのイルカちゃん。やっぱりかわい～・・・最高です。

ガイドのダイスケ君のことをわかっているようで、イルカちゃんも楽しんでいるようでしたよ。海の中からダイスケ君が撮ってくれた私たちの写真も素敵に撮れていて感動です。

前回は１０月でしたが今回は１月でクジラちゃんに会うこともあるということで、遠くでしたがクジラちゃんの姿も・・・キャプテンの縄田さん一生懸命探してくださってありがとうございました。

また癒されに行きます。もちろんマンタちゃんにも会いに行きます。

I highly recommend the tour of the botanical garden. I opted for the in-person tour and it was well worth the cost. I got a private tour, with far more information than just being told about the plants. "Doc" was very knowledgeable about the plants and their origins. I learned a great deal and got to taste and smell many different varieties. As an added plus, your admission lets you come back for a week and walk around, see the waterfall, picnic, etc.

This helicopter trip was fabulous! Our pilot, Reese, was very informative, friendly and helpful. Gave us a great view of lava fields, the active Kilauea volcano and waterfalls. He was very attentive to BOTH sides of the helicopter, making sure everyone got a great experience. Well worth the money.

We participated as a couple. Since we had a rental car, we joined the local meeting plan. I mistakenly went to the wrong meeting place, but it seemed to be a common issue, and they came to check on us, so we arrived safely.

I usually get seasick easily, but for some reason, I was completely fine this time. Before swimming with the dolphins, we spotted whales two or three times, and one of those times, we were able to see them incredibly close.

We found the main group of dolphins! Everyone quickly got ready, and they were really close!! We could swim within reach of them, and we did so multiple times. There were participants who weren't great swimmers, but our guide, Daisuke, escorted them. Since we could swim relatively freely, those who were good at swimming could enjoy themselves.

It was truly a fun tour, and I felt like I could swim forever! Captain Nawata and guide Daisuke are both very knowledgeable about the ocean, whales, and dolphins. If I visit the Big Island again, I will definitely participate again.

夫婦２人で参加してきました。レンタカーがあったので、現地集合プランで参加。集合場所を間違っていましたが、よくあることのようでそこまで見に来ていただき無事到着できました。
すぐ船酔いする私ですが、このときはなぜかまったく平気でした。
イルカと泳ぐまでにも、クジラを２～３回見れ、そのうち１回はものすごく近くで見ることができました。
メインのイルカも群れで発見!すぐにみんなで準備をして、ほんとに間近!!
手を伸ばせば届く範囲で泳ぐことができました。それも何度も。
泳ぎの苦手な参加者の方もいらっしゃいましたが、ガイドのダイスケさんがエスコートしてくれます。ある程度自由に泳げるので、泳ぎの得意な方はそれぞれ泳げます。
ほんとに楽しいツアーでいくらでも泳いでいたい気持ちでいっぱいでした！
船長の縄田さん・ガイドのダイスケさんも海・クジラ・イルカちゃんを知り尽くしている方々です。
またハワイ島を訪れたら、必ず参加すると思います。

I participated on the last day. In the morning, we got on the boat, and there were many people from overseas who were excited, shouting "Yay!!!" when the whales appeared. My experience during the New Year was just the beginning, but from now until around March, humpback whales will be migrating south to Hawaii, so they can be seen quite well. The lookout staff and the captain pointed out, "Over there!" As we moved closer, we saw a mother and calf, along with various other forms, spouting water and showing their tails as they dove... Towards the end, they chased the boat and swam underneath it. Such an experience is hard to come by, but those who are prone to seasickness should be careful.

