All Reviews for Toddler Friendly (Ages 2-4)

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff]

My morning with Iruka Hawaii's dolphin swim and snorkel was nothing short of absolutely perfect. From start to finish, every moment on the water was just fantastically fun!

The boat was a pleasantly spacious and comfortable, and the crew was incredibly helpful and impressively knowledgeable about dolphins. Their expertise added a whole new layer of appreciation to the experience~

Snorkeling twice was a highlight, and I spotted a bunch of fish and turtles, but the real showstopper was seeing bottlenose dolphins gliding beneath us. It was definitely something I will never forget :)

We also got great views of Hawaiian spinner dolphins from the boat, and I can't describe just how adorable it is when you see them jumping and spinning out of the water. Definitely glad I had my phone camera ready!

Lunch was simple yet delicious, hitting the spot perfectly, and the availability of snacks was a great way to stay fueled for the adventure.

And a massive shoutout for the provided transportation from Waikiki to Waianae since it is almost an hour drive, and I wouldn't have been able to get out there any other way.

Can't wait to go again!!!

{Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff}

On 12/19/23 I went on Star of Honolulu, and participated in the Pacific Star Buffet Package. Finding the boat was easy due to it's large size. Walking up we were greeted by real hula dancers, that really set the vibe for the evening. Upon boarding the ship there was staff along the way that assisted in finding your section.

The ship is very large in size, and was so much fun to explore. The top deck was my favorite part, but definitely bring a sweater it can get a bit chilly! I recommend visiting the top deck as the sun is setting for your perfect kodak moment on the water, and once again when it gets' dark to see the beautiful city lights, and view of Diamond Head Crater.

The severs were very studious, and genuine when checking on our table. The buffet line went very quickly, hardly a wait at all! The food was delicious, with many options for all dietary needs. Being mainly plant based I was impressed by all the plant based sides, my favorite was the tofu salad! They even have a vegan patty upon request.

The show, and production was very engaging for the whole family. If you are traveling with a large group including children, I recommend the Pacific Star package there is something for everyone!

At the end of December, it was the rainy season, so the weather was bad and cold, making it impossible to stay in the sea for even 10 minutes. I quickly headed towards the parking lot, but there was no place to take shelter from the rain, and many people were gathered under the small roof of the shop and restroom. I thought it would be nice to have a facility with a roof to take shelter during such times.

The driver-guide was kind and friendly, but since the explanations were only in English, I couldn't understand anything and felt anxious from start to finish, which made the experience zero fun. While there were some pouches with explanations about the fish, I wished they could at least prepare a minimal Japanese pouch with the day's itinerary, return time, meeting place, and precautions for Hanauma Bay. I think Japanese people who cannot speak English should not participate. Conversely, if they want to attract Japanese customers, they should prepare explanatory pouches. If they don't need Japanese customers, then it's fine to continue as they have been. At least I managed to get back.

12月末で雨期だったので、天候が悪く、寒くて、10分も海に浸かることができないほど、直ぐに着替え駐車場の方に向かったが、雨宿りするところもなく売店とトイレの小さな屋根の所に大勢でいてましてが、こんな時に雨宿りできる屋根のある施設があれば良いのにな〜と思いました。
運転手ガイドさんは、優しくて親切ではありますが、英語の説明しかないので、全くわからず最初から最後まで不安で楽しさは、0でした。魚の説明のパウチ等は、軽く回されましたが、そのパウチを準備できるならせめて最小限の日本語の1日の流れ、帰りの時間と集合場所、ハナウマベイの注意事項等のパウチを準備して欲しかった。英語のできない日本人は、参加すべきでないと思います。逆に日本人のお客さんを獲得したいなら説明パウチを準備すべきだと思います。日本人のお客さんを必要ないと思うなら今まで通りで良いかと思います。何とか帰ってこれましたから

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivties.com Staff]

I recently attended the Mauka Warriors Luau in Oahu and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the entertainment. Having been to many luaus throughout Hawaii, I can say that Mauka Luau stands out with its unique and special show. The Thrilling Fire Knife Dancing was the best and most impressive on the entire island!

In my opinion, what makes Mauka Luau truly distinctive is its interactive experience and engaging storytelling, The mesmerizing hula and fire performances narrate fascinating stories of the islands' history
Before the dinner and luau show, there is a great variety of different hands-on Polynesian activities to enjoy.

