Oahu
After being picked up at the hotel early in the morning, we received a tour briefing from the tour photographer and driver until we headed to the bus. There were quite a few participants that day, so the group was split into two buses. On the boat, there were some very energetic guides, just as mentioned in the reviews, who kept us entertained throughout the trip. Unfortunately, we only saw dolphins once. There were so many people that it was a struggle to swim with the guides. I felt that I would like to participate when there are fewer people. However, it wasn't that we didn't see anything at all; I was really happy when I saw a dolphin swim right underneath me. The snorkeling didn't feature the colorful fish that you often see in pictures, and I didn't encounter any sea turtles, but it was my first time swimming surrounded by so many fish, and I really enjoyed it. I felt a bit seasick towards the end and wasn't feeling well, but I was able to enjoy the slide and cheeseburgers. It seemed that there were so many people that activities like stand-up paddleboarding weren't mentioned at all, and only the slide was available. If you want to do those activities, it might be a good idea to communicate that clearly to the guides. It felt like the time went by very quickly, but personally, I was at my physical limit, so I was satisfied with that. However, I thought it would be nice if there were tours that allowed for a more leisurely pace with breaks to enjoy the ocean.
早朝ホテルでピックアップされた後、バスで向かうまで、ツアーのフォトグラファーと運転手さんからツアーの説明を受けました。この日は参加者がかなり多く、バスが2台に別れているとのことでした。船には口コミにあったようにかなりハイテンションなガイドさんたちがいて、終始楽しませてくれました。イルカは残念ながら一度しか見られなかったです。人が多すぎてガイドさんと一緒に泳ぐのも必死でした。もう少し人数が少ない時に参加したいと感じました。それでも全く見れないということもなく、イルカが自分の真下を通っていくのを見れた時は本当に嬉しかったです。シュノーケリングはよく写真で見るようなカラフルな魚という感じではなかったし、ウミガメにも出会えなかったけれど、たくさんのお魚に囲まれて泳ぐのが初めてでとても楽しめました。少し船酔い気味で最後は気分が悪かったですが、スライダーやチーズバーガーも楽しむことができました。サップなどのアクティビティは人が多かったからなのか、全く案内されず、スライダーしか用意されていませんでした。やりたい場合はきちんとガイドさんにお伝えしておくと良いのかもしれません。かなりあっという間に感じましたが、個人的には体力的にあのくらいで限界だったので納得することができましたが、もっとゆっくり時間をかけて休憩も挟みながら海を楽しむことができるツアーがあってもよいのかなぁと思いました。
This time, I booked a plan without lunch and with a one-day pass, and I added a cabana reservation. The cabana is a bit pricey, but it provides a space with a roof and curtains, so I didn't have to worry about being seen and was able to relax comfortably on the bed. It comes with mineral water and fruit, and you can also order food by phone, which is great.
Although it's unrelated to the plan, last time I went on a Sunday, it was very crowded, and the wait times for attractions like the slides were long. I couldn't secure a good spot to rest and couldn't enjoy myself comfortably. This time, since it was a weekday, it was relatively empty, the wait times for attractions were short, and there was plenty of space, which was nice. I definitely recommend going on a weekday.
As for the lunch buffet included in the meal plan, there weren't many types of dishes, so personally, I thought a plan without meals might be fine. However, there is the advantage of not having to worry about the hassle of going to buy food or finding a place.
今回はランチなしの送迎と1日券のプランで申込み、カバナを追加予約しました。カバナはちょっと高額ですが、屋根とカーテン付きスペースが確保できるので人目が気にならず、ベッドでゆっくり休めました。
ミネラルウォーターとフルーツが付いていますし、電話で食事注文も出来るので良いです。
プランとは関係ないですが、前回、日曜日に行ったところ、とても混雑していて、スライダーなどのアトラクションの待ち時間が長いし、休憩場所も良い場所を確保出来ず、相席でゆっくり楽しめませんでした。今回は平日でしたのでわりと空いていて、アトラクションの待ち時間が短く、場所も余裕があって良かったです。行くなら絶対平日をおすすめします。
食事付きプランのランチビュッフェは、料理の種類があまり多くなかったので、個人的には食事なしのプランでも良いかなと思いましたが、食事を買いに行く手間や場所を考えなくて済むという利点もあります。
The crew was very attentive and accommodating. We saw dolphins 2 out of the 3 drops and it was just amazing! We highly recommend this excursion ;) Our group ranged from 13 yrs old to 34 and we all enjoyed ourselves
This was such a well laid out tour with plenty of time for all of the different sites. Our bus was on time and our tour guide was fantastic throughout the whole day. We started out touring the Battleship Missouri and also did about a 35 minute guided tour and then we went over to the Aviation museum and had lunch before being able to check out both hangers. After that we headed over to the Arizona Memorial and were able to watch a short movie explaining the attack and walk through the different exhibits before taking a boat ride to the memorial. It was still closed for construction so I would love to go back once it opens to be able to actually go on the memorial. I would definitely recommend this tour.
