All Reviews for Private Boat Charters

The only non-white participants were us? We received a humorous explanation in English from the captain (we were given a written explanation in Japanese beforehand) and set sail! The waves were rough, and the boat was rocking quite a bit. Early on, we had a light snack service with drinks and canapés at the counter. I thought I might feel sick if I ate too much, so I only had a little, but the sparkling wine got me excited. (My husband was the designated driver, so he was just taking photos.) Gradually, the Na Pali Coast revealed itself. It was breathtaking! The waterfalls, the unique shadows of the landscape, and we even went through caves! We enjoyed it all the way to the end (is that Ke'e Beach ahead?). As the sunset began, we headed back. Then a rainbow appeared, and a whale slapped the surface with its tail, while a large pod of dolphins accompanied the boat, jumping occasionally! The sun set over Niihau Island. A nearby foreign gentleman proudly showed us the photos he took of the stunning sunset. We were really lucky! After that, we had some Mexican food before docking. The captain shook hands with each of us as we disembarked. I gave a tip as a thank you for the wonderful experience. Just as it was getting dark and we were about to head home, it started pouring rain! I didn’t know how to use the navigation system! I couldn’t see the signs! I got lost and felt like a stranger in the woods! Somehow, I managed to get back, and it turned out to be an adventurous day until the very end. This was the only time we got caught in the rain on the often rainy Kauai Island. (laughs)

参加者は私達以外はすべて白人？船長の英語でジョークの効いた説明（事前に日本語で内容が書かれた説明書を貰う）を受け、出港！波が荒く、揺れもなかなか。早々にカウンターで飲み物やカナッペなどの軽食サービス。でも食べたら気持ち悪くなるかもと思いちょっとだけ食べ、スパークリングワインで、わくわく気分。（主人はドライバーなのでカメラ小僧に徹してました）徐々にその姿を見せるナ・パリコースト。これよこれ！！というほどに圧巻！滝や陰影のあるあの独特の景観、そして洞窟もくぐる！先の先まで（もうこの先はKeビーチ？）堪能し、サンセットが始まる頃に復路へ。すると虹がかかり、クジラがしっぽで水面を叩くは、周りにはイルカの大群が船に伴送し、時々ジャンプ！ニイハウ島に沈む太陽。素晴らしいサンセットに近くの外人の御主人が撮った写真を自慢げに見せてくれました。本当にラッキー！でメキシカン料理を食べ寄港。船長が一人一人と握手してお見送り。満足のお礼にチップを渡し下船。さー暗くなって来たので帰ろうとしたらどしゃぶりの雨！、ナビ使い方分からず！標識も見えない！で、道に迷い、森の中でストレンジャー！どうにか帰ることが出来、最後までアドベンチャーの一日でした。雨の多いカウアイ島で雨に降られたのは、この時だけでした。（笑）

Magnifica mini crociera su catamarano, splendida esperienza e vista magnifica su diamond head e waikiki beach. Fantastico!!!

1st time to Hawaii and was a little disappointed had to cancel our whale watching trip the 1st time but was able to reschedule before we left. We saw one whale but wasn't fast enough to get a picture. Just saw a little bit of the hump and tail. But we had fun while we could.

Daisuke, who is very friendly, will take you along. He loves dolphins and seems to really connect with them, and he knows all the best spots for dolphin watching. However, as we went by boat to the viewing area and floated around wearing life jackets, I started to feel a bit seasick and couldn't dive in completely. That was the only disappointment. I'll make sure to prepare better next time! 😊

とてもフレンドリーなだいすけさんが連れて行ってくれます。いるかのことが大好きで本当に通じ合っているかのようなだいすけさんはイルカポイントもばっちりです。ただ、見れるところまで船でいってぷかぷかライフジャケットを着て揺られているとだんだん船酔いしてしまい、全部もぐれることができませんでした。それだけが残念。また体調整えていくぞ＾＾

After we set sail, I thought it was strange that we were heading south, and we kept drifting further away from the Napali Coast. It seems that the waves were too high, and they changed the destination. I was really looking forward to it, so it's a disappointing outcome. I believe there was probably an announcement from the captain before we set off, but I couldn't understand any of the English. At least one small consolation is that I was able to see a whale in the distance.

出航後、南へ向かったのでおかしいなと思っていたのですが、どんどんナパリコーストとは離れていくばかり。どうやら波が高くて行き先を変更したようです。ものすごく楽しみにしていたので悲しい結果です。おそらく出航前に船長からアナウンスがあったとは思いますが、英語がさっぱりわからず。せめてもの救いは、クジラを遠目に見れたことかな。

We had a great time out with a fabulous, fun and friendly crew. We loved being on this particular boat. You can stand really close to the edge or laze out in the middle over the netting. Oh and the whales were entertaining too. We even saw one breech! Will definitely do this again.

