Reviewed by: Rachel D
This stargazing experience was absolutely fantastic! James did an amazing job with explaining what we were seeing and keeping the group engaged. He was informative yet entertaining…and the pictures almost look unreal. As our family returned to the hotel, our kids raved about how much fun they had. Definitely an experience not to miss!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Stargazing Tour - Starting times between 07:00 PM - 11:30 PM |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/15 |
Reviewed by: John
This was an outstanding dinner and show. Food was delicious and drinks were always being served. You never had to ask for drinks because there was always someone walking by with a tray full. The show was amazing and educational. The Dancers were incredible and the women were beautiful!
I highly recommend it!!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Royal Kona Resort - Standard Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/22 |
Reviewed by: Stefanie Säuberlich
We always felt safe. The support was great. We were there with our 2 sons (4 and 11 years old). Everything worked great and everyone was very attentive. We were able to enjoy it completely as a family. Seeing the manta rays was an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/10 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/08 |
Reviewed by: しろ☆
I participated with my 2-year-old and 4-year-old children. The kids were able to see manta rays while my husband and I took turns. The conditions seemed good, and we were able to see more than five manta rays up close. I took some motion sickness medication just in case, but the kids didn't get seasick at all and had a great time. Thank you for taking photos with the sunset from the boat and for the hot chocolate. I brought warm clothing, so I wasn't cold at all, and everything was fine. I will definitely go again when I visit the Big Island! ♡
2歳と4歳の子供達と一緒に参加しました。
子供達は船上から、私と主人は交代でマンタを見せていただきました。
コンディションも良かったようで、間近に5枚以上のマンタを見る事ができました。
酔い止めは一応飲みましたが、子供達も全く酔う事なく、楽しめました。
船上から夕日と一緒に記念撮影していただいたり、ホットチョコレートをいただいたりありがとうございました。
防寒着も持って行ったので寒くもなく、大丈夫でした(^^)
またハワイ島に行った際には絶対行きますね♡
Aloha Shiro☆,
Thank you for participating with your family at Manta University. You were well-prepared with motion sickness medication and warm clothing! I'm glad to hear that your whole family enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the day when your children grow up and can snorkel together with you.
We sincerely await your next participation.
Mahalo!
Aloha しろ☆様
この度はご家族でマンタ大学へご参加いただきありがとうございました。
酔い止めや防寒着など事前準備がバッチリでしたね!ご家族皆で楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しくおもいます。
お子様が大きくなって一緒にシュノーケルできる日も楽しみですね。
次回のご参加を心よりお待ちしております。
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/28 |
Reviewed by: Gabriel Vieira :)
My fiance(who i proposed there in the Luau)and i just love the party so so much!!! Everything were amazing! All the workers were so nice, incredible shows and tasteful food!!! We recommend 100% for everyone!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Standard Luau Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/09 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/07 |
Reviewed by: あかね
I never expected to see manta rays so close, which was a bit scary but also moving. The hot chocolate I had on the boat was also very delicious.
まさかこんなに近くでマンタが見られるとは思っていなかったので、少し怖さもありつつ、感動しました。
船で飲んだホットチョコレートもとても美味しかったです。
Aloha! Akane,
Thank you for participating in Manta University.
The hot chocolate after coming out of the sea is warming, isn't it?
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your encounter with the manta rays.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of the sunset and the sea. The sunset truly conveys your emotions!
We sincerely look forward to your next participation.
Mahalo!
Aloha! あかね様
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。
海から上がった後のホットチョコレート、温まりますね。
マンタとの出会いを楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しいです。
美しい夕日と海の写真を掲載くださりありがとうございます。あかね様の感動が伝わってくるような夕日です!
またのご参加を心よりお待ちしています。
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/14 |
Reviewed by: Houston
The food was ok. The entertainment was ok. I’ve been to a luau before and this time was just ok. It wasn’t worth the price.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Ohana Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/07 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/05 |
Reviewed by: とまと
The content of the show was very good!
The seasoning of the food was not as expected...