I participated for the first time with my daughter in third grade, my son in second year of junior high, my 79-year-old father, my 74-year-old mother, and myself, a total of five people. I was worried about my mother, who has trouble walking, but we were able to enjoy the sandbar without any issues. My mother watched the snorkeling from the boat, but there were others who were also observing the snorkeling, and the atmosphere allowed everyone to participate freely according to their own condition, which was great.
The day before, a hurricane was approaching, and I was concerned about the weather, but during the tour until around 2:30 PM, we were able to enjoy the blue sky and the emerald green sea!
The female leader of the tour was excellent; her explanations were enjoyable, bright, and efficient, and the other staff members were very kind, making it a highly favorable tour. My son was impressed by the surprisingly delicious hamburgers.
We even encountered a sea turtle during the boat ride, and while snorkeling at the coral reef, we found a large sea turtle sleeping in a cave-like area, which made my daughter very happy.
It was also helpful that the bus departed from near the hotel. I had prepared marine shoes, but it turned out I didn't need to wear them. According to the staff, sometimes small sand can get in and actually be painful, so I think it's fine to prepare them and choose whether to wear them on-site.
It was a very enjoyable tour, and I'm glad we went.
小3の娘、中2の息子、79歳の父、74歳の母と私の5人で初参加しました。足の悪い母が心配でしたが、サンドバーは問題なく楽しめました。母はシュノーケリングは船から見ていましたが、ほかにもシュノーケリングを見学している人もいて、自分の状態で自由に参加できる雰囲気がよかったです。
前日からハリケーンが近づいていて、天気が心配でしたが、午後2時半ごろまでのツアー中は持ち、青い空、エメラルドグリーンの海を楽しめました!
女性の責任者の方のしきりがとても良く、説明も楽しく、明るく手際よく、ほかのスタッフの方々もとても親切で、好感度の高いツアーでした。
息子は、思った以上にちゃんとした美味しいハンバーガーに感動していました。
船の移動中にウミガメにも会えて、サンゴ礁でのシュノーケリングでは、洞窟のような中で眠る大きなウミガメも見つけ、娘も大喜びでした。
ホテルの近くからのバスの発車も助かりました。
マリンシューズを用意してましたが、履かなくて大丈夫でした。スタッフの方によると、小さな砂が入り込んでかえって痛いこともある、とのことでした。準備しておいて現場で履く履かないは選ぶ、でいいかと思います。
とても楽しいツアーで、行けて良かったです。
I recommend buying something at ABC Store. Since I don't research much, it's best to sneak it into the bottom of your bag. There is a shop, but the staff lacks motivation, and you may have to wait in line for over 30 minutes in an area without shade. They serve food that has flies on it, so you should bring your own food to avoid getting caught.
ABCストアで何か買っていくことを進めします。あまり調べないので荷物の底に忍ばせておけばよいです。売店はありますが、店員はやる気なく、日陰のない所を30分以上並ばせられます。ハエがたかっている食べ物を出されるので持ち込みがばれないよう持っていくべきです。
We participated as a family of four with two children in the upper grades of elementary school. The forecast was cloudy, but it was mostly sunny with calm waves. After gathering by bus from each hotel, we boarded the boat at the port, splitting into a Japanese-speaking guide's boat and an English-speaking (foreign) boat. The explanations were clear, and the guide was lively and fun. At the sandbar, they were knowledgeable about taking photos, providing advice on angles and poses, and we got to take many shots! We saw plenty of sea turtles as well. The snorkeling was a bit murky, possibly due to the tide being high, but we could still see fish. On the way back, we could ride the bus even in wet swimsuits if we had a towel, but it was cold inside the bus, so I wish I had brought dry clothes. The lunch was also quite delicious! The sandbar was beautiful, and we were very satisfied!
小学生高学年2人の子供と家族4人で参加。曇り予報でしたが、殆ど晴れで波も穏やか。各ホテルからバスで集まると、港で、日本語ガイドさんの船と、英語の船(外人)に分かれて乗船。説明もわかりやすく、ノリもよく楽しいガイドさん。サンドバーでは、写真の撮り方熟知しており、方向やポーズのアドバイスあり、何ショットもとってもらえました!海亀もこれでもかってほど見ました。シュノーケルは、潮が満ちていたせいか、やや濁りぎみでもまぁ魚は見えました。帰りは、濡れた水着でもタオルひけばバスに乗れますが、バス内が寒いので、乾いた服をもっていけばよかったかな。昼ごはんもかなり美味しかった!サンドバーきれいだったし、大満足!
The final dinner to celebrate my 78-year-old mother's first stay in Honolulu. I made a reservation at my recommended restaurant, Taormina. The special menu from Veltra was a great deal, and in addition to its beautiful presentation and deliciousness, the dishes were served promptly just by showing the voucher. Since drinks were separate, we toasted with a wine recommended by the staff. I carelessly ordered extra bruschetta without considering the portion size, and we couldn't finish the course meal. After taking just one bite of the last meat dish, I had it packed to go. They generously added sauce, so it was delicious to eat later in the room!