We had a fantastic time. Ian, Jeremy and Kama did a wonderful job and took great care of us. The scenery was amazing, and they filled us in on some history of the area. We even got to see some whales breach, accompanied by spinner Dolphins!. Great trip and would recommend to anyone. Holo Holo did a first class job!

Very nice experience! I was going with my 8yd son. Very impressive!

"I was told during the trip that 'the waves were strong, and it might actually be canceled,' and I was wondering what would happen... but it turned out to be an even more enjoyable swimming experience than I imagined. Many dolphins stayed around us, and during the first session, we played together for over an hour after jumping in. It was so much fun that I couldn't even find the right moment to get back on the boat, and the captain had to call us for a break... But we jumped back in right away. Since the dolphins didn't leave, we were able to swim freely as well. There’s no other sea where you can swim with wild dolphins like this. I definitely want to participate again. Thank you for the wonderful experience!"

「うねりがあって、本当は中止になるかもしれませんでした」と移動中聞かされ、
どうなることやら・・と思っていましたが想像以上の楽しいスイミングになりました。
多くのイルカが私たちの周りから去ることはなく、一回目は飛び込んでから一時間以上一緒に
遊んでくれたのです。あまりにも楽しくて、ボートに上がるタイミングもつかめず、
キャプテンが呼んでやっと休憩・・
でも、またすぐに飛び込みました。イルカたちが離れなかってため、自由に私たちも
泳がせていただきました。野生のイルカとこんなに泳げる海はありませんね。
また、是非参加したいと思います。感動をありがとうございました！

This is a must if visiting Kauai.... Absolutely amazing time & staff. We even got to see the whales and dolphins! 10 stars

We went on the afternoon cruise on Valentine's Day 2016 that was suppose to leave at 3 p.m. We ended up leaving about 15 minutes late because we had to wait for a van coming from Waikiki with more riders and they were late. We did see whales about 2 miles off the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel. The crew was very friendly and we enjoyed the open bar. It was like a whale watching party on someone's private boat! We had so much fun, that we booked the 5:30 p.m. boat cruise that very same day! Again, the only disappointment was that the boat was suppose to depart at 5:30 p.m., but this time it did not depart until 6:15 p.m. (45 minutes later!) because again, we were waiting on a van that had gone to hotels in Waikiki to pick up more riders and they were late due to traffic. Our boat cruise was cut short by 45 minutes and we only stayed out on the ocean until 7 p.m. so we felt cheated out of ocean time. Again, the crew was friendly but when I pay to spend time on the ocean, I expect and want to spend the entire one and a half hours on the ocean. In the future, I would suggest to the boat company, not to wait for a late van of riders and penalize those who were on time. Or, make sure that your riders get their full time on the ocean by staying out longer if you depart late.

We had a really good time. It was whale season and we saw many. The crew was very friendly. When we ran out of our wine they loaded us up on vodka drinks.

Loved the scenery and the Sunset was amazing. The crew was very helpful.
The seas were pretty rough that day and the tour took a little longer than planned.
The snacks were good but we didn't realize that there would be a light dinner served too.
We were able to see lots of whales and even some Dolphins.

Captain Carol was outstanding!!! Had a great time even though the weather was questionable. Great service, food, music and a lot of laughs. Even the turtles had a great time.

We had a great time on the sunset cruise! It had of course had great views, the captain stopped a couple times to let us watch some whales playing! The staff, Ian, Jason and Colin were helpful and friendly; the waters were a little rough, so they really showed our concern for our safety and comfort. The drinks, appetizers and sandwiches were all very good, very fresh. I would highly recommend this excursion!

A dolphin was right in front of me...
So I had to avoid touching it.
(I was told in advance not to touch them since they are wild.)
When our guide, Daisuke, waved his hand, the dolphin responded by moving its fins slightly and sang with a cute voice.
I definitely want to participate again and absolutely recommend it.

目の前にイルカが…
なので触らずにいるために避けなくてはいけませんでした。
（事前に野生なので触らないようにいわれていましたので）
ガイドのDAISUKEさんが手をふられたら応えて、小さくひれを動かし
可愛らしい声で歌ってくれました。
また是非参加したいし、絶対おすすめします。

The crew were very pleasant and helpful, somewhat informative. Drinks were available to anyone who wanted them that early in the morning, and there were many who did. Unfortunately,only a few tails sighted. Boat/captain only went about 3 miles out, where every other boat had gone to whale watch - and no one had any luck. I'm guessing a combination of too many boats, too much noise, and the slight delay in migration everyone talked about b/c of el Nino.

We spent Christmas in Hawaii and went on this excursion and absolutely loved it!!! The crew was fabulous and we would do this excursion again!!!

