Maui
I enjoyed every moment of the tour, Haleakala is definitely a must-do in Maui!
I'm glad that Polynesian Adventure Tours offers the Sunset tour, I would not be able to do the sunrise tour because of my tight schedule.
The local tour guide Kama was was excellent, very entertaining and knowledgeable about the Island of Maui. He gave us a map and shared interesting facts about Hawaiian history, geology, geography, ecology and legends.
After the pick up we stared our journey to the top of the Haleakala. We made a quick stop at the small, but beautiful Lavender Farm for a bathroom break and to get the coffee and pastries.
We arrived at the visitor center, approximately one hour prior to Sunset, and we had enough time to explore around and take nice pictures of the landscape. I absolutely love sunsets and being able to watch it above the clouds was amazing!
The last stop was at Cafe O Lei, we had a delicious family-style dinner and it was a great way to end the night.
The Sunset tour is great because it is not as crowed as the sunrise. I had a great experience visiting Haleakala with Polynesian Adventure Tours!
I have done many different tours in Hawaii, and no doubt Jasmine was the best tour guide I have ever had. The tour was perfect from the pick up until the drop-off.
I wasn't sure what to expect since this was my first time on the island but I'm glad I did it. I would never have been able to see this much in one day by myself. She safely drove us through windy and narrow roads and took us to places where large tour buses cannot go.
What a difference Jasmine makes. She is a local Maui girl who deeply loves what she does, she is very knowledgeable and shared interesting facts about Maui's history, culture, geology, ecology, industry etc.
This tour took me to many out of the beaten path places in Maui, giving me memory that will last a lifetime! If you are visiting Maui I highly recommend booking the West Maui Sightseeing Tour!
Wow, thank you for your beautiful review. I feel touched by the warmth of your words. I too had an awesome day. Thank you for such great company! Wishing you many more moments of joy, love and laughter together. Warmest aloha... Jasmine
We gathered around 4:30 PM and enjoyed welcome drinks, taking photos, and conversations with the people at our table. The food, a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and hotel cuisine, was very delicious. The show was entertaining, filled with laughter, emotion, and excitement. I believe it became a wonderful memory.
16時30分頃から集まり、ウェルカムドリンク、写真、テーブルの人たちとの会話を楽しみました。お食事もハワイ伝統のものとホテルのごはんがまじり良い感じでとてもおいしかったです。ショーも笑いあり、感動あり、迫力ありと楽しむことができました。
良い思い出になったとおもいます。
I participated in the morning cruise (around 9 AM). I had signed up for a Japanese tour, but unfortunately, it turned out to be an English tour. It seems there were many explanations about whales, but since I'm not fluent in English, I only managed to listen to "in the direction of ○ o'clock" f(^^;
February is the peak season, and as the local guide mentioned, "there are a lot of them," we could see spouts in various places. Unfortunately, we couldn't see any breaches like in the images, but we did catch glimpses of whales waving goodbye with their fins and their tails several times. Perhaps because it was a relatively large boat for whale watching, it seemed like we kept a certain distance from the whales and didn't get too close. This might be due to regulations regarding whales or safety considerations. I had hoped to see them a bit closer, but I guess it depends on luck. (Or maybe I should choose a tour with a smaller boat...?)
Fortunately, it was a calm day, and since I had taken motion sickness medication, I hardly noticed the rocking of the boat.
朝のクルーズ(9時台)に参加しました。
日本語ツアーを申し込んだのですが、残念ながら英語ツアーになりました。
鯨についての説明が沢山流れていたようですが、英語は堪能ではないので「○時の方向」というのだけ頑張って聴いていました f(^^;
2月はシーズンのピークで、ツアーの現地ガイドの方が「うじゃうじゃいます」とおっしゃっていた通り、あちこちで潮吹きしています。
画像にあるようなブリーチは残念ながらみることはできませんでしたが、遠目ながら鰭でのバイバイや、尾びれは何度かみることができました。
ホエールウォッチングツアーの中では比較的大きめのボートのせいか、あまり鯨に近寄らず、ある程度の距離を置くようにしていたように思えます。
鯨に対する規定や、安全に考慮しているのかもしれません。
もう少し間近に見ることができるのかと思っていましたが、そのあたりは運もあるのでしょうね。
(もしくはより小型の船のツアーを選ぶようにするか・・・?)
幸いなことに波が穏やかな日で酔い止め薬を飲んでいたこともあり、船の揺れはほとんど気になりませんでした。
We enjoyed it very much......well done!
Great service!
We loved everything about it. Great food and entertainment.
