All Reviews for Toddler Friendly (Ages 2-4)

I went for the first time and was very satisfied!
The guide spoke Japanese, so I felt very secure participating in the tour!
There were many types of slides, and the kids were delighted!

初めて行ってきまし、とても満足しました！
案内の方が日本語が話せるので、とても安心してツアーに参加する事が出来ました！
スライダーの種類も沢山あり、子供達も喜んでいました！

I was a bit disappointed because there were hardly any fish. The scenery is beautiful and the water is clear. However, if you're expecting to see a lot of fish at Hanauma Bay, it doesn't make sense to go since there are almost none. There may have been many in the past, but now...

Waiting for a long time to enter and paying a high admission fee just to catch a glimpse of a few fish here and there isn't worth it. The rental equipment is clean, even if it's reused, and the driver was nice. However, being crammed into a car with other guests isn't comfortable, and if there are no fish to see, it raises the question of the tour's value. I think the decrease in tours to Hanauma Bay is due to its diminishing appeal. Still, I believe it's great that such tours exist for those who really want to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.

少しがっかりなのは、ずばり魚がほとんどいないから。
風光明媚でお水も綺麗。
でもハナウマ湾にはたくさんのお魚を期待していくのであれば、お魚がほぼいないので、行く意味がずれます。
昔はたくさんいたのでしょうが、今は…。
ちらほらたまに見かける程度のお魚をちらっと見るために、長時間入場を待たされ、高い入場料は払い、というのは見合いません。
レンタル品は使いまわしとはいえ清潔感もあり、ドライバーさんも良い方。
でもゲストがギュウギュウに詰められた車は居心地は良くなく、お目当てのお魚がいないのであれば参加意義は？となってしまいそうです。
ハナウマ湾のツアーが減っているのは、魅力が減ってきてるからだと思いました。
それでもどうしてもハナウマ湾でシュノーケリングをしたい方のために、こういったツアーがあるのはありがたいのだと思います。

We participated in a sandbar tour for the first time as a couple. The weather was perfect, and we were able to enjoy the best sandbar and snorkeling experience.

There were staff members who spoke Japanese fluently, which made us feel at ease.

One point that concerned us was that there was no mention of tips in the tour details, and we only brought minimal valuables. On the day of the tour, just before leaving, the staff announced about tipping, and since we didn't have any cash, we felt a bit guilty as we just passed it by. I recommend bringing at least a little cash with you.

初めてサンドバーツアーに夫婦で参加しました。
お天気にも恵まれ、最高のサンドバー&シュノーケリングを楽しむことができました。

日本語がバリバリ話せるスタッフもおり、安心して楽しめます。

ひとつ気になった点として、、
ツアーの詳細内にはチップに関する記載がなく、貴重品も最低限しか持って行かなかったのですが、
当日帰り際にスタッフの方からチップに関するアナウンスがあり、現金を持って行かなかった私たちは少し申し訳なさを感じながらそのままスルーする形となりました。
少しだけでも現金を持って行くことをオススメします。

I chose this tour as a relatively inexpensive way to get to Hanauma, which has become difficult to access individually due to the lack of bus services and difficulty in making reservations.

Although the guide did not speak any Japanese, as long as you confirm the departure location and time from Hanauma, you'll be fine. Before arriving at Hanauma, we made a stop at a scenic viewpoint where we collected the entrance fee of $25 per person.

After that, we lined up until the designated entrance time, received snorkeling gear, and the guide informed us of the meeting location and time before leaving. A representative from the participants paid the entrance fees for everyone, and after a brief explanation of Hanauma and an 8-minute video, we were free to explore until we disbanded.

We enjoyed snorkeling and saw a lot of fish in the rocky areas. If you understand even a little English, this tour is very fulfilling to participate in.

なかなか予約も取れず、バスもない、個人では行き難くなったハナウマに比較的安く行く方法として、このツアーを選びました。
全く日本語は通じないガイドさんの送迎ツアーですが、ハナウマからの出発場所と時間さえしっかり確認しておけば、大丈夫です。
ハナウマ到着前に見晴らしの良い場所で途中下車した際に、ハナウマ入場料$25/人を集めました。
その後指定されたハナウマ入場時間迄並び、シュノーケル用具を渡され、そこでガイドは集合場所と時間を伝えて一旦帰りました。参加者代表の人が全員分の入場料を支払い入場、ハナウマ利用説明と8分間のビデオ視聴のあと各自解散まで自由に行動しました。
私達はシュノーケリングを楽しみました。岩のある場所では本当に沢山の魚が見られました。
少しでも英語が解るなら、充実に参加可能なツアーでした。

Although it was only in English, the staff greeted us with smiles and used easy-to-understand words, so there was no problem.