It wasn't that close, but I was able to see the whales' spouts several times. The staff were very nice, and when I said I didn't understand English, they explained everything in Japanese. Even if I hadn't seen the whales, just cruising in the waters of Hawaii was very pleasant.

そんなに近くはなかったんですが、何度か鯨の潮吹き見れました。
スタッフさんもとてもいい方で、英語がわからないと言ったら日本語で説明してくれました。
クジラが見れなくてもハワイの海をクルージングしているだけでとても気持ち良かったです。

I was disappointed that I couldn't see any whales. The boat was quite rocky, and since the ride was long, I wouldn't recommend it for those who get motion sickness (I had hardly ever experienced seasickness, but I was completely affected this time). However, I did enjoy the scenery, so that was a positive aspect.

クジラが見れず残念だった。
船が揺れやすく、乗船時間が長いので、乗り物酔いをする人はおすすめできません（私は船酔いを殆どしたことがなかったのに、完全にやられましたから）。
景色は楽しめたのでその点は良かった。

I was able to see some whales in the distance. There was one staff member who could speak Japanese and they were very kind and helpful. I had a great time.

遠くのほうでなんとかクジラを見ることができました。スタッフも一人だけ日本語を話すことができ親切に対応してもらいました。非常に楽しかったです。

I participated with my 6-year-old son. Led by Daisuke, who loves dolphins, we jumped into the water to see where the dolphins were swimming. When we looked into the surface, we were able to see a pod of wild dolphins swimming by. Another female staff member stayed with my son, and it seemed like he was able to see them well.

At first, I was nervous and my body was tense, and I was also worried about my son, so the dolphins swam by in no time. However, as I gradually got used to it, I was able to relax and enjoy the experience. Daisuke initially told me, "Please enjoy yourself, Mom," which helped ease my worries about seasickness and whether I could snorkel in the ocean for the first time. I was able to trust them completely.

On the way back to the port, we even saw two whales, which was so moving! It became a precious experience for both my son and me. Thank you very much!

6歳の息子と参加しました。
イルカが好きすぎるというだいすけさん主導で、イルカの泳いでくるポイントへ飛び込み、水面をのぞくと、泳いでくる野生のイルカの群れを見られました。息子には、もう一人の女性スタッフが、ついていてくださり、息子もちゃんと見られたようでした。
はじめは、ドキドキして身体も硬く、息子のことも気になり、あっという間にイルカちゃんは泳いで行ってしまいましたが、だんだんと慣れてきたら、ゆったりと落ち着いてみることができました☆
だいすけさんが、はじめに「お母さんが楽しんでください」と言って下さり、船酔い等の体調面、海での初のシュノーケルができるのかなど不安もありましたが、安心してお任せすることができました。
そして港へかえる途中には、なんとくじらを2頭も見ることがで、感動！！
私にとっても息子にとっても貴重な体験になりました。
本当にありがとうございました♪

The season had just started, and due to bad weather with rain, we unfortunately didn't encounter any whales. However, a big rainbow appeared over the hotels at Waikiki Beach...! In a different way, we enjoyed the cruise.

Before disembarking, they gave us a "one more boarding ticket for this season." If you're really hoping to see whales, consider scheduling your trip early in your stay to allow for a re-challenge. (It seems that reboarding reservations can only be made by phone and are available in English.)

This time, the weather was rough, and the boat rocked quite a bit... It was easier to stand and hold onto the railing to manage the swaying rather than sitting down. The crew was very attentive to those who felt unwell.

シーズンに入ったばかり＆途中から雨という悪天候で、
肝心のクジラには出会えませんでしたが、
大きな虹がワイキキビーチのホテル群の上に・・・！
別の意味で、クルーズを楽しめました。

下船前に、「今シーズン中、もう一度乗船チケット」をくれました。
どうしてもクジラ・・・という場合は、滞在期間の早いうちにして、
再チャレンジできるスケジュールにしてみては？
（再乗船の予約は電話で、英語のみ対応のようです）

今回は天気が荒れ、船は結構揺れました・・・
座っているよりも、立って手すりにつかまり揺れに対応していた方がラクでした。
気分が悪くなった人には、クルーが丁寧に対応していましたよ。

Today, I participated in a dolphin tour. I believe there are many companies offering dolphin tours on the Big Island, but I heard that Mr. Nata was the first to start a dolphin tour there. Mr. Nata, Mr. Daisuke, and Ms. Chiho from Aloha Kona Tours provided an absolutely wonderful experience. For example, it seems that with other companies, you only get about three chances to go into the water, but the team at Aloha Kona Tours has a strong enthusiasm to show you the dolphins! They quickly spotted a pod of dolphins with the naked eye, got us into the water swiftly, and today we were able to enter the ocean five times. Each time, the dolphins came very close, and there were so many of them; it was an indescribable experience. My 6-year-old daughter was well taken care of, allowing us parents to focus on watching. It was so amazing that I understand why some people become repeat customers. Today, I was lucky to be with veteran guests, and after it was over, I really understood the desire to return. I am already eager to come back, and I plan to bring my friends' families with me next year. Next time, I would like to request not only dolphins but also manta rays and Mauna Kea with Aloha Kona Tours. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