最終日に参加しました。
午前中にふねにのりましたが、海外からの方が多くクジラが出てくると
のりのりで『イエ〜〜〜〜〜〜イ！！」
私の行った年末年始はまだ序の口のようですがこの後３月くらいまでハワイではザトウくじらが散乱の為に南下してきますからよく見えます。
見張り役の方々とキャプテンがあの辺り！火事を進めて行くと２匹親子で、雄のみなど様々な形態で
潮を吹き尻尾を見せて潜ったり・・・・最後の方は船を追いかけてくぐって行きました。
こんな体験はなかなか出来ませんが、船酔いする方は注意してくださいね

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We had a brief lesson in the classroom where the lady that checked us in gave us a brief history of their operations and then explained the does and don'ts of surfing. We practiced the three steps to stand up a few times in the classroom then sent us to the beach that's an easy 4mi straight down alii dr. Just as we left, the other couple that was supposed to be in our group arrived (a half hour late). The instructor was very friendly to them even though the girl was acting like being late was somehow the instructors fault. We went to the beach where we met the water instructors and waited for the other couple to finish the classroom session. The instructors were super friendly and answered any questions we could think to ask them. When the other couple arrived, the fun began. There was only one couple per instructor, and they had us standing within minutes! They also made sure we got a full 2 hours of water time (and maybe a smidge extra) despite the other couple's delay. Great experience, highly recomend!

We had the best tour ever, because we had the doctor himself give us the tour. We learned so much and tried every fruit you can eat as we toured the garden. As we enter acted with the Dr. We learned he was from where we lived and actually graduated at the same high school as my wife, twenty years before her though. We would recommend anyone to learn and tour this garden, it's well worth it.

My wife and I seen many whales and they where very entertaining. The crew was very hospitable,it was a great experience,

The food was as bad as in an American food court. The show itself was fun. I didn't feel like I wanted to see it multiple times.

料理はアメリカのフードコート並に不味いです。
ショー自体は楽しかったです。
何度も見たいとは思いませんでした。

I was able to see several heads and also got to see dolphins. I would like to participate again. The snacks were delicious too.

何頭も見られて、イルカも見ることができました。
また参加したいと思いました。
お菓子も美味しかったです。

Our family of six (6) spent ten days on the Big Island. On Friday morning, one of our three boys told us how cool it would be to learn how to surf. That was all the incentive his mother needed to commence her Google search for the best firm to school her three sons (ages 22, 26 and 29) on surfing. She started calling on Friday morning at 8:00 o’clock with all of the places informing her that it would be Monday before they would have a spot for the three boys. The lone exception was Life Guard Surf Instructors. This family owned surf instruction firm took the information about our three (3) sons and arranged to have another instructor come in to give our sons a group lesson, which occurred within three (3) hours of when we initially called.

When we arrived they receive a thorough briefing about what was in store for everyone when they got into the water. This was extremely important since one of our sons has some learning difficulties and is very uncomfortable if there are things that he will be expected to do and he is not warned about them in advance. When we reached the place where the water instruction was to take place, to our surprise, our son who has the learning difficulty was given one on one instruction from one of the Owner family members. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Our other sons also had a great time. We would highly recommend Life Guard Surf Instructors to everyone who wants their children to be instructed by highly trained and caring instructors.

I saw it in Honolulu before, but this one was better.
The place isn't very large, so I think you can see from the back as well.
I didn't understand the words very well, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

以前ホノルルでみましたが、こちらの方がよかったです。
場所も広くないので後ろでも見えると思います。
言葉はあまりわかりませんでしたがそれなりに楽しめました。

There was no lava erupting nor flowing. We had Door closed Ride. What Open Door Tour will experience ? Prior to our arrival at Hilo, I was told , " YES " you can see Lava , etc. Your office should give real truthful information. Some tourists come from too far away, like we came to Hawaii from Michigan, ( Main Land ) ... ... 1 ! !.

Marc and I have never surfed before, so we were slightly scaptical of how much you could learn in 45min theory and one hour in the water. As it turned out, it was totally enough to get the basics and make you feel exhausted (you will be sore the next day, but it is really worth it!). The teachers are awesome, they are very encouraging and positive. It is a really great hawaiian family run company - they just have the natural aloha attitude.They help you picking the right waves and show you how to stand up on the board right away. Of course you will also fall in the water, but eveyone does, so it is just so much fun! We recommend taking a surf lesson with them 100% and would do it again immeadiatly!