The snorkeling equipment was also clean, and we had a great time. Thank you! ♪

英語のみでしたが、スタッフさんはわかりやすい単語で笑顔で接してくださいましたので、問題ありませんでした。

シュノーケリングの道具なども綺麗で、とても楽しめました。
ありがとうございました♪

This was a great tour full of information and great experiences. I would highly recommend this tour to others.

I went in March. I was able to see the small whale's tail and back. Since the boat was not crowded, I could move around freely, and it was comfortable with little rocking, which was great.

3月に行きました。小さい鯨の尾鰭や背中が見れました。船の中では、空いていたこともあり、自由に動き回ることができましたし、揺れも少なく快適で良かったです。

the cruise itself was great, we went on a weekday so it was pretty empty in terms of other guests on board

on a side note: i lost my engagement ring and they located it and returned it to me. it was so kind of them and they went above and beyond to help me!

I encountered many whales and even saw a few dolphins, making it a very satisfying tour. When whales or dolphins appear, the staff will guide you on their direction, so I think it's hard to miss them. However, there is only one restroom available, so it's best to take care of that before boarding for peace of mind. Since it's a morning tour, it's also nice that you can schedule activities for the afternoon. (The departure point is near Aloha Tower, so exploring after disembarking is a good idea.)

沢山のクジラと出会えました。また、少しですがイルカも見れて大満足のツアーでした。クジラやイルカが現れた時にはスタッフの方が方角を教えてくれるので、見逃すことも少ないと思います。
ただ、トイレが1箇所しか無いので、乗船前に済ませておいた方が安心です。
午前中のツアーなので、昼からも予定が入れられるのも良いと思います。(発着場所が、アロハタワーの近くですので、下船後に探索するのもいいと思います。)

My first whale watching experience!
I happened to visit Hawaii during the season when whales can be seen, so I thought it was a rare opportunity and joined a tour.
About 20-30 minutes after boarding, we were able to see whales right away! The view is great from the upper deck, but since it's a bit far away, I recommend watching from the lower deck for a closer look. While we couldn't get extremely close, I was very moved to see a whale in person for the first time! The sea breeze was pleasant, and the whole experience of being on the boat was enjoyable.

初のホエールウォッチング！
たまたま鯨を見れる時期にハワイを訪れたので、なかなかない機会だと思いツアーに参加しました。
乗船してから20-30分ぐらいですぐに鯨を見ることができました！上の階だと見晴らしは良いですが、少し距離があるので、下の階でより近くで見るのがおすすめです。かなり近い距離とはいきませんが、生の鯨を初めて見られてとても感動しました！潮風も気持ちよく、乗船自体も楽しかったです。

I was worried about whether I would be able to see anything since I participated in late March, but shortly after we set sail, a whale appeared! It spouted water and I was able to see its tail as well. However, it was a small whale and it was just a brief moment.

After that, there were a couple of brief appearances of small whales in the first half, but they were really just for an instant. In the second half, we didn't see anything at all, which left a feeling of disappointment.

Still, I’m glad I got to see a whale, even if just once in my life. If you imagine a big whale spouting water or slapping its large tail on the surface of the sea, you might end up feeling like, "Is that all there is?"

3月下旬に参加のため、見られるのか心配していたものの、出航して間もなく、くじらが現れてくれました。潮を吹いて、尾っぽも見ることが出来ました。しかし、小さなクジラで一瞬の出来事でした。
その後、前半に2回くらい小さなクジラが一瞬現れてくれたものの、本当に一瞬でした。後半は全く見られず、尻すぼみ感がありました。
それでも、一生に一度でもクジラを見られて良かったです。
大きな鯨が現れて潮を吹いてくれるとか、大きな尻尾を海水面に叩きつけるとか想像を膨らませて参加すると、そんなもんか〜という感想になるかもしれません。

I booked this activity for my 8-year-old and myself. The tour took place both in the jeep and we got to get out and explore some areas as well. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area, and really made the tour more exciting. It was fun to see where certain movies were made in the area and the ranch is very beautiful.

