All Reviews for Kailua-Kona

Our tour guide Addison was awesome. Excellent in setting tour expectations and safety guidelines from the start. His knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, volcanology, and astronomy was impressive. VIP treatment. Don’t miss this tour on your visit to the Big Island.

Thanks Addison and team.

- Dave T.

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。

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。

I fulfilled a long-held dream of seeing the perfect starry sky from Mauna Kea. I prepared thoroughly and participated on a new moon night, expecting the best view of the stars. The starry sky from Mauna Kea exceeded my expectations. I was also able to see the Subaru Telescope, and the guide's explanations were detailed, allowing us to take many photos. Although I dressed warmly, it was still quite cold, and when I was freezing, I enjoyed a warm cocoa, which was a thoughtful gesture that warmed my heart. I would love to participate again.

マウナケアからの満点の星空を見てみたいという長年の夢が叶いました。
しっかりとした準備をして最高の星空を期待し、新月の夜に参加しました。
マウナケアからの星空は期待以上に最高でした。
スバル天文台も見ることができ、またガイドさんの説明も詳しくて、写真もたくさん撮っていただきました。
着込んでは行ったものの、流石に寒く凍えていた頃、温かいココアをいただき、心遣いに温まりました。
また参加したいです。

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!!

Fernando was our tour guide and he was great. We had the perfect weather. Its was an amazing experience! Definitely need the parka even though it was August. It was 44 degrees at the top and got colder after the sun set.

Fun and sunny day on the gorgeous Captain Cook bay!

We got lucky and got a few mantas so the night was worth it!

So much goodies in 1 day- we loved the Kona coffe and cannot stop thinking about it!

We had a family of 10 with kids. They all had a great time. The dancers were beautiful. The kids especially liked the fire dancers. The food was great with a great variety. The bar service was fantastic. The only negative was the heat at that time of day. But other than that we had a blast! Would do it again!

There were not enough life jackets provided for the number of people on the tour, so I had no choice but to search for an emergency life jacket (which was covered in dust) under the chair and wear it. Other families also had their children wear the emergency jackets while the adults jumped into the sea without any life jackets. The waves were quite high, and I felt a real danger to my life.

I was able to see the manta rays properly, but due to the confusion with the life jackets, my viewing time ended up being about 15 minutes shorter than those who entered the water earlier, which was really disappointing.

ライフジャケットがツアーの人数分用意されておらず、仕方なく緊急用のライフジャケット（ホコリだらけ）を椅子の下から探して着用しました。他の家族も子供のみ緊急用を付け、大人はライフジャケットなしで海に飛び込む始末。波も相当高く、命の危険を感じました。
マンタ自体はちゃんと見れましたが、ライフジャケットのゴタゴタで、先に入水した参加者より鑑賞時間が15分程短くなってしまったのが、本当に残念です。

We participated as a family of six and had a private tour. It was everyone's first time, but our guide Noni provided careful instruction and guidance in Japanese. For those who are not proficient in English, I recommend the Japanese guide.

The outward journey was quite challenging due to the headwind, but Noni regularly checked in on everyone's condition to decide whether to turn back, and we managed to reach the cave. The return trip was quick.

Considering everyone's stamina, we decided to do the snorkeling in the bay. We had a very enjoyable and fulfilling time. Noni took a lot of photos for us!

Although it was an early morning course, the sunlight became increasingly intense, so a rash guard (preferably with long sleeves) and a hat are essential. Wearing gloves might make paddling easier. Shoes that can get wet are recommended, but going barefoot is also fine.

You can bring valuables in a waterproof bag, but I think just a phone and a tip would suffice. You will receive one bottle of water, but if needed, you might want to bring an extra bottle.

I'm not very good at swimming, so I felt safer snorkeling in the bay. They also lent me a kickboard, which made snorkeling enjoyable. Noni mentioned that the waves are calmer in the morning in Hawaii, and since the tour ends by 10:30, you might feel a bit tired, but you can make good use of the afternoon, so I recommend the early morning course.