This was not my first doors off helicopter experience in the Hawaiian islands but definitely the worst. First, you should know that even though you pay full money for doors off you may get stuck in a cramped little seat between another passenger and the pilot in the front. You have no choice where you sit as you are assigned your seat. Good luck trying to get any pictures from that spot. The pilot takes you out the same way as he returns....over flat nothing. There is a tiny spec of lava (maybe) but it sure no spouting red flowing lava as advertised. You do not fly over the ocean at all so you dont see any ocean lava flow. There is definitely NO NO heat. There are fly zone restrictions so you cant get near the pahoa town they talk about to respect the privacy of the residents. You see a couple waterfalls from so far away... It is riduculous. Save your money... Go to Kauai..... Those doors off tours are true.... Everyone gets a doors off spot. Everyone can see. You fly right into the waterfall areas. You see things you will never forget. This was a wasted day of our vacation not to mention the huge cost..... To see nothing. At least they could have flown back another way over the coastline or something. I would not recommend this to anyone. Very disappointed and wasted money.

On the day we participated, our swim guide was Mr. Nawata and the boat captain was Mr. Taka. Both of them were experts in the ocean and very reliable.

I have some experience with snorkeling and diving, but my niece, who traveled with me, was doing it for the first time and seemed anxious at first. However, she quickly got used to it and started enjoying herself. Mr. Nawata and Mr. Taka understand the behavior and movements of dolphins very well, so as long as you listen to their advice on what to do in the water, you'll be fine.

In the water, Mr. Nawata pulled my arm, allowing me to see the dolphins up close. Their determination to ensure that participants definitely see dolphins was palpable. We saw dolphins everywhere, both near the surface and close to the seabed. Dolphins are really cute; I found them endearing.

Later, when I talked to various tour guides and restaurant staff about participating in Mr. Nawata's dolphin tour, everyone said, "Mr. Nawata is the best dolphin expert on the Big Island!" I will definitely join Mr. Nawata's tour again next time.

Also, on that day, Captain Taka mentioned that he also does scuba diving, so I spoke with him on the phone after this tour. Unfortunately, our schedules didn't match this time, but I hope to ask Mr. Taka for scuba diving next time.

Thank you, Mr. Nawata and Mr. Taka, for your help. I'm looking forward to next time. Thank you!

私達が参加した日はスイムガイドが縄田さんで
船のキャプテンがタカさんでした。
お二人とも海のエキスパートでとても頼もしかったです。

私はシュノーけリングやダイビングは何回か経験していますが
一緒に旅行した姪っ子は初めてで最初は不安そうでしたが
すぐに慣れて楽しんでいました。
縄田さんもタカさんもイルカの性格や動きをよくわかっていらっしゃるので
海の中でどうすれば良いか等、アドバイスをしっかり聞けば大丈夫です。

海の中では縄田さんが腕を引っ張ってくれ、イルカを間近で見れました。
とにかく参加者にイルカを絶対に見てもらうという姿勢がビシビシ伝わります。
海面近くにも、海底近くにも、あちこちにイルカがいっぱい見れました。
イルカって本当にかわいいですね。愛おしくなりました。

後日、いろんなツアーのガイドさんや、レストランなどでも
縄田さんのイルカのツアーに参加したとお話ししたら皆さん全員、
”縄田さんがハワイ島で一番のイルカのエキスパートだからね！”と
おっしゃっていました。
また次回も絶対に縄田さんのツアーに参加します。

あと、この日キャプテンのタカさんがスキューバダイビングもしていらっしゃるとのことで、こちらのツアーの後にタカさんと電話でお話ししました。
日程が合わず今回は残念でしたが、次回はタカさんにスキューバダイビングをお願いします。

縄田さん、タカさん、お世話になりました。
また次回も楽しみにしています。
ありがとうございました！

The crew took very good care of us, and over two hours of snorkeling in the protected-marine-life bay was a delight!!!! Bring sunblock, your swimsuit, and your sense of adventure! Even folks with accessibility issues were able to float in the water with viewers and see the coral, fish, and other marine life.

