Iruka Hawaii is the islands' only female, minority-owned dolphin tour company, sharing the ocean’s magic since 2008. Led by lifelong ocean lover Yuriko Iruka—who was so moved by her first dolphin encounter she took their name—this...
Iruka Hawaii is the islands' only female, minority-owned dolphin tour company, sharing the ocean’s magic since 2008. Led by lifelong ocean lover Yuriko Iruka—who was so moved by her first dolphin encounter she took their name—this...
This operation consistently delivers exceptional marine experiences with an outstanding crew that guests rave about by name. Trevor, Diego, Madi, Lena, and Tamae get particular shoutouts for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely attentive to everyone's comfort and safety. The team handles everything from prescription goggles to wetsuit fitting, and they're pros at adapting plans when conditions aren't ideal, like finding alternate snorkel spots when waves pick up. The wildlife encounters are remarkable. Guests regularly spot manta rays, dolphins (including adorable babies), sea turtles, pilot whales, eagle rays, and reef sharks. The manta ray night tours seem especially magical, with many families saying it created unforgettable memories even for young children. Nice touches elevate the experience too: complimentary videos and photos that crew members airdrop or email afterward, hot chocolate and snacks on the return trip, and floaties for those who need a rest. The smaller group sizes mean more personalized attention. One helpful tip: the marina check-in location can be tricky to find in the dark, so arrive early and look for the blue wooden structure near the boat ramp past the yellow gate.
An unforgettable experience! The night manta snorkel was absolutely incredible — hands down one of the most magical things I’ve ever done. From start to finish, the crew (Trev, Madi, Scott, and Diego) was friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel completely safe and comfortable, even those who were a little nervous at first. Once we got in the water, the sight of the manta rays gliding gracefully beneath us was breathtaking. They came so close, flipping and twirling in the lights — it felt like being part of a dream. The guides shared interesting facts about the mantas and made sure we all had a perfect view. ***Bonus: Madi airdropped underwater pictures and videos of our snorkel! I can’t recommend this enough — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. If you’re visiting Kona, do not miss this!
Cheryl Lani
October 5, 2025
An unforgettable experience! The night manta snorkel was absolutely incredible — hands down one of the most magical things I’ve ever done. From start to finish, the crew (Trev, Madi, Scott, and Diego) was friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel completely safe and comfortable, even those who were a little nervous at first. Once we got in the water, the sight of the manta rays gliding gracefully beneath us was breathtaking. They came so close, flipping and twirling in the lights — it felt like being part of a dream. The guides shared interesting facts about the mantas and made sure we all had a perfect view. ***Bonus: Madi airdropped underwater pictures and videos of our snorkel! I can’t recommend this enough — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. If you’re visiting Kona, do not miss this!
Cheryl Lani
October 5, 2025