I participated in early March.
I had a great time on a cruise overlooking the coast of Hawaii.
Since you never know where the whales will appear, we only saw them for a moment, but we were able to see a whale's tail and it spouting water. The captain worked hard to adjust the boat's position so we could see the whales.
The boat was large, so I didn't feel much rocking, but I think it would be reassuring to take motion sickness medication. Also, it was windy and cold on the water, so I recommend bringing a long-sleeved jacket. It was chilly in short sleeves.

3月上旬に参加しました。
ハワイの沿岸部を眺めるクルーズで楽しく過ごすことができました。
クジラはどこに出るかわからないので、見えたのは一瞬でしたが、私達はクジラのしっぽと潮吹きしているところを見ることができました。船長ががんばってクジラが見えるように船の位置を調整してくれていました。
船は大きいので、そこまで揺れが強いとは感じませんでしたが、酔い止めを飲んでおくと安心かなと思います。また、海の上は風が強く寒いので、長袖の上着を持っていくのがおすすめです。半袖だと寒かったです。

My experience with the whale watching activity was truly unforgettable. From the moment we boarded the boat, the anticipation and excitement were palpable. The crew was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about marine life, which enhanced the overall experience.

As we ventured into the open waters, the captain skillfully navigated us to prime whale sighting spots. The vastness of the ocean combined with the breathtaking scenery created a serene atmosphere, perfect for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Witnessing the sheer size and grace of the whales as they surfaced and dove back into the depths left me in awe. It was mesmerizing to see them glide effortlessly through the water, showcasing their majestic beauty.

I visited the sandbar for the first time. Unfortunately, due to the tide conditions, the sandbar wasn't visible, but the guide did a great job of keeping the atmosphere lively, so I had a fun time. When asked if I would want to go again, I can't give an immediate answer (laughs), but I think it's worth experiencing at least once as a travel memory. 😊

初めてサンドバーに行きました。あいにく潮の干満加減でサンドバーは出ていませんでしたが、案内のガイドさんが上手に盛り上げてくれたので楽しい時間を過ごせました。また行きたいか？と聞かれると即答はできませんが(笑)旅の思い出としては一度はいいのではないかと思います(^^)

Captain Bruce demonstrated excellent professionalism throughout the activity, ensuring safety protocols were followed and providing clear instructions to participants. I really love it. Captain Bruce’s friendly demeanor and attentiveness to the needs of participants created a welcoming atmosphere, making everyone feel at ease during the activity.

I have been to Hawaii many times, and this was my second time seeing whales, but my eldest daughter had never had the opportunity, so we decided to participate this time. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much since I didn't see many last time, but perhaps the location was good, as a mother and her three calves appeared alongside the boat.

ハワイは何度も来ていて私はクジラは2度目でしたが長女は機会がなかったので今回参加する事にしました。前回余り見れなかったので正直期待していませんでしたがポイントが良かったのか3頭の親子が船と並走するように現れてくれました。

We had a fantastic tour with seven people spanning three generations, from ages six to seventy-two. Despite our different interests and abilities, we immersed ourselves in snorkeling, relaxed on floaties, searched for turtles in the shallow waters, and enjoyed the scenery and snacks on the boat. Everyone was thoroughly satisfied! This was all thanks to the warm consideration of the staff! The bus driver and everyone on the boat were always smiling and friendly, and we truly appreciate it!

Although the restroom and changing facilities were not very convenient, the staff conveyed their love for the ocean by saying, "This is our office," which made us feel a sense of respect for nature and reminded us to be mindful during our visit.

Since we visited in mid-March during a slightly chilly high tide, I would love to come back and see everyone again during a warm low tide period.

6歳から72歳まで3世代7名、それぞれの興味や能力が異なり心配していましたが、シュノーケリングに没頭したり、浮き輪でぼーっとしたり、浅瀬で亀を探したり、船の上で景色とお菓子を堪能したりと、それぞれが大満足のツアーでした。それもこれもスタッフの皆さまの温かい配慮のお陰です！バスの運転手さんも船上の皆さまもずっと笑顔で気さくに話しかけて頂き、本当にありがとうございました！
トイレや着替えは便利ではないですが、スタッフの方が「ここが私たちのオフィス」と海を大切にされてるのが伝わり、自分たちも自然に敬意を持ってお邪魔させて頂こうと身が引き締まりました。
今回は3月中旬の少し肌寒い満潮(？)のタイミングだったので、今度は温かい干潮の時期にまた皆さんに会いに行きたいです。

We booked the tour in the afternoon but we didn’t see anything. Hope we can see the whale next visit.