家族6人で参加。貸し切りでした。みんな初めてでしたが、ガイドのノニさんが日本語で丁寧に指導、誘導してくれました。
英語が得意な方以外は、日本語ガイドがおすすめです。
行きは向い風でなかなかハードで、ノニさんが、みんなの体調も考慮しながら、引き返すかどうか、都度確認してくれながら、なんとか洞窟まで辿り着きました。
帰りはあっという間でした。
みんなの体力的なものを考えてもらい、シュノーケリングは湾で行うことにしました。
とても楽しく充実した時間をすごせました。
ノニさんが写真をたくさん撮ってくれました！
！
早朝のコースでしたが、段々と日差しがキツくなるので、ラッシュガード（できれば下も）帽子は必須。軍手があったほうが漕ぎやすいかも。
靴は濡れてもいい靴で。裸足でも大丈夫です。
貴重品は防水バッグに入れて持っていけますが、携帯とチップくらいでいいと思います。
お水を１本もらえます。必要であれば自分でも１本くらい持って行ってもいいと思います。
私は泳ぎがあまり得意ではないので、湾でのシュノーケリングの方が安心でした。ビート板も貸してもらえたので、シュノーケリングも楽しくできました。
ハワイの海は早朝の方が波が穏やかだとノニさんが言ってましたし、10時半には終了するので、少し疲れていますが、午後からの時間も有効に使えるので、早朝コースがおすすめです。

Best crew ever! They were kind and helpful and overall awesome! Would definitely use again

Fewer Japanese participants joined the tour, and since it was an English tour, I was disappointed that I couldn't understand the explanations during the bus ride. We took a 45-minute break at the Onizuka Visitor Center to acclimatize to the altitude, but there was no place to change, so I changed in the restroom. I wore Heattech top and bottom, jeans, and a fleece, with a light down parka on top. At the summit, I was lent ski pants and a warm jacket, so I was well-prepared for the cold. My hands were only cold from holding the camera.

The meal consisted of sandwiches distributed at the Visitor Center, which were very delicious, but there were no drinks provided. Since it was drizzling, I didn't feel like sitting at the outdoor tables and chairs, so I stood and ate in a corner of the center. During the stargazing, I enjoyed warm cocoa.

I was very satisfied with both the sunset and the starry sky, but I'm wondering how to receive the photo data taken during sunset and stargazing. There has been no email contact since the next day. I called but reached voicemail and left a message...

参加する日本人が少なくなっており、英語ツアーだったので、往路車中の解説はよくわからず残念。高地に慣れるためにオニヅカビジターセンターで45分間の休憩、着替えの場所はなくトイレで着替えました。ヒートテック上下にGパンとフリース、その上にライトダウンパーカーです。山頂でスキーパンツと防寒上着を貸して頂き、防寒は万全でした。カメラを持つ手が冷たかったくらいです。
食事は、ビジターセンターで配られるサンドイッチでとても美味しかったのですが、ここでは飲み物無し。小雨模様だったので、外のテーブル＆椅子に座る気になれず、センターの隅っこで立って食べました。星空観察の時には温かいココアを頂きました。
サンセットも星空も大満足だつたのですか、日没時と星空鑑賞の際に撮って下さった写真データをどう受け取るのか？翌日以降、メール連絡もありません。電話しても留守電で、メッセージは残したのですが…

Initially, the manta rays did not appear on the scheduled day, but I was able to participate the next day and see them (it's quite rare not to see manta rays). I have been longing to join this tour for about six years, and since I had planned it for the early part of my stay, I was glad to have the opportunity to retry. It did take a fair amount of energy, though...

If anyone is going to the Big Island, I highly recommend this tour! It was disappointing not to see the manta rays on the first attempt, but I truly appreciate the staff for their generous support, including arranging the retry!

当初予定した参加日にはマンタが現れず、次の日に参加して見ることができました（マンタに会えないのはかなり珍しいとのことです）。
6年ぐらい前からこのツアーに参加したいと切望しており今回の滞在の最初の方に予定をしていたため、リトライができる結果となり、よかったと思っています。体力はそれなりに使いましたが・・・
ハワイ島に行かれる方がいたら、おすすめのツアーです！
1回でマンタが見れないのは残念でしたが、リトライの手配も含めてスタッフの方に手厚くサポートしていただいて本当に感謝です！

The sunset and stargazing were both amazing. Especially the stargazing, as the moon wasn't out, allowing us to see the Milky Way clearly. The only complaint I have is that the van we used for transportation was full and quite cramped. The travel time was long, and the roads were bad, so I hope this can be improved. (The driver was also lamenting about it...)

サンセット、星空観測とも最高でした。特に星空観測は月も出ていなかったのて天の川まではっきりとみることができました。
唯一不満な点として移動に使ったバンは満車でかなり窮屈なものでした。移動時間も長く途中道も悪いので改善して欲しい。（ドライバーも嘆いていたけれども。。）

The sunset was incredibly beautiful... I was moved. And the starry sky was breathtaking. I was finally able to see the starry sky that I had wanted to see for so long, and my dream came true! I was so happy.