Very fun experience. We had fabulous weather and enjoyed the setting so near the water. Fun to watch the uncovering of the pig. Food/ Dinner was great. Our waiter took really good care of us. Recommend this on your Hawaii vacation !
It was the perfect ending to our last night on Maui! The check-in time changed after we made our reservation, and the voucher stated a 6 PM check-in. However, we were able to sit down and start drinking at 6 PM, and the buffet began about 30 minutes after check-in, with the show starting even later.
Since alcohol is all-you-can-drink, they asked for a passport (or any ID that shows your age). A copy is fine, but a Japanese driver's license was not accepted. It was okay in Oahu, but here they were strict about alcohol, so my companion had to go back to the hotel to get it.
Before the show started, there was a ceremony where they presented a pig roasted in an imu. I felt really sorry seeing the pig's face looking right at us, but I enjoyed the kalua pig from the buffet with gratitude.
The show featured a variety of performances including hula, Tahitian, Samoan, Maori, and fire dancing. There was even a segment where we could participate on stage, so I joined in and danced. Since there were hardly any Japanese people in Maui, I felt it was easier to get into the spirit and enjoy myself even more!
マウイ島滞在最後の夜の締めくくりに最高の宴でした!
チェックイン時間は申し込んだあと変更になり、バウチャーには18時チェックインと記載されていましたが、18時から席についてドリンクを飲み始められるようになっており、ブュッフェが始まるのはチェックインから30分後くらい、ショー自体のスタートはさらにそのあとになります。
アルコール類も飲み放題なので、パスポート(年齢のわかるID)の提示を求められます。コピーでも大丈夫ですが、日本の運転免許証はダメでした。オアフでは免許証でも大丈夫なのですが…。アルコールについては厳しいので絶対NGだったため、同行者はホテルに取りに戻っていました。
ショーが始まる前にイムから焼いた豚を出す儀式がありました。眠りについて出てきたブーちゃんの顔がちょうどこちらを向いていて、気の毒でとてもいたたまれない気持ちになりましたが、ブュッフェのカルアピッグは感謝しながらおいしくいただきました。
ショーはフラ、タヒチアン、サモア、マオリ、ファイヤーダンスなど盛りだくさんで、途中ステージに参加できるコーナーがあったので一緒に踊ってきました。
マウイは日本人がほとんどいなかったのでいろいろノリやすくてより楽しめた気がします♪
This was my first time participating. It was a Japanese tour, but the explanations were thorough and easy to understand.
I heard that 70% of the whales from Alaska come to Hawaii, and 90% of those come to Maui.
Since they are living creatures, the chances of encountering them are quite unpredictable, but I think we saw quite a few. When I went on another snorkeling tour, I also saw many whales, so I believe that riding on the boat more than twice increases satisfaction.
I heard that the peak is in February.
初めて参加しました。日本語ツアーでしたが、説明が丁寧で分かりやすかった。
アラスカから7割のクジラがハワイにやってきて、そのうちの9割がマウイに来るそうです。
生き物なので出会える確率はなかなか読めないのですが、結構見られたと思います。
別のシュノーケリングツアーに出かけたときもたくさんクジラが見られたので、2回以上船に乗ると満足度が高いと思います。
ピークは2月だそうです。
I participated in January. It was an English tour, but the instructor's explanations were easy to understand, and the crew was kind. Breakfast and lunch were delicious.
I only participated in snorkeling. It was disappointing that there weren't many types of fish near Molokini Island. However, there were wild seals. My companion who participated in the snuba got seasick, which was a bit unfortunate.
On the way to and from, we were able to see whales up close, and I was thrilled to see more whales than on a whale watching tour.
1月に参加しました。英語のツアーでしたが、インストラクターの説明も分かりやすく、クルーも親切でした。朝食とランチが美味しかった。
私はシュノーケリングのみに参加しました。モロキニ島近くはそんなにたくさんの種類の魚が見られなかったのでそれが残念。でも野性のアザラシがいました。スヌーバに参加した連れは波で酔ってしまったのでちょっと残念でした。
行き帰りにクジラが見られると近くに寄ってくれて、ホエールウォッチング・ツアーよりもたくさん間近でクジラが見られて感激しました。
However, I understand English, so it's not a problem for me... If I were someone who didn't understand English, I would definitely give it one star. I have no particular complaints about the whale watching itself.
でも、英語分かるので問題ないですが、、、。もし私が英語わからない人なら、迷わず星は1つですね。ホエールウォッチング自体は特に不満はありません。
It was a great evening! The atmosphere was very welcoming. View was perfect, heaps of food and the entertainment was five star! Well worth it.