78歳の母の初ホノルル滞在を彩る最後の夕食。私の一押しレストラン・タオルミーナの予約をお願いしました。ベルトラの特別メニューはお得感満載で、見た目の美しさや美味しさに加えバウチャーを見せるだけで悩まずに料理が適時提供されました。ドリンクは別でしたのでスタッフさんお薦めのワインで乾杯。量を考えずにうっかりブルスケッタを追加注文し、コース料理を食べきれなくなり、最後のお肉料理は一口いただいた後、持ち帰りにしてもらいました。ソースもしっかりかけてくれたので後で部屋で食べても美味しかったです!!
It was extremely crowded, likely due to the summer vacation period. We entered at 10:30 in the morning, but we had to exchange our voucher for admission tickets at the reception, which caused a 20 to 30-minute delay at the entrance. We also waited 20 to 40 minutes for attractions and spent an hour in line at the lunch stand. Since the return bus was at 3 PM and we had to stick to that schedule, we were in the changing room by 2:30, so we only managed to go on four attractions. It's unacceptable to wait an hour at the stand when outside food and drinks are not allowed. They should either increase the number of staff or the number of stands. Additionally, I noticed some signs of aging in the facilities, and I was a bit worried about whether maintenance was being done.
夏休み期間のせいもあり、めちゃくちゃ混んでいました。朝は10:30入場だったのですが、バウチャーを受付で入場券に換えないといけないので入口で並び入場に20〜30分のロスがあり、アトラクションも20〜40分並んだのとランチの売店も1時間並びました。迎えのバスが15時で時間厳守なので14時半には更衣室だったので結局アトラクション4つしか乗れませんでした。飲食の持ち込み不可なのに売店1時間待つのはありえないです。だったらもっと人を増やすか売店数を増やすかしてほしい。あと老朽化が目につきました。メンテナンスをしているのかちょっと心配でした。
Last year, my husband and I participated in the Manoa Falls tour, but this time we joined with our three grandchildren (ages 5, 7, and 10) and our daughter, making a total of six of us.
The sandbar was a bit deep for the grandchildren, but it was perfect for practicing snorkeling later on.
The barbecue on the boat was also very delicious, and we were extremely satisfied.
We were able to see some turtles (though it was a bit disappointing that there weren't many), and the staff were very kind, allowing us to have a fun day.
昨年は夫婦二人でマノアの滝ツアーに参加しましたが、今回は孫3人(5歳、7歳、10歳)と娘、我々夫婦6人で参加しました。
サンドバーは孫達にはちょっと深かったですが、後で行うシュノーケリングの練習を行うには最適でした。
船上でのバーベキューも大変美味しく、大満足でした。
カメも見られ(ちょっと少なかったのが残念でしたが)、スタッフの方々も大変親切で楽しい一日を過ごせました。
This is a place we always visit whenever we go to Hawaii. It's the kids' (ages 13 and 10) favorite pool. It has attractions that are hard to find in Japan.
The private cabanas are a must for adults. They create a luxurious atmosphere. Drinks and food can be delivered with just a phone call.
One thing to note is that it gets really hot, so applying plenty of sunscreen is essential. I was preparing to bring snacks and alcohol, but they were confiscated during the bag check at the entrance. They will return them to you when you leave.
Time-wise, there were no issues. Initially, I thought the time might be too short, but we were able to play without getting bored, and it felt just right.
毎回必ずハワイに行くときには行く場所です。
子供たち(13才、10才)が一番お気に入りのプールです。
日本ではなかなかお目に掛れないアトラクション揃いです。
専用カバナも大人には必須ですね。リッチな気分を演出してくれます。
飲み物、食べ物を電話一本で配達してくれます。
注意事項は何せ暑いので、日焼け止めクリームを多く塗ることでしょうか。
おやつ、アルコールを持ち込もうと準備していましたが入口の荷物チェックで回収されました。帰りに返してもらえます。
時間的にも問題なく、当初は時間が短いかな?と考えていましたが飽きずに遊べちょうどいい感じです。
I arrived at Wet 'n Wild just before opening, and I felt reassured by the clear explanation of the return time and location. Upon arrival, I first exchanged my voucher for tickets. After that, there was a baggage check, and any food found would be confiscated but returned upon leaving. I enjoyed various slides and pools in the park. The return time was set for 3 PM, but I would have liked to play longer, so I would be happy with a 4 PM return time.
ウェット アンド ワイルドには開園間際に着き、帰りの時間と場所の説明もきちんとあったので安心でした。
到着してまずはバウチャーからチケットに引き換えます。
その後手荷物検査があり、食べ物は見つかると没収され、帰る時に返却してもらえます。
園内では様々なスライダーやプールを楽しみました。
帰りが15時集合だったのですが、もっと遊びたかったので、16時集合だとうれしいです。
We participated as a family. The staff was kind, and the sea was beautiful. It was a bit disappointing that the sandbar wasn't visible, but seeing the sea turtles up close made for a fun memory.
