Very Friendly, knowledgeable about the Hawaii Island. If you want to have a great time, I highly…read morerecommend this tour!

Three Waterfalls Tour was a wonderful private tour with a kind spiritual woman named Dianne. She…read morehas 4 hr., 6 hr., and 8 hr. tour. I opted for the 8 hr. tour which was $200 checks or cash only. Dianne was flexible with where she took me as I'd already seen a few places on her advertised tour, so she took me to beautiful scenic parks and beaches that I didn't have on my list nor did I know about them. She is enthusiastic and enjoys people. Touring without the typical tour bus filled with people is so worth it.

Booked a tour with friends and what a great experience to have a small group and to have a quality…read moreexperience. I highly recommend this service! Lee is very knowledgeable and accommodating. He took us to places that were off the beaten path and gave great insight to the wonders of the Big Island. You will do yourself a favor by using Lee instead of one of the big tour companies. Found this site that says it all about these folks! https://www.peek.com/hawaii/big-island/activity/sightseeing-tours/

The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, located at an elevation of 9,200 ft above sea level, is…read moremanaged and operated by the University of Hawai'i. Currently, the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy also co-manages Mauna Kea Observatories. Mauna Kea Observatories is a group of ten independent astronomical research institutions. These non-profit institutions from various nations operate telescopes atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ASTRO DAY 2026 Presented by Mauna Kea Observatories 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 2, 2026 At Prince Kuhio Plaza I seriously became immersed with interest and curiosity for over 2+ hours, visiting nine of many participants spread throughout the plaza. I started at 9:40am and ended well past noon. Interacting, watching demonstrations, speaking to passionate and knowledgeable individuals. To actual professionals of the industry, with students and volunteers as well. In full awe and amazement, learning as an adult alongside kids who were with their parents. I couldn't have asked for a better Saturday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ W.M. Keck Observatory explained how infrared astronomy allows their telescopes to see through cosmic dust and gas found in galaxies. I watched as infrared radiation or heat was shown on their tablet through a demonstration. I selected a galaxy print that was carved out from a calendar as it was quickly transformed into a button by members of the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. Personalizing a bookmark from the International Gemini Observatory, the meaning of this educational material was shared to myself and others with astronomical and Hawai'i values combined. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park had me view ash and Pele's hair through a magniscope, residue from an actual volcanic eruption on our island. I also saw a camera which got too close to the heat of magma and melted. Shared surface = shared energy by the University of Hawai'i Department of Physics & Astronomy. A cool and effective demonstration with metronomes. I was told Snoopy went onboard the NASA ARTEMIS I mission, and was given a NASA Solar System activity pack from the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. I remember vividly the visit to my school by Hawai'i astronaut, Ellison Onizuka. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I spoke to a Hilo High School student about their robotics team and how they build, code and operate robots for official competitions. I watched a robot controlled + in-action by those who built it. A student at the Hawai'i Science Tech Museum table explained to me the difference between VEX IQ, VRC and VEX V5 robotics material systems used for different age groups. Similar to BattleBots on TV, I cheered with the crowd as two grade school students went into robotics combat. From various sponsors including Imiloa Astronomy Center, I received a commemorative Mauna Kea coin featuring a winning design by a Pāhoa student. Before leaving, Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library from Kamuela offered me a NASA@My Library packet. It brought me joy to see our community in a purposeful gathering, united by a goal to build relationships and exchange knowledge. Connecting expertise of all levels, a diverse group of participants and attendees of all ages fostering a collaborative environment. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As a supporter of astronomy in Hawai'i, I have a deep appreciation for Mauna Kea Observatories. As a current resident who was born and raised on the Big Island, there's also respect for the rich culture of Hawai'i and for Mauna Kea. A dormant volcano and sacred mountain that has meaning to many, standing 13,796 ft above sea level. I believe balance is possible, a compromise moving forward. For the cultural significance of Mauna Kea connecting with science and technology. Respectfully, in harmony. To an industry that has a huge economic impact to this island, to our State. Positive and empowering. Giving back, inspiring and educating the community in more ways than ASTRO DAY 2026.