Very traditional luau covering history of islands. Was wanting more of the fire dancing and more excitement. Food was not great, both got sick later (only had one drink). The waiters and staff were very friendly. Beautiful evening by the Lahaina harbor.
I decided to book online the day before and received a confirmation by evening. I took my 10-month-old son with me, and the boat was large enough, so there were no issues. However, the chairs on the second deck are fixed and a bit cramped. We were able to see whales multiple times, which was satisfying. The early morning tour is reasonably priced and refreshing, so I highly recommend it. The English guide only mentioned which direction we were facing, so I think it’s not a problem.
前日お昼に思い立ち現地でネット経由で申し込み、夕方には確約のお返事がきました。10が月の息子を連れて行きましたが船が大きく問題ありません。ただ二階のデッキは椅子が固定で狭いです。鯨も何回も見れ、満足です。早朝ツアーが、値段お手頃清々しくオススメです。英語のガイドでも、何時の方向に今いるよくらいにしか言ってなかったので問題ないかと思います。
I'm so happy i did the early morning whale watching. The whales came right up to our boat and we saw so many. Best tour I've done!
the organization was great for such a large crowd---food very good, drinks aplenty, and the best was the variety of dances---not just the hula but historical representations from the other Polynesian cultures!!!
This was our first time going to Maui with the family and we wanted to choose the activities that would leave a great impact on all of us. And boy did we do the right choice. Doing this activity was the best experience ever! The staff was very friendly and informed us regarding safety issues, then we had our continental breakfast. On our way to the first snorkeling spot we had the chance to see some whales and that was a plus. Once we arrived to the right spot we snorkeled for about 45-55 minutes where we all had a chance to see a baby turtle swimming among us (super cute by the way). After that we continued to our second snorkeling place and it was there where we encountered more turtles and fishes. Being able to see the ocean life from a different perspective is amazing. Once we concluded our snorkeling we went back to the boat and had some delicious burgers and hotdogs BBQed for us by the staff. It was just amazing! I encourage you to do the Maui to Lanai - Dolphin Watch & Snorkel BBQ Lunch Cruise.
It was my first time snorkeling and I Totally Loved It!!! Before I booked the activity I was concern because I don't know how to swim but the staff was so friendly and they guided me through the process, which made it super easy and fun for me. They have all the equipment on board and I was able to use a belt that allowed me to float. It was an amazing experience where I was able to watch some whales, turtles and many more marine life. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii snorkeling is a MUST, believe me, you won't be disappointed. But please be aware that if you get sea sick, do yourself a favor and eat one of the bars they sell at the booth before boarding the boat. That way you will ensure to enjoy the whole experience. ALOHA & MAHALO to the crew that was amazing! I WOULD DEFINITELY DO THIS ACTIVITY WITH THEM AGAIN!!!
I participated in the 7:30 English tour. I was able to see whales. I saw spouts and tails several times, and just as we were about to head back to the port, we spotted another whale in the distance. The boat headed towards it, and this time the whale jumped and even waved goodbye at the end. I was very satisfied, especially since jumping is not something you see every day. Additionally, on the way back, we also got to see dolphins jumping up close! I think the waves were relatively calm, but when we stopped to watch the whales, the boat swayed quite a bit as we turned to face the direction where the whales appeared.
7:30の英語ツアーに参加しました。
クジラ、見れました。潮吹きと尾ひれを何度か見て、港へ戻りかけたときにまた遠くにクジラが見えたので、そちらの方に船が向かってくれて、今度はジャンプと最後にはバイバイまでしてくれました。ジャンプは毎日見れるものではないということで、なんとも演出上手なクジラで大満足でした。さらに帰りには間近でイルカのジャンプも見れました!
波は穏やかな方だったのではないかと思いますが、クジラを見るために停まっているときは、クジラの出た方向へ船先をぐいっと向けるため、その際大きく揺れました。
I cannot recommend the Four Winds enough! The crew are all fantastic and make you feel welcome right from the outset. Captain John is worth the price of admission alone! We were provided a great breakfast and later lunch with all drinks included, we were well looked after. The equipment used is sanitary and of a high quality and the boat itself is very comfortable.
We were lucky enough to see several wales on the way out to Molokini and the crater itself provided some of the best snorkelling you can do. The other patrons were of all ages and ethnicities and got along famously - this is a great option for those with kids too.
I find it hard to believe you could find a better way to go to Molokini than with the four winds!
Aloha Trevor,
A big mahalo for the great review! We hope to see you again soon and promise an equally wonderful experience. :-)
Sincerely,
Kelly Stoneman
Sales, Marketing & Social Media Manager
Maui Classic Charters
Four Winds II
The overall experience was very authentic. Loved the performances and the history of the Hawaiian Islands. By the ocean arrangements and the traditional seating (our choice) and unlimited drinks was a plus. Its is a must in your itinerary.