While the buffet might not have the widest variety compared to other luaus, the food at Mauka Luau is incredibly tasty and presented beautifully.

The venue itself offers stunning mountain and ocean views of Waikiki and Honolulu, and if you look carefully, you can even catch a glimpse of Diamond Head in the distance. They strive to offer a more intimate setting and there is plenty of space in between the tables, so you don't feel crowded.

Transportation from Waikiki is available, making it convenient for guests, and the prices are affordable, offering excellent value for the experience you receive at the Luau. Plus, all guests receive complimentary professional photos sent directly to their phones, which is a nice touch.

I highly recommend checking it out!

So much fun. the bbq burgers were good. The 1st stop is not worth it to snorkel, not much to see, just enjoy the sandbar and the volleyball. the 2nd spot was good snorkeling b/c it was at a reef. Don't swim over top of it though. just around it. you can make it all the way around it with plenty of time to spare. It was very fun. The water was a little cold, but not too bad but thats probably because I went the week of Thanksgiving. They give you the gear you need, my suggestion is to fit the mask before you get down to the water. they give you full foot fins to use. The crew was super helpful and really nice. I definitely recommend!!

I'm not sure if it was the timing, but it wasn't as shallow as it looked in the photos; however, it was a beautiful sandbar. It was the first time for my whole family to go snorkeling, but thanks to the guide's clear explanations in Japanese and their company while diving, we were able to see many turtles and fish, creating wonderful memories. I definitely want to participate again next time.

時期的に違うのかわかりませんが、写真で見ていたほどの浅瀬ではありませんでしたが、きれいなサンドバーでした。
家族全員が初めてのシュノーケリングでしたが、添乗員のわかりやすい日本語の説明や一緒に潜って頂き、沢山の亀や魚を見れ最高の思い出を作れました。
また、次回も是非参加したいです。

My husband and I, along with our daughter and her husband and our grandchild, participated. At first, we couldn't see any whales, but later on, we were able to see whales, and there were also many dolphins swimming around. We all had a wonderful time together as a family. We would definitely like to participate again. There were restrooms on the boat, and we could also enjoy some beer. The travel time was short, and we had a very enjoyable experience. Thank you.

私たち夫婦、娘夫婦と孫で参加させて頂きました。
最初のうちは、なかなかクジラを見れなかったのですが、後半クジラも見れて、イルカもたくさん泳いでました。
家族皆んなで楽しい時間を過ごしました。
また是非、参加したいです。
船の中にはトイレもありますし、ビールも飲めました。
移動時間も短いし、とても楽しい時間を過ごしました。
ありがとうございます。

The mountain side was cloudy, and I was worried about the weather, but it was great that the sea was sunny. The meeting place was at a building with a sign for "Ocean Voyage." We handed our tickets to the staff to check in, took a commemorative photo, and then boarded the bus. The photo was taken by a staff member, and after the tour, the photos were presented, and if you liked one, you could purchase it. Therefore, you cannot refuse the photo session, or you won't be able to board the bus.

In addition to the bus driver, a guide explains in English with jokes and music. We took a ferry across Morii Pond and boarded a catamaran to cruise Kaneohe Bay. Once we got offshore, the waves became larger, and the boat rocked up and down. Depending on the situation, the front of the boat can get splashed by waves, so caution is needed, but it was fun. When we stopped the boat's engine on the way back, sea turtles came close. I was lucky to encounter large turtles four times.

山側は曇っていて天候が心配でしたが、海は晴れて良かったです。
集合場所は「Ocean Voyage」の看板がある建物で行われ、スタッフにチケットを渡して受付を済ませ、記念撮影をしてからバスに乗ります。記念撮影は撮影スタッフが行い、ツアー終了後に写真が提示され、気に入ったら購入するシステムです。そのため、撮影を拒む事はできず、バスに乗れません。
バスの運転手の他にガイドがジョークと音楽を交えて英語で説明します。
モリイ池を渡る渡し船とカネオヘ湾をクルーズする双胴船に乗ります。
沖合に出ると波が大きくなり、船は上下に揺れます。船の前は場合によっては波をかぶって濡れるので注意が必要ですが、楽しいです。
帰りに船のエンジンを止めるとウミガメが寄ってきます。
私は4回も大きなカメに遭遇できてラッキーでした。

Headphones and MP3 pre-download are essential! Since I stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village, it was great that the meeting place was nearby. It was a valuable experience to go underwater in a submarine.