First of all, I think you shouldn't expect too much from the meals. Also, my husband and I both didn't understand much English, so we couldn't follow what the host was saying and couldn't keep up with the atmosphere in the venue. Additionally, when we took a dinner cruise later, there was a similar show, so if you are considering participating in both, it might not be necessary. Furthermore, many hotels host similar shows every other day, so you might be able to experience the atmosphere just by passing by without going out of your way to see it.

まず食事はあまり期待しないほうがいいかと思います。
また、私たち夫婦は二人共あまり英語がわからなかったので、司会の人が話されていることは全然理解できず、会場内のノリについていけませんでした。
また、後日ディナークルーズに乗船した際、同じような内容のショーがあったのでもし両方参加を検討されているようでしたら必要ないかと思います。
また、ホテルによっては同じようなショーが隔日くらいのペースで開催されているところも多いので、わざわざ見に行かなくても通りがかり程度で雰囲気は味わえるかもしれません。

My wife and I came to the luau with our 4 children ages 18, 16, 14, and 8. We all enjoyed the activities before the meal. The food was great and lots of it. And the entertainment was informative, interesting, and very lively. If you have never done it, I recommend doing it at least once. I would go back for the food alone!

That was my first surfing lesson and I had a great time! The coaches were very nice, helpful and tried hard to choose the best waves for us to go on. We were registered to come in the early morning but they called and told us that there was no wind at the time and no good waves for surfing. Instead they suggested to come a bit later. We arrived later in the day when waves were pretty good. The place is really well suited for starters. I really enjoyed the experience and had a wonderful time surfing! I really recommend this surfing lesson because it was beyond my expectation.
My father asked for advanced board and they easily accommodated his request and helped him to advance to the level of driving such a board.

This was my children's first introduction to surfing. I really liked how they could have a private instructor who rode the board with them. My son is 5 and my daughter is 7. She has high functioning autism and struggles with anxiety but she really wanted to give it a try. The instructors were really great with both of our kids. The waves were pretty minimal and we had the option to cancel, but the kids would have been so disappointed so we decided to go anyway. Both kids managed to stand up and my daughter did indeed ride a small wave. The pre-lesson on dry land in the office is really useful, especially since they use visuals which really meets my daughter's learning style. We would love to do this again, and next time mom and dad want to give it a try too.

This was wonderful! Would definitely recommend to all visiting the Big Island, best way to see the whole island.

My first time in Hawaii, only speaking Japanese, and it was my first time snorkeling in over 20 years. I was quite anxious participating alone, but thanks to Daisuke's wonderful Japanese guidance, I was able to see many spinner dolphins and, lucky me, I also encountered a banded sea snake and a manta ray! (^o^)

Next time I have the opportunity to participate, I definitely want to bring an underwater video camera. (^^)

初めてのハワイ、言葉は日本語のみ、フィンも初めて、海で泳ぐのは２０年ぶり以上のおっさんが、ひとりで不安だらけでの参加でしたが、ダイスケさんのすばらしい日本語ガイドと誘導で、多くのハシナガイルカと、ラッキーにもバンドーさん、マンタ君にも会えました～。(^o^)

次回、参加できる機会がありましたら、ぜひ海中ビデオを持って行きたいです。(^^)

I previously participated in the morning cruise twice, but due to scheduling conflicts, I joined the afternoon cruise this time. Our group was the only one with Japanese participants. The waves were calmer than expected, and the snorkeling time was just right.