家族で参加しました
スタッフも親切でしたし海もきれいでした
サンドバーが顔を出していなかったのはちょっと残念でしたが ウミガメも近くに見れて楽しい思い出になりました
Enjoyed everything we were treated fairly and felt welcome when we arrived..best deal in Honolulu if u just want to go for a short trip out along the shoreline of Waikiki and see some deep blue ocean water.. not bad for the price .
Since the trolley doesn't operate at the start time in the morning, we took a taxi from our hotel in Waikiki. We arrived in about 20 minutes. After checking in at the counter, a Japanese staff member named Miho gave us a 30-minute tour of the museum. From the garden plants to the history of Hawaii, it was a short time, but I learned a lot. Both the building and the garden were wonderful.
The hula lesson started at 10 AM. Since my daughter and I were the only students that day, it was a private lesson. We began with some basics, and the teacher's husband played the ipu heke, making it a luxurious lesson for beginners. The song was "Hale Maumau." I had done a little hula in Japan, but it might be a bit difficult for complete beginners. However, it felt like the lesson was tailored to the students. By the end of the one-hour lesson, we were able to dance one song, and we received a certificate at the end of the hula lesson. After that, we learned how to make a lei using ti leaves, which took about 30 minutes to complete. I wore the lei until the evening, and I received compliments while shopping.
After the program ended, we explored the museum, looking at things like the bird capes that Miho had shown us, and we returned by trolley.
Although it's a distance from Waikiki and there are no trolleys at the start time, I think it's a place worth visiting. If I have the chance, I would love to go again.
朝はトロリーがない時間にスタートなので、ワイキキのホテルからタクシーで行きました。
20分くらいで到着。
カウンターで受付後、日本人スタッフのミホさんが30分くらい博物館の案内をしてくれます。
庭の植物から、ハワイの歴史、短い時間でしたが、とても勉強になりました。
建物も庭も素晴らしいものでした。
10時からフラレッスン開始。
この日の生徒は私と娘だけだったので、プライベートレッスン。
始め少しベーシックをやり、先生のご主人がイプヘケを叩いてくれて、初心者向けには贅沢なレッスンでした。
曲はハレマウマウ。日本で少しフラをやっていたのですが、まったくの初心者だと少し難しいかもしれません。
でも生徒に合わせてもらえる感じでした。
一時間のレッスンで一曲踊れるようになり、最後に認定証を頂き、フラレッスンは終了。
そのあとティーリーフを使ってレイの作り方を教えてもらえるのですが、30分ほとで完成、その日は夕方までレイをかけていましたが、買い物先などで褒めてもらえました。
プログラム終了後は、ミホさんに教えて頂いた鳥のマントなど、館内を見て回り、帰りはトロリーで戻りました。
ワイキキからは距離があり、開始時間にトロリーがないので、タクシーなどで行かなければなりませんが、行く価値のある場所だと思います。
次の機会があれば、またぜひ行きたいです。
Our activity was rescheduled by the company for a 3 days later which we received a gift for our inconvenience. When we arrived we quickly realized that there were going to be many people going. I was expecting a much smaller group. Our family of 5 decided to ride on the upper deck and had the best time. Our main guide was Oliver who was very friendly and funny. He made our experience very enjoyable. The entire crew was friendly as well. The Captain proceeded to try to find dolphins. Much to our dismay he was unable to locate them but he drove all over trying his best to locate them. With the changes in the water with the hurricane 1300 miles away the dolphins had retreated to deeper waters. This didn't take away from our very fun experience. We were able to snorkel for a good amount of time where we did see a turtle. Other water activities were available as well. There were 2 photographers on board.. 1 which was in the water as well. We were fed lunch very efficiently and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. We were treated to 2 hula dancers which was a lot of fun. I would recommend this experience to anyone. A great
crew and a fun adventure!
The hotel shuttle arrived on time, which was great, but there was supposed to be a park souvenir included in the fee, and we didn't receive anything, which disappointed the kids. The BBQ food was also cold, and I thought it might have been better not to include it. The three days of free Wi-Fi was a nice touch.
ホテルの送迎は、時間通りに来てくれて良かったですが、料金に含まれるなかに
パーク記念品とありましたが何も頂けなく子供が残念がっていました。
BBQ の料理も冷めていて、付けない方が良かったかなと思いました。Wi-Fiが3日間無料付きは、良かったです。
Fun, nice view from the sandbar, nice staffs, what a nice experience!!
The boat ride to the sandbar and walking out on the sandbar was a great experience. Highly recommend it. Unfortunately, the weather could have been a little better as it rained for a bit. The crew were friendly and provided great commentary as to what to see and do as well as safety features. The snorkeling by the reef was another great experience.
