Big Island
The food was of better quality than other luaus. Restaurant quality. Luau itself was a bit impersonal. Entertainment was okay but not as inspirational as other luaus in the area. Too staged. Enjoy performances with more personality.
We participated as a family of three during Golden Week. We had given up on going down to Waipi'o Valley after learning that the road was closed for construction, but this tour allowed us to access the closed road (apparently due to a close relationship with local residents), and we descended into the valley in a 4WD vehicle.
Along the way, we saw waterfalls, crossed rivers, passed through fields, and encountered horses and geese, immersing ourselves in a stunning natural environment that made us forget we were in Hawaii. The scenery was very mystical and refreshing for the soul.
The guide was a very cheerful person, and unfortunately, I struggled with English and understood more than half of what was said, but they still explained things using gestures, picked flowers for us, and caught shrimp in the river, making it a fun experience. It seems they are involved in activities aimed at improving the lives of local residents.
Thanks to this tour, we were able to discover a world that cannot be seen just from the viewpoint of Waipi'o Valley. I'm glad I participated.
GWに家族3人で参加しました。
ワイピオ渓谷の道路が工事で閉鎖されたということが分かり下まで行くのを諦めていましたが、このツアーでは通行止めの道路を通れるようで(現地の住民と関係が深いらしく)、四駆に乗って渓谷を降りていきました。
途中滝を見たり川を渡ったり、畑を通ったり馬やガチョウがいたりと、ハワイにいることを忘れてしまうような山奥みたいな大自然に触れられました。
とても神秘的で心が洗われるような風景でした。
ガイドの方はとても陽気な人で、残念ながら英語の苦手な私は半分以上分かりませんでしたが、それでも身振り手振りを使って説明してくれて、花を摘んでくれたり川に入ってエビを捕まえてくれたりと、楽しませてくれました。どうやら現地の方の生活向上のために活動されている方のようです。
このツアーのおかげでワイピオ渓谷を展望台から見るだけでは分からない世界を知ることができました。
参加して良かったです。
The open-windowed van allowed me to feel the breeze and hear the pleasant sounds of birds chirping and the river flowing. I felt energized by the sacred atmosphere and enjoyed the informative and story-filled guide talk.
窓がオープンのワゴン車は風を感じられ、鳥のさえずりや川の流れる音が聞こえて心地よかったです。神聖な空気にパワーをいただき、情報とエピソードたっぷりのガイドトークが楽しめました。
12000 acres of beauty. The guides are super nice funny and allow you to trot or chill how you please. Not a boring nose to tail ride it was fun to go fast a few times and let the horses do their thing while seeing all the other animals. Definitely bring a jacket (or they have some), close toed shoes and jeans super cold and windy up there. Loved it!
I was able to see a manta ray just at the last moment. Since I easily get seasick, I took some medicine before joining, and I was fine, but others were unfortunately getting sick. Also, it was colder than I expected. It's essential to have measures for warmth after coming out of the sea.
最後ギリギリにマンタに会えました。
船酔いしやすいので薬を飲んで参加したら、大丈夫でしたが、他の方はどうにももどしてらっしゃいました。
後、想像以上に寒いです。海からあがったあとの防寒対策必須です。
Thank you for the advice.
Even in warm Hawaii, the temperature drops significantly at night after the sun sets.
Especially after coming out of the ocean, the wind can make your body feel cold, so please bring a large bath towel or a jacket that you can throw on.
アドバイスありがとうございます。
一年中暖かいハワイも、夜、日が落ちた後はぐっと体感が下がります。
特に海から上がった後に風にあたると体が冷えますので、大きめのバスタオルや上から羽織れるジャケットなどをお持ちください。
I joined the tour with my wife, and we were a bit nervous as we worried about altitude sickness before we joined. However, we did not need to worry too much. The guide was so professional, and he made us relax in the large van of Mercedes-Benz. In addition, the distributed dinner, hot lasagna and chocolate cake helped us get adjusted in the rest area before we were elevated to the summit. In astronomical observation, I was able to see two shooting stars. I strongly recommend this amazing tour if you come to the big island.