I was seated at the very back, but I could see well if I stood up in the back.
ショーの内容はとても良かったです!
ご飯の味付けは期待通りではなかったです、、
席が一番後ろでしたが、後ろで立てばよく見えました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 一般席 |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/06 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/03 |
Reviewed by: Peggy H
- Hawaiian History, Flowers, Trees, Birds, Fish & Tame Wild Horses - Fabulous Scenic Views
- Enjoyed The Delightful Pick Up Spot
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Waipio Valley Shuttle & Off-Road Tour Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/04 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/10/02 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Really enjoyed the dinner, we were nervous but it was soooo delicious!!
Mahalo for joining us and taking the time to share a kind review! We are so happy that you enjoyed dinner! Best wishes to you and yours!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/10 |
Reviewed by: Jules
The crew was great, the manta turn out was amazing, and the boat ride is short (which is ideal for when you’re cold and ready to get warm again haha). We got lucky that it was a small group so there were plenty of options to sit and have a lovely view of the sunset while heading out. 10/10 would do again.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Evening Manta Snorkeling Adventure |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/10/01 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/29 |
Reviewed by: Kazu
Watching the sunset from the boat before heading to the manta point was the best situation.
Seeing the manta up close was amazing!!
It's incredible to see them so near.
It gets a bit chilly when you come out of the water, so I recommend bringing something to wear.
マンタのポイントに行く前に、サンセットを船上からみて最高のシチュエーションでした。
マンタも間近に見れて感動!!
こんなに近くで見れるなんて最高です。
海から上がる頃には、少し肌寒いので、羽織る物を持って行かれる事をお勧めします。
Aloha! Kazu,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the sunset and your encounter with the manta rays. We hope you'll join us again. We look forward to seeing you!
Mahalo!
Aloha! Kazu様
この度はマンタ大学へご参加くださりありがとうございました。
サンセットとマンタとの出会いを楽しんでいただけたようで嬉しく思います。
また是非ご参加くださいね。お待ちしております!
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/29 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/24 |
Reviewed by: Richard Robertson
MUST DO!
This was a great tour - really educational and fun. Be prepared for rain, you are in the rainforest and it rains a lot. Our guide came prepared with umbrellas and rain jackets, flashlights for the lava tube, water and snacks.
Andre, our tour guide was amazing, experienced and incredibly knowlegable of the volcanoes, land, plants and trees, Hawaiian culture, plus more, and the history of all mentioned. He made sure we were always entertained during the approx. 8 hour trip.
Would recommend shorts, closed toed shoes (sneakers fine) suntan lotion, somewhat water repellant light jacket (in case your tour does not provide).
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Evening Volcano Explorer |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/20 |
Reviewed by: kinari
The horse was very cute, and the view while riding was amazing, offering a panoramic view of the Big Island of Hawaii. It became an unforgettable experience.
お馬ちゃんがとっても可愛くて、乗馬中の景色もハワイ島が一望できて最高でした。忘れられない体験になりました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/27 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/25 |
Reviewed by: Brett Lapp
It was very cool. Every one was very kind and accommodating. Guide was informative and pilot was very good. We saw a couple sharks and tons of other fish. Kids loved it! (12 and 10) Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Kona Submarine |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/22 |
Reviewed by: むらひろ
When I checked in a little before 9 AM, I was a bit confused because the parking gate was closed, but after checking in, I smoothly rented a helmet, boots, and a jacket, and it didn't take long for the guide to help me choose a horse and get mounted.
Riding along with the guide across the vast grounds during lunch was very refreshing. My horse was Oliver, who had stylish striped hair, and my wife rode Vodka, a chestnut horse; both were great horses.
Along the way, our guide Jessica took some photos for us, and we returned a little after 11 AM, slightly exceeding our scheduled time. It became a wonderful memory.