I had been to Hawaii many times, so I wish I had participated earlier! I was a bit worried about the sandbar and shooting for the first time, but once I went, I had no worries and just enjoyed it! It was fun, friendly, and smooth. The lunch was delicious, and the staff were cheerful, making for a fulfilling day. I will definitely participate again.
HAWAIIへは何度も行っていたからこそ!もっと早くに参加して居ればよかったと思いまいした。初めてのサンドバーとシューティングで心配もありましたが、行ってみれば何の心配もなくEnjoy!でした。楽しく、親切にスムーズでした。ランチも美味しく、スタッフさん達も明るく充実の一日でした。また、参加させて頂きます。
I was looking forward to the all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch and all-you-can-drink soft drinks, but the BBQ was quietly placed inside a dimly lit shed-like building, which brought my mood down. There were few side dishes, and the eating area was swarming with flies. Perhaps because my expectations were high, I was quite disappointed.
The all-you-can-drink soft drinks also had limited options and few places to order from, so in the end, I only had two cups.
Not having a proper changing area was also a downside.
However, the slides had short wait times and were enjoyable.
BBQランチ食べ放題、ソフトドリンク飲み放題を楽しみにしてましたが、BBQは薄暗い小屋っぽい建物の中にひっそりと置かれていて、気分がダウン。おかずも少なく、食べる場所はハエがたかってるし、期待値が高かったせいか、かなりがっかり。
ソフトドリンク飲み放題も、種類が少なく、頼める場所も少なく、結局、二杯しか飲みませんでした。
ちゃんとした着替える場所がないのもいけてませんね。
スライダーはどれも待ち時間が少なく楽しめました。
I was very satisfied with the whale watching I participated in at Shiretoko and Okinawa, so I joined the one in Hawaii with high expectations. I was surprised that we encountered whales right away without having to go far out to sea. Perhaps it’s because they come close to the land to give birth. Because of this, the whales' movements were rather subdued, and we only saw a little bit of their dorsal fins and tails a few times, which was a bit different from the intense experience I had imagined. However, I definitely felt the excitement.
知床と、沖縄で参加したホエールウォッチングが大満足だったので、ハワイも期待して参加しました。沖まで行かなくても、すぐにくじらに遭遇できたことは驚きでした。出産で陸地近くまで来ているからなのでしょうか。その為なのか、くじらの動きが地味で水面から少しの背びれ、しっぽが何度が見られた程度で、想像していた大迫力とはちょっと違いました。ただわくわく感は十分体験できました。
Thank you very much for joining our cruise. We hope you will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular jumps of whales next time. All of our staff are looking forward to your next visit.
Star of Honolulu
この度は私共のクルーズにお越し頂き、誠に有難うございました。
またの機会に豪快なクジラのジャンプなどをお楽しみいただければと思います。
スタッフ一同またのお越しをお待ち申し上げております。
スターオブホノルル
First, regarding the hotel shuttle, because it visits various hotels, the time spent on the bus can be quite long. I was one of the last to be picked up at the Hyatt, so it took about an hour, but those who were picked up first should be prepared for around two hours. This might be a concern for those who need frequent bathroom breaks. It seems that many delays are often caused by participants themselves, such as those who arrive late or go to the wrong meeting point. Once you leave Waikiki, it takes about 30 minutes to arrive using the highway.
We arrived at the site before 10:30. Tour participants lined up at a designated window to receive their tickets and then queued at the gate. The gates opened at 10:30, and while the line wasn't too long, the entry process took some time for each group. Many Japanese visitors had their partially consumed plastic bottles confiscated during the security check. Additionally, there were Japanese guests who lined up at the gate without receiving their tickets, which also caused delays.
After successfully entering, we went to rent a locker. The lockers are rented using a credit card at a terminal, which was a bit confusing, but since it supports Japanese, it wasn't a problem if you stay calm while operating it. The number of lockers is significantly fewer compared to large pools in Japan (like Toshimaen). I wonder what happens if they run out. Perhaps it means that not many people come.
Once we changed, we could finally enjoy ourselves, but by that time it was around 11:00. We were told to return to the bus by 15:00, so if we planned to leave by 14:30, we only had about three and a half hours. Considering lunch time, we effectively had less than three hours, which felt overwhelmingly insufficient. The kids seemed to feel they hadn’t played enough. I had a plan that included shuttle service and a day pass, but those who added a lunch buffet or bodyboarding experience would likely feel even more pressed for time.
The facility itself is more compact than I expected, so moving around doesn't take too long. The crowds are also much lighter compared to Japanese pools, which is a plus. However, there seemed to be only one place to buy lunch, so during peak times, there was quite a wait. It would be good to stagger meal times to save some time.
As for the attractions, overall, they were enjoyable. There are many types of slides that you can't experience in Japan. However, one downside is that some slides require specific floatation devices, and there simply aren't enough of them. Particularly, there were hardly any floatation devices for sliding with children (there were relatively more for single riders). Some of the available ones had holes and were deflated when I picked them up. I really hope this gets improved. With time already being tight, waiting to get a floatation device is frustrating.