My wife and I had a great time listening to stories and information from our very knowledgeable driver, Forest. He made the whole experience enjoyable and I can’t say enough about him.
My first horseback riding experience was very satisfying. Unfortunately, it was drizzling, and the water dripping from the borrowed raincoat soaked my pants, but I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
There were two families from the mainland, with a total of 10 participants, and two instructors leading us. The well-trained horses sometimes didn't listen and grazed freely, and at times they picked up speed, which was a bit troublesome. However, looking back, it was all part of the charm and became a topic of conversation for family bonding.
初めての乗馬体験。とても満足なものでした。あいにくの小雨で、お借りしたレインコートから、したたる水で、パンツが濡れるほどでしたが、余りある風景を堪能させていただきました。
本土からの2組のご家族と、10名の参加者に2人のインストラクターさんが引率。慣れた馬達は、いう事を聞かずに、自由に草をはんだり、時には速足になったりで、困る事もありました。おわつてみれば、それもご愛嬌で、家族の団らんの話題になりました。
Diego, Trevor, and Tamae were incredible! They were fun and upbeat and super helpful. We got in the water and we say more than a half dozen different manta rays swimming around right beneath us! It was an experience we’ll never forget!
Aloha Brian! We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such kind feedback! We hope to see you again in the future. Mahalo
This tour was worth every penny. We loved the ride to the summit, the star gazing, and the wealth of knowledge provided by our tour guide, Maka.
Great experience! This was a fun time on a very nice, new catamaran with a crew was friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Tho food was great and the snorkelling at the stop by Captain Cooks monument was awesome!
Aloha G-Rex,
Mahalo Nui Loa for joining us and sharing your lovely photo. We hope to see you soon!
The tour guide was inviting and very knowledgeable. The food was actually quite decent. The views of the sunset from the top were sensational, and it was near seeing all the giant telescopes.
But the highlight for me by far was the stargazing after sunset. It was only 80% visibility and the moon was quite bright but I've never seen so many stars so clearly in my life. It was really a sight to behold. Maka (the tour guide) brought a telescope with him and we saw a number of cool things close up, such as a globular cluster, a star in portions
Orions belt, Venus, and the Moon.
Fernando was a great guide for our tour! We really enjoyed his commentaries and learned a lot from this trip. The sunset was amazing. The night sky was impressive, but cold. Bring winter clothes and layers if you can! They do provide a very warm parka. The dinner was yummy. Highly recommended!
This trip was great. Outstanding crew constantly catering to our every need and ensuring the best experience. Captain Trevor, first mate Diego and Joe and everyone else were so accommodating to all. Would love to come back and visit the mantas again!
Aloha! We are so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic time on our Manta Ray tour. We thank you for choosing Iruka and leaving such positive feedback. Come back soon! Mahalo
I was moved to see whales up close! I was able to see whales not just once, but multiple times. I also encountered a pod of dolphins, which made me very satisfied. The cruising experience itself was pleasant, and it was truly a recommended tour.
クジラを近くで見ることができて感動しました!
一度だけではなく何度もクジラを見ることができました。
イルカの群れにも遭遇し、大満足です。
クルージング自体も気持ちよくて、本当におすすめのツアーでした。
どういたしまして!
Domo Arrigato!
One of the top 5 experiences of my life! A must do on the big island. Captains Trevor and Diego were helpful. Storm was coming in so water was choppy. Climbing out of the water was the hardest part.
Aloha! We are so thrilled that you had such a great time on our Manta Ray tour! Thank you so much for choosing Iruka Hawaii Dolphin. We hope we have a chance to welcome you back on our boat soon. Mahalo
Great food & performance. View of ocean nice. Validated parking. Food line went quick.
This was such a great adventure! The crew was super nice, friendly, knowledgeable and gave us all the important information ahead of time. I am glad we rented wetsuits (the long sleeve, short legs version - $10), because the amount of time we stay in the water and specially at sunset, made it for a very cold attraction.