It was scary at first, but all the staff were kind, and I got to meet many dolphins! It was a wonderful experience in the beautiful sea! Next time, I want to prepare for the cold and challenge myself again.

初めてで怖かったけど、スタッフの方がみんな優しくて、沢山のイルカに出会えました！
きれいな海で素晴らしい体験でした！
今度は寒さ対策をして、またチャレンジしたいです

As expected from a popular tour, there were a lot of participants.

It takes about 45 minutes by bus to the nearby harbor. The local drivers often crank up the air conditioning, so be sure to bring something to wear. During the ride, they kept introducing delicious restaurants (they highly recommended Leonard's malasadas).

Once we arrived at the port, we boarded the boat. Our guide, Kevin, was fluent in Japanese, so there were no issues. The sea was calm enough that we didn't need any motion sickness medication. The beauty of the sandbar was beyond words, and there were plenty of sea turtles.

Towards the end of the tour, the weather turned and it got cold, so make sure to bring a hoodie or something warm.

I would love to join this tour again during the dry season.

人気ツアーだけあって参加者がとても多かったです。

近くのハーバーまではバスで45分ほど。現地ドライバーにありがちな冷房ガンガン仕様なので、必ず羽織るものをもって乗車しましょう。車中ではずっと美味しいレストランなどを紹介してくれました。（レナーズのマラサダを激押ししてきます）

港に着いたらボートに乗船。ガイドのケビンは日本語が達者で困ることはありませんでした。酔い止めもなくて大丈夫なくらい海は穏やか。サンドバーのきれいさは言うまでもなし。ウミガメもうじゃうじゃいました。

ツアー終盤天気が崩れて寒くなって来たのでパーカーなどは必ず持って参加しましょう。

乾季にまた参加してみたいツアーです。

My first experience with Italian food in Hawaii. The sauce for the bread was a mix of balsamic and olive oil, and it was very sour. This was the only downside for me, but everything else was delicious.

ハワイでイタ飯の初体験。パン？に付けるソースがバルサミコとオリーブオイルのミックスでとても酸っぱかった。自分的にはこれだけがアウトだったが、他は美味しかった。

I participated in the morning session on March 8. There were designated meeting points at nearby hotels, and we took a bus to the port. Most participants were Japanese, and the staff didn't seem to speak Japanese particularly well. There were plenty of Japanese signs and information, so I didn't have much trouble.

As for the whales, we could see their tails and spouts from a distance, but it wasn't satisfying. Also, it was quite windy and cold on the boat, so I felt that a jacket was necessary rather than just a light layer. I wouldn't recommend wearing shorts either.

It seems that this is the tail end of the whale-watching season, so I guess it's understandable that we couldn't see them well, which is my impression after returning.

3/8の午前中の回で参加しました。
近隣のホテルごとに集合場所が設けられ、バスに乗って港まで行きます。
参加者は日本人が多め、スタッフは特に日本語ができる様子はありませんでした。
案内の表示などでは日本語も多くて困ることは少なかったです。
肝心のクジラはというと、少し離れた場所で尻尾が見えたり、潮吹きが見えたりといった感じで満足とは言えないくらいでした。
また、船上は風が強くて寒いので、羽織るもの程度ではなく上着が必要かなと感じました。短パンもお勧めできません。
ホエールウォッチングとしてはギリギリの時期らしいのでしっかり見れなかったのも仕方ないかなというのが帰ってからの感想です。

Fortunately, I was able to encounter a whale. However, I had my video camera ready the whole time but couldn't capture any footage. It's difficult to film with a camera or video. You can enjoy a pleasant cruise while looking at Waikiki from the sea with the beautiful blue ocean. The boat does sway a bit. There were smaller boats around, but for those who are prone to seasickness, a larger boat might be a better option.

幸運にも、クジラに遭遇できました。
ただし、ビデオカメラでずっと構えていましたが映像におさめることはできませんでした。カメラやビデオで撮影するのは難しいですね。ワイキキを青い海とともに洋上から眺めるながら気持ちのよいクルーズを楽しめます。
船はやや揺れます。小型船も周囲に来ていましたが、船酔いの心配がある人は大型船の方がいいのかもしれません。

We had a great time joining Star of Honolulu Whale Watch Cruise. The crews were very professional and friendly. They were informative, so we could learn a lot about whales and dolphins of Hawaii. We could see a mother and baby whales, and dolphins too. We highly recommend this tour, and we are also highly recommend transportation option if you are staying at Wikiki area.