ちょっと早めの9時過ぎにチェックインした際にパーキングのゲートが閉まっていたので少し戸惑いましたが、受付後はスムーズにヘルメット、ブーツ、上着のレンタルを受けて、ガイドさんに馬を選んでもらって乗り込むところまではすぐでした。
ランチの広大な敷地をガイドに沿って馬と共に進むのはとても爽快でした。
私の馬は立髪がおしゃれにシマシマになったOliver、妻は栗毛のVodka、どちらもいい馬でした
途中ガイドのジェシカが写真を撮ってくれたりして
時間は予定より少し超過して11時過ぎに帰着となりました。
とても良い思い出になりました
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/25 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/23 |
Reviewed by: なんだかんだパンダ
I’m not good at English and it was my first time riding, but the 90 minutes flew by. We leisurely trotted through the beautiful grasslands with the best views, and at the end, we picked up the pace for the last 50 meters, which made my backside a bit sore, but it was so much fun! When I looked back, there was a rainbow, which made my heart even lighter. Japanese people don’t have a custom of tipping, but I happily gave about 10%—$10 per person for my family of three.
英語も苦手、乗馬も初めて、だけどアッと言う間の90分でした。
最高の景色の草原をパカパカゆっくり巡って、最後の50メートルを少々スピードを上げて走って多少お尻が痛かったが、とっても楽しかった!
振り返ると虹が出ていて、心が更に晴れました。
日本人はチップを払う風習がありませんが、10%程度の一人10ドル×家族3人分を気持ち良くお渡ししました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/24 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/18 |
Reviewed by: かいりつ
This was my first time participating. Since it was also my first time riding a horse, I felt a bit anxious, but I decided to join. It seemed like we were the only participants this time, so we had the guide all to ourselves. As it was my first time riding, I was initially focused on controlling the horse, but the scenery was magnificent and we moved slowly, allowing me to enjoy it. The only sounds I could hear were the wind. The view consisted of grasslands and the sea below, with cows grazing. It was a sense of relaxation that I can't experience in Japan. I will definitely participate again next time I come.
今回初めて参加しました。乗馬自体も初めてだったので少し不安でしたが参加することに決めました。今回は私たちだけが参加だったようでガイドさん独り占めでいきました。私は乗馬初めてなのでまず馬の制御に気を取られていましtが景色は雄大でゆっくり進んでくれるので楽しめました。聞こえてくるのは風の音だけ。見えるのは草原と眼下に見える海、草を食べている牛たちのみ。
日本では味わえないリラックス感でした。今度来た時も絶対参加します。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 2.5時間プラン |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/21 |
Reviewed by: Kathy M.
We couldn't have asked for a better trip. I especially appreciated the small group size - eight people - which meant that we were able to watch the mantas without getting in each other's way. My sister and I were at the end of the line, opposite each other. This meant that as the manta rays turned over and swam upside down just under the light board - only a few inches away from us - we could look right down their throats. I was amazed at how clean and empty their large mouths were. It was fascinating to see their gills from the inside as well as the outside.
It was wonderful to watch the mantas swim. They move so smoothly they hardly seem to be propelling themselves. The patterns on their backs fluoresce in the light, so they're easy to see.
We watched by lining up on either side of a board, holding on to it and floating stretched out away from it, with flotation devices like pool noodles under our ankles. This keeps our bodies away from the mantas, which is for their protection, not ours. (The mantas are harmless. No teeth, no sting. They eat plankton, not people!)
Two tips:
1. The staff had us put the pool noodles under our ankles, but in that location, it's easy to lose the noodle. Try putting it just below your knees instead. It's much easier to keep in place that way, and if your knees are at the surface, the rest of your legs will be also.
2. If you do lose your noodle, don't panic or kick. Keep your head down, relax, stay as flat as you can, and allow the water to support your body. Staff members will retrieve the noodle and slip it under your legs again. Kicking disturbs the mantas, and the stress is bad for them.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Night Manta Discovery Adventure |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Kathy M.
On the whole, I'm glad I went. It was a lovely day, the boat was comfortable, and food great. The trip included a plant-based breakfast and lunch, with Kona coffee and alcoholic drinks available for purchase. The boat stopped twice on the way out so our guide could explain what we were seeing along the shore.