This was my 2nd time to the Big Island and 3rd attempt to see the stars. (Too much fog) The night…read morebefore we attempted to see the sunset but we missed it by 2 cars. The line was very backed up to get up to the summit because they had closed the road before, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to make it up to the summit. It was our last night on the Big Island and we rented a 4x wheel drive car just for this adventure for the day. So we woke up very early the next morning and saw the sunrise. It was beautiful! We were up at the visitor center at 4:15am and saw so many stars!!! The drive up to the summit isn't too bad, just make sure your body can handle the extreme elevation.

My parents recently went on a Hawaii cruise and one of the ports of call was Hilo, HI. My parents…read morewere excited to see the Volcano National Park but I know that cruise lines cost a little more for book excursions compared to booking directly. I stared doing research and found Vavoom Volcano Tours. This was my best find to date! Lori was very responsive in the booking phases of the tour. I told her that my parents, in their 60s, were coming in from a cruise ship and that they wanted to explore the Volcanoes. After some discussion, she understood what my parents were looking for in a tour and gave out one of her packages as the recommended package in which my parents would do. We both agreed and my parents went on their cruise. On the day of the tour, I called my parents to see how the tour was going and I can tell you that they had a blast! Lori had originally suggested that they go down to a part of the volcano where they can roast marshmallows but it turns out that my parents were not comfortable hiking a steep incline/decline to get there. I was happy though, not because they couldn't do the hike, but because they had the option to do it and declining was my parent's choice (instead of just being restricted). The best part of this is that, I found out later that the only people that we on Lori's tour that day were my parents. This was good news from our perspective since my parents got a personalized tour but not so good news for Lori since she took a loss. She could have easily have cancelled the tour but did not simply because she knew that my parents were really looking forward to this trip and did not want to cancel at the 11th hour and disappoint them. My parents came back from the cruise and it turns out that the Hilo tour was the highlight of their vacation. THANK YOU LORI!! Thanks for NOT cancelling the tour, thanks for taking my parents to places they requested, even if it wasn't in the itinerary, thanks for awesome customer service, and THANK YOU for showing my parents a wonderful time in Hilo! We'll definitely be seeing you soon!!

Lori Alana is a great tour guide, and willing to accommodate special requests…read more My girlfriend & I wanted to spend some time at the Volcano Winery after the tour without holding up everyone else, so we decided it would be best if we drove up separately in our own car, right behind Lori's van. To ensure we didn't miss out on her explanatory narrative during the drive up, Lori allowed us to initiate a cell phone call to her and listen in on her in-van presentation. Lori is very proud of her Hawaiian heritage and it shows, as she is very eager to share her deep knowledge of Hawaii with you. After experiencing her half-day tour of the volcano, we completely understood why she's so popular in Hilo on TripAdvisor.

First of all, how am I the first to write a review of this place that has been here since 1990?…read more Owned and operated by the same family since its establishment. Yes I did my homework before arriving! Now that I'm here, wow! Just wow! Located close to ITO airport and the beautiful beach, this property has a little or a lot of everything for every traveler! From incredible house/lodge style accommodations (think barndominium - I live in Tennessee) to basic hotel style rooms and suites, even onsite camping for travelers! I was immediately greeted by concierge Lauren who took her time, walking me around the grounds even though I'm just here for the night. I arrived late, but just before sunset. Ok ok, let me go back.... I was flying in from HNL and as my flight departed at 5:00pm, I received a text from Arnotts confirming my arrival. This personal touch started my journey to this review. Being only 12 minutes from the ITO airport, a taxi ride is about $15.00. The drive is beautiful, scenic, and the view of the ocean pretty much the entire drive in reaching the resort. The atmosphere is green, lush, and quiet. Many common areas, so if you're traveling alone, not to worry, this Lodge makes you feel like you're among friends! Check in and be ready to be escorted around the property with a personal tour of all the amenities and your room! Although there are no TVs or phones in the rooms, WiFi is strong and the air conditioner is cold! What more do you need? You're in Hawaii! Go enjoy the sights! The Lodge has its own tour company, excursions! No need to leave your accommodation to find things to do, this place has its own all. 10/10 for sure! Listen, if you want the beach, close to the airport (without noise, I literally heard chirping birds only), excursions, friendly people, beautiful lush grounds, a clean room, and peace! This is your place! Thank you Lauren! You made my first visit to Hilo one I won't forget! ~ Kerry Kirchenberg K9comfortpaws.com