Nonetheless, we saw at least 4 manta rays, they were swimming around and under us for the entire time and it was such an incredible experience!!!
When we got back to the boat, we were treated to some really yummy hot chocolate.
Tamae, one of our guides, also had some pictures and videos that she shared with us!!
Aloha! Thank you so much for joining our sunset Manta Ray tour. We are so glad you had a great time and were able to see the mantas. We hope you have a chance to come back soon for more fun. Mahalo
It was a wonderful experience! Fun Zipline tour in paradise! The hosts focused on safety and fun! So glad that I took my daughter. I recommend to anyone able bodied that isn’t super afraid of heights! One of the big islands must dos!
This was a great way to see a lot in one day. The ride was very comfortable, our driver was extremely knowledgeable and engaging and we saw and learned so much!
Aloha Susan and Dave,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It is a lot to see in one day for sure. We pride ourselves on having engaging guides with knowledge of all things Big Island. We're glad you enjoyed your tour and hope your time on the Big Island was enjoyable!
Family trip to HI and topped it off with a great sunset cruise. Thank you to the staff for smooth sailing and a wonderful sunset. Definitely recommend this tour on every vacation to HI.
Excellent adventure, was very well organized. We enjoyed it alot and definitely recommend this excursion. The excursion was on time the staff was super friendly and informative.
We are typically do-it-yourselfers and were initially skeptical about going on a guided tour. This tour turned out to be so worth it! Captain Brendan and crewmember Tuliz were very knowledgeable, competent, and friendly. We happened to see whales at close range along the way, and our guides made the most of it. The snorkeling at Captain Cook is magnificent. A fantastic experience all around!
Great crew, beautiful bay. The cruise ship was super equipped with everything you need to have a great time. The food was delicious, the snorkeling gear was great and the restrooms were clean. We highly recommend this tour!
Delightful crew. Simple food always available. very well organized. Had reef-safe sunscreen available. Even had prescription goggles for me. Captain told great stories. A great morning's adventure.
Aloha,
Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to leave us a review. We hope to see you on your next visit to the Big Island!
The food was good, the DJ and our tour guide was excellent.
Aloha Kara!
We are thrilled to learn that you had lovely evening! Best to you and yours! We hope that you'll be able to join us again someday soon!
Delicious food paired with amazing local Hawaiian talent. This was one of our favorite luaus on Big Island after a few past years of trying around.
From local coffee to black sand beaches to wineries to lava flows to lava tunnels to a charming sunset, this tour is a entire day filled with memories. The guides were knowledgeable and so kind and accommodating, which we appreciate :)
Aloha Kara,
Thank you so much for the kind review! Thanks for acknowledging the guide, they are your captain for the day and we are so proud of the ones we have. We hope you enjoyed your time on the Big Island!
Fantastic crew, tasty food, comfortable cruise, playful dolphins, and a beautiful sunset!
Departure in the rain
By the time we arrived at the manta sea, the rain had stopped.
Underwater, the mantas spun around several times, and we couldn't help but cheer.
It was amazing to see them glide through the water as if they were flying.
It was just cold; we had two towels with us.
The guides were very kind, and it was reassuring to participate with Japanese support.
雨の中出航
マンタの海に着いたら 雨はあがっていた。
海の中では マンタが何度か回転して 思わず 歓声があがります。
海の中をまるで 飛んでいるかのように去っていくのもすごかったです。
ただ寒かった タオルは2枚入りました。
ガイドさんたちはとても親切で 日本語対応で安心して参加できました。
Thank you for joining us.
The sight of swimming while flipping in the water is breathtaking!
After the night tour, your body may get cold after coming out of the water, so please bring a larger towel or warm clothing when you participate.
Mahalo.
Thank you for joining us.
水中を翻って泳ぐ様は圧巻です!
夜のツアーは水から上がった後に体が冷えますので、ご参加の際は大きめのタオルや防寒着をお持ちください。
Mahalo.