All the staff members were delightful and took good care of us.
Unfortunately, Kealakekua Bay did not offer the variety of sea life I experienced in other Hawaiian locations. I wonder if the reef has been affected by global warming. My prior experiences were 20 years ago, so things may be different now.
My experience was complicated by the fact that the corrective face masks were only available in a medium, which was too large for me. Consequently, I had major water leakage and was unable to spend much time snorkeling. One of the staff explained that supply chain problems have limited the availability of corrective masks. That's a good reason for bringing your own!
My sister, who had her own mask, explored more widely and commented on the relative scarcity of sea life, although she did see one kind of fish that was new to her.
Nevertheless, the trip was fun. I enjoyed my run down the slide - my sister's dared me to do it!
A number of snorkeling tours go to Kealakekua Bay. I looked at the other tour boats there and concluded that ours was the best. All in all, it was a great way to spend the morning. (Did I mention that both breakfast and lunch were delicious?)
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Morning Kealakekua Snorkel Tour [4.5 hours] |
| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/23 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/07 |
Reviewed by: Mako
I had a bit of fear during the night snorkeling tour, but there was a Japanese female staff member who frequently checked in on us, which made me feel at ease to participate. I was thrilled to see twelve manta rays. The hot chocolate on the boat afterward was soothing. We also received wonderful underwater footage, creating lovely memories. Thank you very much.
ナイトシュノーケリングツアーで少し恐怖もありましたが、女性日本人スタッフの方がおられて、たびたび声をかけて下さるので安心して参加させていただきました。
マンタが12まいも見ることができて感激しました。
終わってからの船の上でのホットチョコレートは身体にしみわたりました。
すばらしい水中での映像も頂いて、素敵な思い出になりました。
本当にありがとうございました。
Aloha! Mako,
Thank you for participating in Manta University. We are very happy to hear that you were able to enjoy it with peace of mind. Please come visit us again sometime. We are looking forward to it from the bottom of our hearts.
Mahalo!
Aloha! Mako様
この度は、マンタ大学にご参加くださりありがとうございました。
安心して楽しんで頂けたとのこと、スタッフ一同とても嬉しく思います。
是非またの機会に遊びに来てくださいね。心よりお待ちしています。
Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 1便プラン(送迎付き) |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/20 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/14 |
Reviewed by: Maggy
This was such a breathtaking experience! Trevor and Diego were excellent captain and crew, with a great sense of humor too. They ensured I felt safe which was huge because I had never snorkeled before. I would recommend this company to anyone who asks, they provide everything you need including prescription goggles which was an amazing surprise. Diego also gave us manta ray facts as we were snorkeling and we loved it. The night began with a sunset boat ride, leading into the manta ray snorkel, and then a quick boat ride back to the harbor with snacks and hot cocoa. I will never forget this experience.
Aloha Maggy! We are so happy that you had fun on our Manta Ray tour. Thank you so much for joining us. We hope to see you again soon. Mahalo!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/15 |
Reviewed by: Kara
Great way to celebrate our honeymoon. HWV goes above and beyond to make you feel like family on this evening.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Premium Package - Alii Seating |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/06 |
Reviewed by: Kara
We were happy we got to see some mantas, it was so fun to have a night experience!
Aloha Kara! Thank you for choosing Iruka and for sharing your positive feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your time on our tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Sunset Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/04 |
Reviewed by: Kara
You hit it all and you do not need to drive and miss views along the way!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Grand Circle Island & Volcanoes National Park |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/18 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/02 |
Reviewed by: tmessall@msn.com
Staff was terrific at all levels; dock staff, wait staff, bar tenders, historian, musician, & Captain. Everyone was upbeat, personable, courteous, professional, and entertaining.