以前は午前のクルージングに２回参加しましたが、日程の都合で今回は午後のクルージングに参加しました。　日本人の参加者は我々のグループだけでした。　予想以上に波も穏やかで、シュノーケリング時間もちょうどいい位でした。

I have also done dolphin swimming in Mikurajima, but the sea was deep and the waves were rough, so I couldn't really see the dolphins. The color of the sea in Hawaii Island is very beautiful with the light shining through, and you can float easily. I was moved to see the dolphins up close and hear their voices. Luckily, there were also three mantas! I was able to swim leisurely with them.

ドルフィンスイムは御蔵島でもしたことがありますが、海が深く、波が荒れていてじっくりイルカを見ることができませんでした。
ハワイ島の海の色は、光が差してとても綺麗で、楽に浮いていることができます。
とても間近でイルカを見れ、声を聴けて感動しました。
ラッキーなことに、マンタも３匹いて！ゆったり一緒に泳ぐことが出来ました♪

Our tour guide Denis, (spelling?) was fabulous - I wanted to take him home with us. He is very knowledgeable and entertaining. This tour was more than we expected and would do it over and over again! Especially because of our guide! He is so patient and kind....the BEST!

This time, my spouse and I stayed on the Big Island for six days.

We only booked the "Deluxe Tour to World Heritage Site Kilauea and Mauna Kea Stargazing (Volcano and Stars in One Day!) by Kailani Tours Hawaii" through VELTRA, so we also signed up for this plan to fully enjoy the Hawaiian atmosphere. It was definitely the right choice!

Although there were opinions in the reviews that everything was in English and it wouldn't be fun unless you were proficient in the language, I’m posting this to alleviate those concerns and help others enjoy it more.

1. First, the coupon reception
I attached a photo, but when you enter the Kamehameha Hotel and go to the right at the dedicated reception, you can present your coupon, and they will tell you the meeting place. (Staff were present at this reception from the morning.) This map was provided by the hotel. Since I’m not good at English, bringing it along to ask about the meeting place was a good decision. I might not have understood it just verbally... (It was in an area that seemed to explain Hawaii's history within the hotel.)

2. Meeting place and landmarks
I attached a photo for this as well, but there will be signs in the hotel, so that’s where you gather. The person at the dedicated reception told me to arrive by 5 PM, but be careful about that! It’s better to arrive about an hour early to secure a good spot in line. I arrived 50 minutes early and was at the front of the general line, but there was already one group in the priority line, and it became a queue after about 20 minutes. The seating is first-come, first-served, so it’s best to gather early!

3. Content
After lining up, I received a free lei (I didn’t purchase the paid ones) and took photos (they will come around selling them), and after checking in, we went to the venue to grab drinks and were shown to our seats. I was the first to arrive and sat in the front row center of the general seating, but the Japanese people who arrived normally and lined up were also seated together in fairly decent spots in a separate group. (It seems they make arrangements so that you can converse with others in Japanese.)

At the venue, a band was already performing, and there were free services like tattooing and weaving fish with grass. Of course, drinks, including alcohol, were free-flowing.

Dinner started around 6:15 PM, and it gets dark before 7 PM, so it’s best to wrap up your meal and drinks by then.

Having researched the structure of this event through reviews, I was able to enjoy it a lot even though I’m not good at English. It was fun. (I think it would be enjoyable even for families with children!)

今回はハワイ島に夫婦で６日間の滞在でした。

VELTRAさんの「高級バン（メルセデス・ベンツ）で行く！世界遺産キラウエアとマウナケア山麓星空観測(１日で火山と星 ♪）デラックスツアーby カイラニ・ツアーズ・ハワイ」しかツアーは申し込んでいなかったので、ハワイの雰囲気を堪能するためにこのプランも申し込みました。
参加して大正解でした！