イヤフォンとmp3の事前ダウンロード必須！
Hilton Hawaiian village宿泊だったので、待ち合わせ場所が近くて良かったです。
潜水艦で海の中へ入る貴重な経験でした

The atmosphere of the restaurant and the staff's service were great, and the food was delicious, suited to Japanese tastes. Although it was December, the refreshing weather made sitting outside recommended.

お店の雰囲気、店員さんの対応も良く、日本人の味覚にあった料理で美味しかったです。12月でしたが、爽やかな気候で外の席がお勧めです。

I was taken care of during the Honolulu Marathon in December. There were staff members who spoke Japanese, so safety measures were well in place. My wife said it was cold when she came out of the ocean. As an older man, I didn't feel that at all, but it might be good to have a larger bath towel and a hoodie, especially for women. I had a wonderful time swimming with sea turtles!

12月ホノルルマラソンの時にお世話になりました。日本語を話せるスタッフがいるので安全対策もしっかりしてました。
家内が海から出ると寒いと。
おっさんの私は全く思いませんでしたが、大きめバスタオルとパーカーあるといいかもしれません、特に女性。
ウミガメとも泳げて素敵な時間を過ごせました！

This was my second time participating. The first time was with my family, and this time I joined with friends.

I had a great time trying scuba diving for the first time and even got to meet a honu (sea turtle). I would like to participate again with my family next time!

２回目の参加でした。１回目は家族で、今回は友達との参加〜

初体験のスキューバーダイビングもできてホヌにも出会うことができ、楽しかったです。今度はまた家族と参加したいです〜

The tide was not low enough to walk, but the sea was very beautiful. The snorkeling was great, and the guide joined us, allowing us to see sea turtles. The water was a bit cold, so we couldn't stay in for too long; we enjoyed warm drinks and snacks on the boat while taking breaks. Next time, I want to participate during the hot summer season.

潮が引いて歩けるという状態では無かったですが海がとても綺麗で
シュノーケリングもガイドさんが一緒に来てくれてウミガメも見ることができました。水が少し冷たかったのであまり長くいるのは寒かったので船で温かい飲み物を飲んだりお菓子を食べたり休みながら遊べました。
今度は真夏の暑い時期に参加したいです。

Second time in Hawaii.
Since the day I arrived in Honolulu, it has been raining continuously, and even on the day I had reserved, it rained (tears).
I didn't expect it to rain this much during the rainy season! I wore a water-repellent windbreaker for the rain, but since I'm particularly sensitive to the cold, I felt like I wanted to wear a fleece underneath.
For those participating on rainy days, the ground is muddy and slippery, so while it may add to your luggage, I think it's a good idea to bring a change of clothes for when you get dirty and to find ways to stay warm to avoid getting cold.
I was able to enjoy each activity even with the bad weather.
I love plants, so seeing plants I've never seen before, drenched in rain and vibrant, was exciting.

If it had been sunny, I would have been able to see the ocean in the distance, so I would like to try again if I have the chance.
Thank you very much.

2度目のハワイ。
ホノルル到着した日から雨続きで、
予約していたこの日も雨（涙）。
雨季は雨季でもこんなに降るか！っていうくらいのタイミング。
雨用に撥水加工のウインドブレーカーを着て行ったのですが、特に寒がりの私なので中にフリース着たいくらいでした。
雨の日に参加する方には、地面がぬかるんでいて滑りやすいので
荷物は増えますが
汚れた時用の着替えとか
とにかく体を冷やさないように
暖かく過ごせる工夫をされるといいと思います。
各アクティビティはお天気が悪くても十分楽しめました。
植物が大好きなので
見たこともない植物が雨に濡れて鮮やかでワクワクしました。

晴れていたら遠くの海まで見渡せるので
また機会があったらリベンジしたいです。
ありがとうございました。

According to the captain, if you're lucky, you might see dolphins. We were in Honolulu the day before, and a whale appeared, which heightened our spirits and allowed us to have an unexpectedly wonderful time.