The wave pool has large waves and a long duration of waves, which is great. However, there are some rough areas on the floor that could cause scrapes if you're knocked around by the waves. The lazy river is average; the distance for one loop isn't very long. Also, there isn't a typical "just a pool" like you find in Japanese facilities. This is likely why the entire facility is compact, but it doesn't allow for much swimming practice. If you want to swim, you might as well do it in the wave pool when there are no waves.
Overall, the facility is good and enjoyable for adults as well, but the limited time and lack of floatation devices for the slides are drawbacks. Additionally, some attractions are closed at certain times, which is disappointing. I wonder if the closing times are posted somewhere.
The return time of 15:00 does feel early. Perhaps it's to allow for an earlier return to Waikiki so that guests can enjoy shopping as well.
As a time-saving tip, consider wearing your swimsuit in advance and staggering lunch times to reduce waiting at the concession stands.
まずホテルからの送迎ですが、色々なホテルを廻る関係でバスの中にいなければならない時間が長い。自分はハイアットで最後の方だったので1時間位だったが、最初の方にのったひとは2時間くらいは覚悟しないとダメそう。そうなるとトイレが近い人は少し心配。(時間通りに来ない人や集合場所を間違える人など、参加者自身が原因の場合が多そうだが。)ワイキキを出発すればハイウェイ使って30分で着く。
現地には10時半前に到着。ツアーの人はツアー限定の窓口にならんでチケットを貰い、ゲートに並ぶ。10時半開場で列自体はそんなに長くないが一組の入場に時間がかかる。持ち物検査で飲みかけのペットボトルを没収されている日本人が多い。また、チケットを受け取らずにゲートに並んでいる日本人もいて、その対応にも時間がかかっている。
無事入場したあとはロッカーを借りにいく。 端末でクレジットカードを使って借りるタイプで少し戸惑うが日本語対応されているので、冷静に操作すれば問題ない。ロッカーの数は日本の大規模プール(豊島園とか)に比べると圧倒的に少ない。いっぱいの場合はどうするのだろうか。そこまで人はこないということだろうか。
着替えがすめばようやく遊べるが、だいたいその時点で11時頃。15時にはバスに戻ってきて下さいと言うことだったので、14時半にはあがるとすると3時間半しかない。昼御飯の時間も考慮すると実質は3時間もないので圧倒的に時間が足りない。子供は全く遊び足りない様子だった。自分は送迎と1日パスのプランだったが、昼食ブッフェやボディーボード体験を入れた人は更に時間におわれるだろう。
施設内は予想よりもコンパクトな作りなので移動にはそこまで時間はかからない。混雑も日本のプールに比べたら遥かに少ないのでその点は快適。ただ昼購入場所は自分が見た限り一ヵ所しかないので昼時はかなり待つ。時間をずらすなどして少しでも時短したいところ。
肝心のアトラクションについては総じて楽しかった。日本では体験できない種類のスライダーも多く楽しめる。ただ不満としては、専用の浮き具がないと滑れないものがあるが、浮き具の数が絶対的に足りない。特に子供と一緒に滑るための浮き具がほとんどなかった。(一人用は比較的多くあった)。せっかくあった!と思って手に取ると穴が開いていて空気が抜けているものもあった。これは是非改善して貰いたい。ただでさえ時間が足りないのに浮き具を得るまでの待ちは痛い。
波のプールはウェーブが大きくウェーブの出る時間も長いのがうれしい。ただし床がザラザラな場所があり波にあおられて擦りむく恐れあり。流れるプールは普通。一周の距離はそんなに長くない。また、日本のプール施設にあるようないわゆる‘‘ただのプール’’はない。これが施設全体をコンパクトにできている理由でもあるが、泳ぎの練習などはあまりできない。あえてやるなら、波がないときの波のプールくらい。
全体的に言えば施設自体は良く大人でも楽しめるが、時間が少ないのとスライダー用浮き具がすくないのが難点。あとは時間帯により閉鎖しているアトラクションがあるのが不満。閉鎖時間はどこかに書いてあるのだろうか。
帰宅集合時間が15時というのはやはり早い。もしかしたら、ワイキキに早く帰れるからショッピングも楽しめるという配慮なのかもとも思った。
時短テクニックとしては、予め水着を着ておく、昼御飯時間をずらして売店に並ぶ時間を減らす。
Overall this was not one of the better snorkel experiences. The boat was too crowded, with 61 snorkelers. The right size for the boat should have been about 40. Especially crowded at the start where people were not allowed on the top deck when leaving port.
The crew try their best to provide a good time. They are energetic and enthusiastic.
Food option was another issue. Basically you get either a cheeseburger or veggie cheeseburger. No other choices. I hate cheese. Since food is pre-made, there is no opportunity for a simple hamburger. Drinks are either water or watered down lemonade, served in tiny cups. Should have had more variety and larger cups. You also can get a bag of chips.