口コミではすべて英語なので語学が堪能でないと面白くないとの意見も出ていましたが、そんな不安を解消するためと、より楽しんでもらうために投稿をします。

１．まずはクーポンの受付
　写真を張りましたが、カメハメハホテルを入って右手の専用受付にクーポンを出すと、
　集合場所を教えてくれます。（この受付は朝からスタッフが張り付いていました。）
　この見取り図はホテルでもらった見取り図です。英語が苦手なため持参して集合場所を聞い
　たのは正解でした。口頭だけだとわからなかったかも、、、
　（ホテル内にあるハワイの歴史説明エリアみたいなところでした。）

２．集合場所や目印
　これも写真を張りましたが、ホテル内に看板が出されるのでそこに集合です。
　専用受付の人は１７時に行けばいいと教えてくれますが、そこは注意！
　約一時間前に行って列の先頭をとれるかとれないかの感じです。私は50分前に行って
　一般列の先頭でしたが、既に優先席列には一組並んでいましたし、２０分ぐらいしたら行列
　になっています。観覧席は早いもの順なので早めの集合が良いですよ！

３．内容
　行列に並んだあと、無料レイ（有料例は購入しませんでした）を受けもらって撮影後
　（会場で売りに来ます）、本受付をしたのちに会場までいって飲み物を取って席に案内を
　してもらいます。
　私は一番乗りで一般席最前列中央でしたが、普通に来て並んでいた日本人たちは、別グルー
　プでもそんなに悪くない席にある程度まとめて座らせてもらっていました。（日本語で他人
　と会話ができるようにしてくれる配慮みたいです）
　
　会場ではすでにバンドが演奏、タトゥーや草で魚編む体験など無料のサービスがあります。
　もちろん飲み物もアルコールを含めてフリードリンクです。

　1815ぐらいから食事開始で、19時前には手元も暗くなりますから、それまでに食事や飲み
　物はひと段落しておいたほうがいいですね。

ある程度、このイベントの構成等を口コミ等で調べていたので、英語が苦手でもすごく楽しめました。
楽しかったです。（お子様がいても楽しめると思いますよ！）

It’s about a one-hour boat trip to Kealakekua Bay. For breakfast, we had bagels, papaya, melon, and coffee. Once we arrived at Kealakekua Bay, we started our first snorkeling session. For lunch, we enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, fruits, and drinks like cola and coffee, followed by our second snorkeling session. The joy of chasing fish in the clear, calm bay is exceptional. There were about 40 participants, but only three groups of Japanese, including us, totaling seven people, while most were Westerners. We borrowed floatation devices to swim, and even if you’re confident in your swimming, having a floatation device makes it easier. I thought I had applied enough sunscreen, but my shoulders got sunburned. Sunscreen is definitely necessary. It was a tour I would like to join again.

ケアラケクア湾まで約１時間の船旅です。朝食はベーグルとパパイア、メロンとコーヒー。
ケアラケクア湾へ着くと１回目のシュノーケル開始、昼食はバーガー、ホットドッグ、果物にコーラやコーヒーなどを食べ、２回目のシュノーケルを行いました。澄み切った穏やかな湾で魚たちを追う楽しさは格別です。４０名程の参加者がいましたが、日本人は私たちを含め３組、７名だけで大半が欧米人でした。腰に巻く浮具を借り泳ぎましたが、泳ぎに自信があっても浮具はあった方が楽です。日焼け止めを十分に塗ったつもりでしたが、肩口は赤くなりました。日焼け止めは絶対に必要です。
また参加したいと思えるツアーでした。

I was able to sit in the front row when I arrived on time.
The show featured wonderful hula dancing, powerful male fire performances, and a packed schedule that made the time fly by.
The food was served buffet-style, which allowed me to adjust the amount I ate, and I thought that was great. The taste was fairly good.

集合時間通りに行ったら、一番前の席に座ることができました。
ショーの内容は素敵なフラダンス、
迫力満点の男性の火を使ったダンスと盛りだくさんの内容であっという間の時間でした。
お料理はブュッフェで、自分が食べる量を調節できたのでよかったと思います。味はそれなりに美味しかったです。

Enjoyed the lovely setting by the ocean. Could hear waves crashing on shore as dinner & show took place.