I was disappointed by the coral and fish more than I expected. Was it due to the environment? Perhaps because it was mid-March, the water was cold, and I could only manage to stay in for about 20 minutes.

思うほど珊瑚も魚も残念感がありました。
環境のせいでしょうか
3月の中旬ということもあるのか水も冷たくて20分ぐらい入っているのが精一杯でした。

The pickup time was accurate, and the stickers on the chest with the numbers 1 and 2 indicate the bus numbers, making it easy to understand. There are explanations in Japanese on the bus. For the onboard explanations, using a smartphone translation app works well. On the way there, I couldn't see any whales, so I thought, "I'm glad I chose this tour because it's enjoyable even if it's just a cruise," but on the way back, I was thrilled to see whales multiple times! I highly recommend this tour for an extraordinary experience! It can be cold if it's windy, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. I definitely want my acquaintances going to Hawaii to participate!

ピックアップの時間も正確で、胸に貼るシールに1や2とバスの番号がついているので、わかりやすいです。
バスの中では日本語での説明も有ります。
船内の説明はスマホの翻訳機を使えば大丈夫です。
行きはクジラが会えなかったので、「クルーズと考えても気持ちが良いから、このツァーにしてよかった」とおもっていましたが、帰りには何度もクジラに会えたので感激しました!
非日常な時間を過せるこのツァーはお勧めです!
風が強いと寒いので、上着を持参すると良いですね。
HAWAIIに行く知り合いには、是非！参加してほしいです。

I have enjoyed snorkeling abroad before, but I have never encountered so many fish in such a clear cove; it was a valuable experience. The entrance tickets are so popular that they are hard to reserve, but the convenience of a tour is appealing.

今まで、海外でシュノーケリングを楽しみましたが、透明度の高い入江でこれほどまで多くの魚に出会えたことがなく、貴重な体験でした。入場チケットも予約が取れないほど人気な場所ですが、ツアーならではの楽ちんさが魅力的です。

I went without much expectation because I had read reviews saying they couldn't see anything, but I was able to see whales spouting and diving about 5 or 6 times! Their tails were huge, and it was truly moving! I tend to get motion sickness easily, but I didn't feel sick at all without taking any medication. However, since the wind can be strong, it's better to bring a jacket. Inside the boat, you go barefoot, and some people spill drinks due to the wind, so wearing something that can get wet is recommended! Also, the shuttle bus for pick-up only stops on the street and doesn't come to call you. Since there's no company name written on it, it doesn't stand out, and it might depend on the driver, but they don't call out names either, so I think it's best to check when a larger van stops. Additionally, those with a pick-up plan arrive in front of the boat 30 minutes early, so you might have some time to kill. (There's an ice cream shop nearby, so you can pass the time there!)

見れなかったという口コミもあったのであまり期待しないで行きましたが、5,6回くらい潮を吹いて潜っていくクジラを見ることができました！
尾鰭だけですがとっても大きくて感動しました！
自分は乗り物酔いしやすいですが、酔い止めなしでも全く酔いませんでした。
ただ風が強いので上着は持って行ったほうがいいです。
船内は裸足ですし、風でドリンクをこぼしたりする方もいるので濡れてもいい格好がおすすめです！
あと、送迎のシャトルバスは通りに止まるだけで呼びにきてはくれません。
会社名が書いてあるわけでもないので目立ちませんし、ドライバーさんによるかもですが名前を呼ばれたりもしないので大きめのバンが止まったら確認しに行くのが良いと思います。
あと送迎付きのプランの方は30分前に船の前に着くので、少々暇です。
（近くにアイス屋さんがあるので時間は潰せると思います！）

We booked this tour for the day before we left for home .
The trip and the wealth of knowledge Brandon imparted was so good we really did wish we had booked it at the very start of our trip so we could take advantage of all the tips and suggestions he made to maximise our experience whilst visiting the island .
Every stop we made added to our fabulous experience of the island . My only wish having now taken the tour was to have the bus stop on the north shore for 15 mins maybe to fully experience the fabulous waves we only saw from the bus window ..
Brandon was a wealth of knowledge and kept the bus engaged at all times .