Big Island Hilo Tours — Local services in Hawaii

My husband purchased the package that included the Volcano Tour and the Zip-lining through Paradise Packet via phone. If you would like a honest and thorough review please read on:

First of, we were staying at the Ocean Tower Hotel which is about 2 hours away from the National Park. The van we rode in was clean and comfy and we were offered snacks! Lawrence was the tour guide that picked us up at the resort at 7:00 am. Lawrence is a knowledgeable local at Hawaii that kept us entertained on our trip to our first stop which happened to be the Double Tree Hilton Hotel to hand in our waivers and to meet up with our designated group.

At our time at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel ( which was no more then 30 minutes ) my husband and I did feel like the people in charge of arranging the vans and groups were a little unorganized with the set up. This is the ONLY negative comment I have to state.

When we arrived at the Zip-lining site. I can honestly say that the group we were in, the staff and the location was amazing ! Greg, Makayla and Andy ( I think that was his name) and every other site employee were so patient, funny and kind hearted! I got stuck two times on the zip-lining because I am really little and Makayla and Greg were super patient and normal about it! Also, they actually ride the zip line before you do and they get to show of their skills. Why does it matter? Because I have gone zip-lining before at a different location and for someone who is a nervous wreck it is more reassuring when a expert visually shows you how something is done as oppose to waiting for you on the other side and getting verbal instructions.

There are 8 zip- lining rides or stops and part of our package had sandwiches and water. The last two zip-lining rides are the longest and most beautiful. Also we were introduced to rambutan fruits which are delicious :D.

Finally, I have been zip-lining before in Mexico, Cancun but it does not compare. Hawaii, offered us not just a great experience but the locals truly gave us a beautiful insight to their culture and their love for the island. Also, Hawaii is so peaceful. We are both Dominican from the Bronx and we both felt like Hawaiians are respectful people who really love what they do !

Note ** I will not elaborate on the Volcano National Park Experience because I plan to write one on their website. However, Kalia, Lawrence and Levy were amazing tour guides with some very funny stories! They all bring something different to the table. I am 24 years old and I get bored easily but...

My family and I went here for our first zip lining experience. Speaking for myself, I don't think I would want to go any where else. Starting with the views, you get to see amazing waterfalls as well as the river that feeds them and let me not forget to mention the plush greenery surrounding the river. Next, being that it was my first time I was pretty nervous, however the staff made my apprehensions disappear. The set up of the lines help you ease into your experience so that when you get to the longest lines you feel like a seasoned vet. The lack apprehensiveness on my end was mostly due to the AMAZING staff. Lucky for us our driver Destiny was one of our guides as well! She's funny and does a great job making your time there a personal experience. As for the other two staff members Joey and Ikaika, they too were equally wonderful. Joey was a plethora of knowledge about the island and Ikaika seemed like a natural which in turn gave me confidence. They took time to learn our names and tid bits about our lives. By the end of our time there I felt a great connection with our guides. I was especially appreciative that they were thorough with safety- checking our harnesses, explaining the safety tips clearly, and making sure that at all times we had a line connected. Which I'm sure is protocol but it seems to me (as a layman) could easily be skipped/forgotten. The staff made for a great time and I cannot thank them enough for making our experience truly special. I know that if you're fortunate enough to get set up with these guides, your time zip lining through paradise will be just as...

This was a fantastic experience with a fantastic staff. My husband and myself zipped along with our 7 and almost 10 year old, both of which are not 70 pounds. The first several lines are what they refer to as "babylines" and if you have zipped before, it is an accurate name. They are fun, but the real excitement is toward the end. These lines are much longer and the views are simply stunning. This is also where the staff became important. Our kids weren't heavy enough to zip alone. I was predicting a fight from 2 very independent boys but because Ona and Callie were so much fun, it didn't seem like a drag. The staff also strikes a great balance of making sure you are 100% safe at all times but not scaring the kids stiff either.

They tell you it is 4 hours. 1 hour of that is total transit from the hotel in a cargo van. Our driver, Brittany, was pleasant and informative as she drove. One word to the wise: if you are prone to motion or car sickness, make sure you get to the van first to sit up front. The ride is extraordinarily rough and found myself very grateful when we reached the paved road off the mountain considering I was in the back seat!

Our checkin process was smooth and the service was great. Very pleasant!

All in all, a great way to spend a day with the family. ...