Food was excellent and the drinks were generous. The captain was very personable and entertaining. Mother-nature provided us with a pod of pilot whales to observe, while keeping a safe distance. Historian was fabulous, giving everyone a much better appreciation and respect for the Hawaiian culture. The music got everyone rocking and rolling with the motion of the boat. A great selection of songs that had the passengers engaged in song.
Can't say much more. We loved it, would do it again, and would highly recommend it to everyone. It was a 3 hour tour that was well worth it.
Aloha tmessall@msn.com,
We are thrilled to learn that you had such a great time!
Mahalo for joining us and taking the time to share your experience. We appreciate you sharing your kind words and hope to see you again someday soon!
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Dinner Cruise |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/12 |
Reviewed by: MEW
The quality of the guide was quite good.
Even though the explanations were in English, they responded well if you tried to communicate, even if you couldn't speak the language.
They taught us about the history and way of life in Waipi'o.
The prayer song in Hawaiian matched the magnificent nature beautifully.
When I asked them to sing a prayer song for the Maui wildfires, they happily did it!
They were an incredibly nice young man!
The meeting place, the art shop, was also wonderful; I want to go back!
ガイドの質がかなり良いです
英語での説明になりますが喋れなくてもコミュニケーションを取ろうとすればちゃんと応えてくれます。
ワイピオの歴史と生き方を教えてくれました。
ハワイ語での祈りの歌は雄大な自然とマッチしてて素晴らしかったです。
マウイの山火事の為にも祈りの歌を歌ってと頼んだら喜んでやってくれました!
めちゃくちゃナイスガイな青年でした!
集合場所のアートショップも素晴らしかったです、また行きたいです!
Thank you for your review. I would like to know your guide's name so he can be complimented. Motonori.
Mahalo for your review. I would like to know you guides name so he can be complimented. Motonori
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/17 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/15 |
Reviewed by: Mandy
We had a blast and seeing the manta rays was amazing. We also saw a bristle worm, which was cool too. The team was fabulous and knowledgeable. We will do again next time we swing into Kona. We recommend this excursion 100%. You won’t be sorry. If you get seasick, take the anti nausea medicine first. It can be a bit harder on your stomach in the dark.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Sunset Cruise & Evening Manta Snorkel Tour [2.5 hours] |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/16 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/23 |
Reviewed by: 1st Timers in Hawaii
Breathtaking views of natural Hawaii. A must-do on the Big Island.
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | Waipio Valley Shuttle & Off-Road Tour Package |
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/14 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/09/12 |
Reviewed by: かずいち
At the end of August, I participated with my wife and 9-year-old daughter. We joined another family, making a total of seven people. I wasn't very good at English, but after a simple orientation, we went horseback riding right away. We set off from the ranch together, and along the way, we could see the ocean and ventured into the mountains, enjoying the leisurely pace on horseback. Each horse had its own personality; some were laid-back, munching on grass slowly, while others were determined to stay in second place (with the guide's horse in first) and would hurry to catch up if they fell behind. I thought it was unique to the Big Island that we could ride for such a long time and see so many different places. My whole family said they enjoyed it, and if we have the chance, we would like to do it again. Thank you very much.
8月月末に妻と9歳の娘と参加しました。その他一組のご家族と共に計7名で参加。英語は苦手でしたが、簡単なレクの後にすぐ乗馬に。7人で連れ立って、牧場からスタート。途中海が見えたり、山の中に入って行ったりと、ゆっくり馬の背中を満喫できました。馬にも個性があり、ゆっくり草をはんでのんびり屋さんの馬もいれば、絶対2番目(1番目はガイドさんの馬)を譲らず、少し遅れると急いで2番目に行こうとする馬など。こんなに長く、かついろいろなところが見れて馬にのれるのもハワイ島ならではかな、と思いました。家族皆よかったと言ってくれて、また機会があればリピートしたいです。ありがとうございました。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Packages: | 午後プラン |
| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2023/09/13 |
| Activity Date: | 2023/08/26 |
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Aloha Stefanie! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka and for sharing about your exciting experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time on our Manta Ray tour. We hope to see you again in the future! Mahalo