Swimming with the dolphin is basically everyone jump in the water, look down to see a couple dolphins swim by, and then jump right back in the boat.
Snorkeling was not rushed, but the site did not have many fish or varieties of fish.
Water slide was fun. Much more fun than snorkeling.
Aloha
I am sorry that conditions were less than ideal on your tour.
Our boat is actually certified for 97 passengers. We will talk to our staff about openinig up the top deck from the begining. Usually for larger groups we do allow that. There should be room for everyone to move around comfortably from the onset.
We have a no cheese option for both the beef and veggie burger. We are constantly trying to improve our program. We actually just got our Liquor License and have been discussing different beverage options.
The swim with the dolphins and snorkeling vary based on conditions and their behavior. Ideally we like to have longer, closer views of the animals in their natural enviornment. Usually we see turtles and a variety of fish. Occassionally other cool sea life like eels, rays and even monk seals.
We are glad you enjoyed the slide. And hope you can come back with us sometime so we an make the experience and memory better for you.
Kind regards
I had been curious about it for a long time, and this was my first time participating. The sandbar is a wonderful place made up of coral deposits, and standing there gave me a truly strange feeling. We took photos and played beach volleyball with other participants, and before we knew it, it was time for the BBQ hamburger lunch. The hamburgers we made ourselves, topped with pineapple and other ingredients, were exceptional when eaten on the boat.
After that, we went turtle watching from the boat, and then it was time for snorkeling at the snorkeling point. Unfortunately, the visibility wasn't that great, but we encountered turtles underwater, which was incredibly exciting. The Japanese-speaking female guide was friendly, and for some reason, it felt like my family was being slightly marked, but she helped liven up the atmosphere on the boat, and we had a great time.
ずっと気にはなっていたが、今回初めて参加しました。
サンドバーは素敵な場所でサンゴの堆積で出来ている浅瀬という事で、そこに立てば何とも不思議な感覚がありました。写真を撮ったり参加者でビーチバレーをしたりしましたが、あっと言う間にBBQハンバーガーランチとなりました。自分たちでパイナップルなどトッピングして、船の上で食べるハンバーガーは格別なものでした。
その後ウミガメのウォッチングを船上から行い、シュノーケリングポイントでシュノーケリングになりました。
残念ながら視界はそれほど良くありませんでしたが、水中でもウミガメに遭遇し、大興奮でした。
日本語ガイドの女性の方も、気さくな方で、何故か我が家族が少しマークされていた感はありますが、船上も盛り上げていただき、楽しいひと時を過ごせました。
The weather was great, and we were able to see a very beautiful sandbar! The snorkeling spot had strong winds and the water was a bit murky, but we were able to see some fish. The sandbar was deeper than I expected, about knee-deep. I checked a site that predicts the tides to decide when to go, but there were days that seemed deeper, so I think it would be good to confirm and choose a day within the possible range.
天気に恵まれ、とても綺麗なサンドバーが見られました!シュノーケリングのポイントは風が強く少し海は濁りが強かったですが、魚は見ることができました。サンドバーはひざ下くらいの深さで思ったよりも深かったです。潮の満ち引きを予測するサイトを見て決めましたが、もっと深そうな日もあったので、可能な範疇で確認して行く日を決められるといいと思います。
There was a bit of trouble with the operating company at the meeting point. We arrived at the meeting location more than five minutes before the scheduled time. Then, a flashy bus with the "Dolphin & You" logo passed right in front of us, and thinking we had been left behind, we hurried to chase after it, but it just kept going. Since we had minimal luggage and didn't have our smartphones, we had no choice but to return to the hotel, where we received a call from the operating company... They said they had come to pick us up at the meeting point but since we weren't there, we could no longer participate in the tour.
Actually, the bus we chased after was a different bus picking up Western guests, while Japanese guests were supposed to be picked up by a smaller van (a plain white bus without the operating company's name or logo), which apparently arrived quite late on the day of the tour. Despite this, the operating company said, "Since this is a cancellation on your part, we cannot issue a refund. If you want to participate, please take a taxi to the harbor." I thought it was unreasonable to ask us to take a taxi to a location that takes an hour by car, and when I expressed my frustration asking, "Is this really our responsibility???" they reluctantly agreed to send someone to pick us up.
On the morning of the tour, a confirmation call was made to the hotel, but the staff member was not fluent in Japanese and did not provide detailed information during the prior call. Therefore, I recommend confirming what kind of bus will come to pick you up on the day of the tour.
Once we got on the boat, I thought the staff members were very kind and helpful. There were also staff members who spoke Japanese fluently. They were very high-energy, which might be a bit overwhelming if you’re feeling unwell. In my case, I think the strong winds contributed to my discomfort, and I felt that snorkeling might be tough for small children... My child cried a lot during the first attempt and couldn't handle it. Dolphins can only be seen underwater as dark shadows, so it might be better for children to see them from the boat.