とっても美しい景色にサンセット…感動しました。
そして満天の星空は圧巻でした。ずうっと観たかった星空を観ることができて、ついに夢が叶いました！
嬉しかったです。

I have visited the Big Island of Hawaii many times, but this time I participated because my child turned 16. I was impressed by the beauty of the stars, the vastness of the sky, and its size. They took family photos for us, and since we were the only Japanese people there, they spoke to us not only in English but also in Japanese. During the star explanation, they divided us into English and Japanese groups with the same tour company (we ended up having a private experience), which made it very easy to understand, humorous, and enjoyable. I'm glad I participated.

Note: It’s colder than I expected.

何度もハワイ島に来ていますが、子どもが16歳になったため参加をしました。
星のきれいさ、空の広さ、大きさに感動しました。
写真をファミリーごとに撮ってくれたり、日本人が私たちだけだったため、英語だけでなく日本語でも話してくれたり、星の説明のときは同じツアー会社で英語組、日本語組に分かれてやっていただけたので（私たちは結局プライベート）とてもわかりやすく、ユーモアあっておもしろく、参加してよかったです。

補足　思った以上に寒いです。

Su-san's guidance and thoughtfulness were wonderful. The photos we received were truly impressive! What a great photographer! They were very beautiful.

This was our second time as a couple, and our first time bringing our son.

Since the moon rose before 10:00 PM, it didn't affect our experience at all, and we were able to see the Milky Way clearly. It became a great memory for our family.

The BLT was delicious too.

すーさんのガイドとお気遣いが素晴らしかった。
いただいた写真もさすが！フォトグラファー！！とても美しかったです。

夫婦にとっては2回目
息子を連れての初参加。

月が出るのが22:00前だったので何ら影響なく、天の川もはっきり見ることが出来ました。
家族のいい思い出になりました。

BLTも美味しかったです。

- crew was very helpful
- had a good evening boat ride with sunset view
- crew explained the instructions clearly
- great experience watching manta rays up close
- crew helped my kids getting into and out of water

The shuttle driver spoke only English, but he was very kind. When we arrived at the harbor, there was a Japanese staff member (a woman), which made me feel at ease as I prepared. She also accompanied us on the activities, so I was a bit anxious about the night snorkeling, but I enjoyed it.

Most importantly, I was moved to see a manta ray up close, which I hadn't encountered the day before. It seems that this tour is the only one where you can see manta rays during night snorkeling, so I highly recommend it for anyone going to the Big Island. They provide wetsuits, so it's not cold at all.

送迎ドライバーは英語オンリーでしたがとても優しい方でした。
ハーバーに着くと日本人スタッフ（女性）がいて安心して準備ができました。その方がアクティビティーにも同行していたので、ナイトシュノーケリング少し不安でしたが楽しめました。
何より前日は現れなかったマンタに会えて、すごく近くで観られたことが感動でした。
ナイトシュノーケリングでマンタに会えるのはこちらのツアーだけらしいのでハワイ島行かれる方は是非参加することをおすすめします。
ウエットスーツ貸してもらえるのでぜんぜん寒くないです。

Breathtaking views, I wish I could sleep under this view nightly, great vent and wont forget!

Amazing experience! Lots of the island wrapped up in a day you can't go wrong.

This was a great experience for my family I clouding kids as young as 8. Bryce, Joe, Diego, and Tamae were so kind to the guests and very knowledgeable about the manta rays. We got a bonus of seeing a dolphin on our way to the snorkel site as well as a beautiful sunset. Mahalo!

We took the tour yesterday. It was a great experience which I can absolutely recommend. Worth mentioning is in particular the star gazing with the expert explanations of our guide.

If you're looking for an experience where you are cared for, entertained, and learn more about this island, look no further. It was a day full of sight-seeing, history, and stimulation. This company has put time into thinking of everything from bathroom breaks, food, and health/safety. As one of the oldest tour companies on the island, there's perks they get that others do not.

Completely worth every penny to make the memories of this day!

We loved this tour! P.J., our Tour guide, loves his job, and that was obvious in his knowledge and enthusiasm. Comfortable shuttle. Great service. Good food. Great sights!

I was able to fulfill my dream of seeing the sunset and starry sky from Mauna Kea volcano. The explanations about the observatory and celestial bodies were very detailed, and I was able to take many photos. The sandwiches and cocoa provided along the way were very delicious and left a strong impression!

マウナケア火山からのサンセットと星空が見てみたい、という夢を叶えることが出来ました。天文台や天体の説明も詳しくして頂き、写真もたくさん撮って頂きました。
途中で提供されるサンドイッチとココアがとても美味しかったのが印象的でした！