本日イルカのツアーに参加しました。ハワイ島でイルカのツアーは何社もあると思いますが、縄田さんがハワイ島ではじめてイルカのツアーを始めたそうです。アロハコナツアーズの縄田さん、ダイスケさん、ちほさんは本当に素晴らしい体験をさせてくれました。例えば他社では3本位しか海におりるチャンスはないようですが、アロハコナツアーズの皆さんは見せたい！という熱意がとても強く、肉眼で素早くイルカの群を見つけ、素早く海に降り、今日は5回も海に入れてくれました。どの回もすごく近くにイルカが来て、群の数もとても多く、言葉にならない体験をしました。6歳の娘にもバッチリ付き添ってもらっていたので、私達親は自分が見ることに集中できました。本当にすばらしいのでリピーターになってしまう方もいるそうで、本日は運良くベテランのお客様とご一緒させて頂きました。終わった後、リピートしてしまう気持ちがよくわかりました。私も既にリピートする気まんまんなので、来年は友達家族も連れてまた来たいと思っています。次回はイルカだけでなく、マンタとマウナケアもアロハコナツアーズでお願いしたいです。良い思い出をありがとうございました！

All the staff were very friendly and eager to please, keeping our drinks full. The captain kept us well informed over the intercom, pointing out all the marine life etc. A good way to spend an afternoon on Kaua'i

Me and my friend took HoloHolo Charters to the NaPali Coast and we had a blast! The crew is always there for any assistance and they're just great people who want you to enjoy yourself. The boat stopped for picture opportunities and even took us to see the Open Celing Cave, THAT was incredible too. I would love to come back to Kauai and we would definitely do this boat tour again!

Given the early season we had low expectations on whale spotting, but we were at least looking forward to a great boat ride on the ocean. And we sure got that.
After about 20 minutes we spotted the first whale air blowout and there were many more. Finally two North Pacific Hump Back whales surfaced and dove down again, showing their tailfins. Great experience, great weather, great boat trip.

It was my first time whale watching, and it happened to be the first day of the season. Despite the light rain and high waves, I was starting to think it might not happen when a whale appeared. It was just a brief sighting, but I was lucky.

What surprised me even more was that all the staff and participants were foreigners. There were only two Japanese people, my wife and me. The foreign staff were chatting away before we set sail, but I couldn't understand a word.

Also, there was a couple with a 6-week-old baby and a 4-year-old child among the guests, and both of them were drinking champagne as soon as we set off. That’s something you wouldn't see in Japan. It was full of surprises!

人生初のホエールウォッチング、しかも今シーズン初日との事。
小雨降る中、波も高く、うーんだめかなって思ってたら、クジラ君現れました。
ほんのチョットでしたが、運が良かったです。
その他にびっくりしたのが、スタッフも参加者も全部外人。日本人は私と家内の2人のみ、スタッフの外人さんが出航前に色々喋ってるけど、ちんぷんかんぷん。全く分かんない。
あと、お客の中に生後6週間の赤ちゃんと4歳の子供を連れた夫婦もいましたが、彼ら2人とも出航と同時にシャンパン飲みっぱなし。日本じゃありえないね。
びっくりポンだらけでした

A must see... very beautiful, and such a cool experience! A little rough on people who are susceptible to seasickness/motion sickness

Daisuke, who jokingly said, "I'm a dolphin otaku, so I know everything about dolphins!" was indeed telling the truth! We encountered a pod right after we set sail. He seemed to really understand the dolphins, pointing out where they were and when they would jump. It felt like a dream to swim with countless dolphins. In the end, we had such a fulfilling experience that we reluctantly had to wrap it up due to time constraints. Since they are wild dolphins, it might have been lucky to see so many, but I believe Daisuke's guiding skills played a significant role as well! Thank you very much.

「僕はイルカオタクだから~。イルカちゃんのことは何でもわかるよー♪」と冗談気に話していたダイスケさん。本当でした! 出港してからすぐに群れに遭遇。あそこにいるから、ここでジャンプするから、などなど、イルカの声を聞いては、本当に理解していた様でビックリ。数え切れないほどのイルカちゃん達と泳げて、何だか夢の中にいた様な…。最後は時間切れで渋々切り上げるほどの充実ぶりでした。野生のイルカなので、沢山会えるのはラッキーだったのかもしれませんが、ダイスケさんのガイド力も大きかったと思います! ありがとうございました。