I also brought an underwater camera, but it's quite difficult unless you're a good swimmer. Regarding clothing, I wore a rash guard and tights, and I think that was sufficient without needing to rent a wetsuit (the rental wetsuits are short types). As for belongings, you should definitely borrow a bath towel from the hotel and bring it with you. It can get a bit chilly on the way back, so it's better to take off wet rash guards and dry off with the bath towel before putting on a dry shirt.
As for tipping, which can be confusing for Japanese people, it didn't seem like it was strictly enforced. The Q&A section on the operating company's website also mentions that a small gesture is sufficient. I hope this information is helpful to everyone.
集合時に運営会社と少しとトラブルになりました。
私たちは集合場所に待ち合わせ時間の5分以上前から来ていました。
すると「ドルフィン&ユー」のロゴが描かれた派手めのバスが目の前を通り過ぎてしまったので、置いて行かれたと思い、慌てて追いかけたのですが、そのまま行ってしまいました。
荷物も最小限で、スマホも持っていなかったので、仕方なくホテルに戻ったところ、運営会社から電話が・・・。集合場所にピックアップにきたが、いないのでもうツアーには参加できないとのことでした。
実は我々が追いかけたバスは、欧米人客を拾っていく別便のバスで、日本人客はそれよりは小さいバンのようなバス(運営会社名もロゴもない、真っ白なバスです)が拾っていくことになってたらしいのですが、当日それが待ち合わせ時間よりもかなり遅れてきたのです。
・・・にも関わらず、運営会社がいうには、「そちらの都合のキャンセルなので、返金には応じられない。参加したければ、タクシーでハーバーまで来てください。」とのことでした。
車で1時間もかかるところに、タクシーで来いというのもどうかと思いますし、さすがに「それってこちらの責任なのですか???」と憤ったところ、渋々なんとか迎えにきてくれました。
当日の朝に確認の電話がホテルに掛かってきますが、そのときのスタッフは日本語が堪能ではなく、事前の電話でそこまで詳細な情報までは教えてはくれませんでした。
ですので、当日はどんなバスが迎えにくるのかを必ず確認された方がいいと思います。
船に乗ってからは、スタッフの皆さんとても親切で良かったと思います。
日本語がとても流暢なスタッフもいました。
とてもハイテンションなので、気分が悪くなるとちょっとしんどいかもしれません。
私の場合は、結構風が強かったのも原因かと思いますが、シュノーケリングは小さいお子さんは厳しいかも・・・という印象でした。
うちの子は、1回目で大泣きでダメでした。
イルカは水中で見ても、黒い影のようにしか見えないので、子供は船上で見た方がいいかもしれません。
あと水中カメラを持っていきましたが、泳ぎが得意な方でないとなかなか難しいです。
あと服装ですが、私はラッシュカードとタイツをはいて行きましたが、ウエットスーツ(貸しウエットスーツは短パンタイプです)を借りなくても、これで十分だと思いました。
荷物としては、バスタオルはホテルで借りて必ず持っていくべきでしょう。やはり帰りはちょっと寒いので、ぬれたラッシュガードなどは脱いで、バスタオルで体を拭って、乾いたシャツ等を着る方がいいと思います。
日本人が戸惑うチップですが、そんなにきっちり払っている感じはなかったです。運営会社HPのQ&Aにも書いてありますが、気持ち程度でいいと思います。
皆さんの参考になればと思います。
Amazing location
Fantastic crew
Ohhhhhh and that water !!!!!!!
Captain Bob’s Trip was awesome!! Top notch! It started with a beautiful catamaran ride and really fun energetic exciting crew! These people made you feel very safe and welcome and ensured everyone was having an exceptional time!
The sand bar and volleyball were breathtakingly beautiful and so much fun! Whether you are a professional volleyball player or a 5 year old, it all seemed to work out just as it should and everyone had an amazing time!
The BBQ was delicious, drinks, bar, everything was perfect! Grilling off the side of a catamaran on a sandbar in Oahu! What more could you ask for!
Seeing the turtles was amazing and the snorkeling was fantastic as well! Plenty of really nice equipment, instruction, safety always a priority with this crew! I would recommend this excursion and experience 100%! Also- a nice tour bus picks you up at your hotel or close to it if you need a ride! Fantastic transportation. Very well run and organized! We met some really nice people on the excursion and the crew was the best! Enjoy!
Good point
- The lunch is very delicious.
- Drinks are free (alcohol is extra).
- The sea is beautiful.
- I got to see a sea turtle!
Disappointing point
- Since the tour arrives in the afternoon, the sea was high tide and the sandy beach was not visible. It might be better to think that this tour is not one where the sandy beach is exposed.
Good point
・lunchがとても美味しい
・ドリンクも無料(アルコールは別)
・海が綺麗
・ウミガメに会えた!
残念point
・午後に到着のツアーなので海は満潮で砂浜は見えませんでした。このツアーでは砂浜が顔を出すツアーではないと思ったほうがいいかもしれません