[From my review on TripAdvisor]
We went on a Thanksgiving cruise (Grand Princess) to Hawaii, roundtrip from San Francisco. Our cruise ship had an engine fire, and so instead of having 4 port days (one on each island), we only had 2 port days in Honolulu. I was so glad to have booked the tour with Akima and Bob. This tour definitely "saved" our vacation!
I learned about Akima and Bob's tour company, Hawaii Real Nature, through Groupon, but I booked directly with Akima since I have a young child and also needed a non-hotel pickup (at Aloha Tower Marketplace, where the cruise ship docked in Honolulu). The price that I paid was just as good, if not better, than the Groupon price so I highly recommend that you book through Akima directly.
We went on the 8-hour West Oahu and snorkeling tour. Including us (family of 3), there were 6 people on the tour; the other three people were a retired couple and a young man. Along the way, Bob and Akima took turns telling us stories about Hawaii's history and culture as we stopped at sacred sites and historic landmarks. Due to the small size of the group, it was like hanging out with friends. We stopped at various places such as Ku'ilioloa Heiau, Kaneana Cave, Makaha Valley and Yokohama beach. Akima took pictures for us and they turned out beautiful. =) You should check out her photograph website. Her passion is in underwater and wildlife photography.
What really stood out for me on this tour was how Akima and Bob managed two beginners during snorkeling. The retired lady and my 5-year-old daughter were completely new to snorkeling and Akima was extremely patient in helping them get set up and feel comfortable in the water. She had a torpedo-shaped buoy with handles that really helped my daughter feel confident in deep water. As a so-so swimmer myself, I would not have been able to expose my daughter to the wonders of snorkeling if it weren't for Akima and Bob. They are both certified divers and life rescuers so I felt completely comfortable entrusting my life (and my daughter's) in their hands during the guided snorkeling tour.
When my daughter returned to school, she was telling everyone that she did snorkeling (even though she really just wore goggles and dunked her head into the water whenever I told her there were fish right under; I was snorkeling besides her). She even showed everyone a picture of her with an orange sea urchin on her head. Akima dove underwater and found one, and we all took turns "wearing" our sea urchin and posing for pictures.
Next time we return to Oahu, I will definitely be booking another tour with Akima and Bob. The quality and price sure beats the excursions from the cruise ship.
PRO TIPS: (1) Akima and Bob provide all the snorkeling equipment, including fins, goggles and tubes. My husband wears glasses so he just brought his own prescription goggles. (2) Bring towels, especially if you are going to snorkel. (3) The first stop we made was at a plaza with McDonalds and a supermarket. So there is no need to pack food. (4) Bring cash for tips. Akima and Bob deserve it!
Visited December 2015 read more