Arnott's lodge Mauna Kea summit tour in October 2026 was a nightmare. We wish we'd asked for a…read morerefund before it started, as a different person did. The air conditioning in the van was out, an inconvenience but manageable so we went for it. Wish we hadn't. As we were driving, noticed the seatbelts were locking up, we had to keep undoing and redoing to get freedom of movement. We got past the visitors center when your guide noticed the van had a flat tire. We were stuck on the side of the road for an hour and 15 minutes waiting for a replacement van. We missed sunset on the peak. Our driver was understandably in a rush to get us to the peak so we zoomed up. The headlights from all the vehicles leaving were directly in our eyes. The front passenger seatbelt was broken so a passenger drove without one. The guide asked Rangers to give us a few minutes at the observatory. We stopped at the top for a few minutes to snap a couple photos, then had to rush back down as Rangers were wanting everyone off the summit. We didn't get a summit sunset or time to eat our picnic dinner. This is not an experience I'd recommend for anyone visiting the big island, I'd have rather spent my time elsewhere and feel this wasn't worth the price.

This is a tour to take , great experience , funny and entertaining , explains all along and very…read morefriendly , takes you all over and get in the real interesting places . This is way to go if you are in Hilo.

WONDERFUL day with Don. We saw an awful lot on our 8 hour tour. The Volcano National Park, lava…read moretunnel, black sand beach, rainbow waterfalls, volcano lookout, steam vents, chocolate macadamia factory, coffee factory outlet, outside market and I'm sure that I forgot a bunch. He is so knowledgeable about the vegetation/flora of Hawaii and was extremely interesting to listen to. Very accommodating to all our needs. Would gladly go on another tour the next time that we are in Hilo.

Everything was amazing the people there were so nice, the cabins were amazing, and the pets are…read morereally sweet too. They have a Tv in the barn and a speaker for music and they play the news for us while serving us food as well. In conclusion the ranch is one of the best ranches you can go to.

Beautiful site, comfortable lodging, WONDERFUL family!! We unexpectedly stayed during the tsunami…read moreand were treated so well, it turned to be an awesome experience

I have booked with Warren many years ago and was very happy with our tour. However I have been…read moretrying to reach him for several months to book again but no response to any emails. He did respond at the beginning of the year and told me to just go on website and book when ready. Phone is now disconnected . Now all the websites are down. Looks like he is out of business. So sad to see that. I am really not sure how to mark stars. I am marking 5 based on prior tour but zero based on no response.

Native Guide Hawaii is one of those businesses in Hawaii that you must take advantage of. Warren…read moreCosta owner and guide is the best in the business. I have sent clients to him now for 2 years now and they always come back raving about his tours. My wife and I recently went on tour with him and no joke he knows this island like nobodys business. When on the Big Island and you have a full day to spend checking out the volcano or rainforest or bird watching Warren and Native Guide Hawaii is your man!!! Can't say enough good things about his tours and it's personal not one of those Roberts or other tours so you get to do what you want to do!! Not what someone else wants to do. It's your vacation it wouldn't be worth a trip to Hawaii Island without taking a tour with Warren. $300.00 per couple max of 6 and he includes lunch. Nathan Bowers Travel Agent/Owner