キャプテンによると、運が良ければイルカが見れるとのこと。私たちはホノルル前日であったが、クジラがあらわれ、機運が高まったことから予想以上に素晴らしい時間を過ごせた。

Thank you very much to all the staff for your great support. Many of you spoke Japanese, and the explanations were easy to understand, which allowed me to enjoy the activities with peace of mind.
The water level was high that day, reaching about chest height (>_<) haha.
I was really glad to encounter a sea turtle while snorkeling.
It was a wonderful experience. Thank you very much.

スタッフの皆様大変お世話になりありがとうございました。日本語を話せる方が多く説明も分かりやすく、安心してアクティビティが楽しめました。
この日の水位は高く、胸くらいありましたが(>_<)笑笑
シュノーケルの時にウミガメにも逢えて本当に良かったです。
良い体験が出来ました。ありがとうございました。

Perfect pick up bus ride in AM just about 50ft from ilikai hotel , make sure you have copy print out voucher proof of purchase to show driver , bus ride about an hour ride to Kaneohe Bay , there were two boats , one Japanese speaking , boat ride wonderfully exhilarating around Kaneohe Bay to sandbar spot , perfect weather on sandbar volleyball play , grilled burgers with toppings and sides tasty with having second servings offered , kids and family members had a blast snorkeling at barrier reef spot lots of fish and sea life , boat ride back to dock saw many sea turtle’s swimming above water nature at its best !!! Staff and boat Captain , Fun , Funny , and HelpFul !!! Will recommend & do again in future

Perfect Parking , Perfect Seats , Perfect Food , Perfect Entertainment !!!

I used this service for my honeymoon. We started by going out to sea on a boat, first heading to the sandbar where we enjoyed beach volleyball, snorkeling practice, and taking photos. After that, we had hamburgers on the boat and moved to a snorkeling spot.

The luggage could be stored under the seats on the boat. Since you'll be getting wet when taking towels or accessing your belongings after coming out of the water, I recommend bringing a bag that can get wet. For changing, I wore my swimsuit underneath, so I stored the clothes I wore on the boat under the seat. A bag that can hold clothes without getting them wet would be ideal.

The water at the sandbar was waist-deep, and I had a great time. The color of the water clearly distinguished between the sandbar and the deeper areas, which made it easy to enjoy. The crew really pumped up the excitement during beach volleyball, making it a lot of fun. The hamburgers were delicious and served BBQ style. Soft drinks were unlimited as part of the tour fee, while alcohol was $8 per drink, and those who had drinks settled their bills at the end of the tour.

We were able to see many sea turtles and mantas during our travels. It seems that mantas might not be visible at certain times, so we were lucky to see them twice. We snorkeled near the coral and saw many beautifully colored fish. Although I didn't see any, some people did spot turtles. The crew's explanation of snorkeling was very easy to understand, so even beginners will be fine.

After getting off the boat, we had to return to it on our own, so I think it's safer for anyone not confident in their stamina to wear a life jacket to enjoy the experience without worry. After returning from snorkeling, the crew pours warm water over you. There are no changing rooms or showers after the tour, so it's a good idea to quickly change in the restroom before it gets cold or to wrap yourself in a thicker towel.

ハネムーンで利用しました。
船で海に出て最初はサンドバーへ行き、ビーチバレーや、シュノーケリングの練習、写真撮影等楽しみました。そのあと船の上でハンバーガーを食べ、シュノーケリングスポットに移動しました。
荷物は船の座席の下に収納できるようになっていました。
海から上がってきて濡れた状態でタオルをとったり荷物を出し入れするので濡れてもいいカバンを持って行くのがいいと思います。
着替えは下に水着を着て行くので船の上で着ていた服を脱いで席の下に収納します。濡れないように服も入れられる大きさのカバンがいいと思います。
サンドバーは水面が腰あたりでしたがとても楽しめました。水の色がサンドバーのところと深いところとはっきりわかれているので安心して楽しめました。
ビーチバレーはクルーの方がとても盛り上げてくれ楽しかったです。
ハンバーガーはBBQスタイルで美味しかったです。
ソフトドリンクはツアーの料金内で飲み放題、アルコールは1杯8ドルで飲んだ方はツアーの最後にまとめてお会計されていました。
移動中にウミガメやマンタをたくさん見ることができました。
マンタは時期によっては見れないこともあるそうで2回も見れてラッキーとのことでした。
シュノーケリングはサンゴの近くに行って行いました。
キレイな色のお魚がたくさん見れました。
私は見れませんでしたがカメが見れた人もいました。
クルーの方のシュノーケリングの説明はとてもわかりやすかったので初めてでも大丈夫です。
船から出てからは自分たちで船に戻らないといけないので体力に自信がある方以外はライフジャケットを着た方が安心して楽しめると思います。
シュノーケリングから戻ったらクルーの方が温かいお湯を上からかけてくれます。
終了後更衣室やシャワー室はないので寒くなる前にトイレ等でささっと着替えるか上から厚めのバスタオルを羽織るといいと思います。