I joined this tour mainly to snorkel, as I haven't done so for quite a well.
Too bad, though, that the winds were extremely gusty and waves very, very rough. I wish our captain, based on his experience, could have made the decision to bypass Lanai at the outset and gone straight to some friendlier waters such as Molokini, so that we didn't have to suffer through two+ hours of shuffling back and forth between Maui and Lanai.
On the positive side, I did enjoy the two snorkeling stops on the back side (Maui side) of the trip, especially watching my favorite Hawaiian green sea turtles.
BTW: happy hour pretty cool too.
We picked a day with high winds, unfortunately, so most of the trip was very rocky and choppy, causing me and several other guest to throw up. But the crew was super nice and professional in helping us cope with such otherwise very uncomfortable experience.
Due the high winds, we weren't able to snorkel around Lanai because the waters were very murky. Fortunately, it got better when we got back to Maui side. Everyone ended up having a good time snorkeling after all.
My main goal was actually to see dolphins. Too bad we couldn't find any. They saw some whales, but not me, because that's when I was throwing up.
Food was not bad. Like the captain too.
It's a wonderful trip. We saw Whales on the way there and identify turtle near the harbor on the way back. the morning trip is pretty nice for the weather. The people on the boat are very nice. Thanks Zack/Reed. You got to try Snuba since it's easy and fun. You will have multiple chances to get into the water in the 2 hour period. What you can see depends on the season and what kind of fish are active there though.
Aloha and Mahalo Ray! We are so glad you had a wonderful time and hope to have you out with us again in the future! I am posting some underwater whale footage from today on Facebook right this minute! :-)
Like most things on maui, they are expensive for what they are, especially the tourist items. We found a discount early bird package and I think w paid just under $50 for two of us. We also tipped the crew $5 and paid for our picture $20...like real tourists do. Both the top and particularly the picture were optional but I got roped into it. It was early in the season also, just the start of the whale season. We did spot a few whales but they were a bit far away and hard to see. We were able to see a few from shore as well, but of course, even farther away. the weather was flawless and there is no reason that I saw not to take the early morning package for the reduced price. I would definitely try to sit up front in the future, but we sat in the back. The issue being best view, but there is enough to look at with the sides and rear that even the back is more than tolerable. We took some photos, which only included little blips of whales off in the distance. I think I would target this venue for prime season to be sure to see more. My understanding is about 4000-8000 whales will congregate.. We saw maybe 5.
Really nice tour to summit and super dinner at Café O Lei.
While Mother Nature didn't necessarily cooperate (she rained on us the last 2 days of trip, but it might have been our fault as we stupidly asked for her to turn the wind down a bit the first 2 days ;)...) the sunset wasn't brilliant but still awe inspiring (also got a glimpse of how beautiful it could be on the flight out the next day still very cloudy - could see more color and summit as we took off...). Oh lavender farm was nice too - I'm not a lavender person but whole area was beautiful and people at farm nice.
Tour was still great - views were still stunning - dinner was really good and other people on tour were quite a fun group!
We had a great time on this snorkel cruise. We were lucky enough to see lots of cool fish, 2 kinds of dolphins, a whale and sea turtles. The crew was great and wanted to make sure we could see everything that was out there that day. Had a great time!
It was early December, but we didn't see any whales at all. However, it was a relief to see dolphins. I wished we had a fish finder. For those who get seasick, please be careful as the boat is small and wobbly. When we can't see any whales, I would appreciate a voucher for the next time.
12月上旬でしたが全くクジラは見えませんでした。しかし、イルカが見れたのは救いでした。魚群探知機でもあればいいのにと思いつつ。船酔いをする方は船が小さめで揺れるので気をつけてくださいね。クジラが見れないときは次回サービス券ぐらい欲しいものです。
We made our reservation by phone and had no problems finding a date and time. Customer service over the phone was great.
When we checked in at the dock, the lady check us in was very nice. They have you check in an hour prior to departure, which is a long time to hang out on the dock. There was no where to hang out or sit while waiting.
The crew on the boat was very nice and the food was decent. Due to the weather we were not able to go to the original destination, but the crew found a couple of spots for us to snorkel. We didn't see any Dolphins or turtles, just a few fish. We saw a whale from a distance, but we didn't hang out long enough in the same spot to see if the whales would resurface.
In all, the boat ride was much longer than expected. Most of the time was spent on the boat going to a snorkeling spot right next to the shoreline.
The dancers were amazing. The food was delicious. We did this luau the first night of our trip. Do not miss this!!