We participated as a family with our 6-year-old daughter. Seeing the dolphins swim and jump according to the trainer's commands right in front of us was incredibly exciting for her. We also had the opportunity to touch the dolphins, which was a very valuable experience. The photo with the dolphins captured the best smiles!

6歳の娘連れで家族で参加しました。
目の前でイルカが調教師の指示通りに泳いだり飛んだりする光景を見れて娘も大興奮。
イルカに触れさせてもらうことも出来、とても貴重な体験が出来ました。
イルカとのツーショットも最高の笑顔でした！

It was a very fun atmosphere! It was a bit cold, and we ended up leaving early, but they gave us warm cocoa and poured hot water on us, which helped ease the chill a bit! We also got to see sea turtles and manta rays! It was enjoyable to see small fish up close too! It turned out to be a great honeymoon! Thank you! Lastly, there was a tip box at the end, so it felt like we should put in a little something.

とても楽しい雰囲気でよかった！少し寒くて、はやめにあがってしまったけど、暖かいココアくれたり、お湯をかけてくれたりしてくれて、少し寒さ軽減！
ウミガメもみれて、マンタ？もみれました！
小さい魚も近くで見れて楽しかった！
良いハネムーンになりまた！ありがとうございますした！
最後にtipをはらう箱があったので、気持ちほど入れてくださいって感じでした！

The timings and organisation of the tour were good. We were picked up from the airport and taken to see the Volcano National Park sites with a good guide who kept us informed and was accommodating of our needs. Unfortunately you can't schedule nature and we didn't see any volcanic activity apart from a little steam, but it was still interesting, especially the lava tube.
We had a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters to finish off with, but I will not review that part, I will review their admin however. We really wanted a copy of the video of our flight as it was for a 50th birthday, but due to a technical difficulty could not get it at the time. We were told to just drop them a line, but after several emails and calls, still nothing - very disappointed in them.

The path to Manoa Falls had a slope, but our guide Anoi took breaks at just the right times, and at the photo spots, he helped us take artistic pictures, making it a very satisfying tour. I had a great time. The sandwich we had at Tantalus was also delicious, and I think it was a very good value tour. I would like to participate in a different activity next time. However, I gave it 4 stars because the bracelet I bought from the tour company broke the next day. I was very disappointed because I liked the design.

マノアの滝に向かう道は勾配があったけど、ガイドのアノイさんが適度に休憩してくれて、フォトスポットでは芸術的な写真を撮ってくれて大満足のツアーでした。とても楽しめました。またタンタラスで食べたサンドイッチも美味しくてとてもお得なツアーだと思います。次回はこちらの違うアクティビティに参加したいと思いました。
ただ、ツアー前にツアー会社で買ったブレスレットが翌日壊れてしまったので⭐︎4つにしました。気に入ったデザインだったのでとても残念です。

What a time, brings you away from the city and they put on a great show! Food was ono!

Our kids had a blast, not sure if I would do this if I had older kids / adults, as the views were okay!

Gorgeous crystal clear water the entire boat ride. Pack your sunscreen though the sun was hot!!

My son had a blast here. Expensive but hey the dolphins are too cute!

The luau was full of jokes and lots of laughing. Best medicine!!

We would love to munch at this buffet again, everything was so flavorful! The evening was a wonderful experience.

The staff members cheerfully dispel any worries with their smiles and conversations, creating a fun atmosphere. I was able to see the honu (sea turtles) as well, and I was especially moved by the beauty of the white sand and blue sea. There's no need to hold back, even if you're older; it's enjoyable!

スタッフの皆さんが笑顔と話しで不安を吹っ飛ばし、楽しく盛り上げてくれます。
ホヌにもしっかり会えましたし、何より白い砂と碧い海の美しさに感動です。
年配でも遠慮は不要、楽しいです！